Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of square pulsed magnetic field exposure on growth kinetics of Dickeya solani

Abstract The effect of square pulsed magnetic signals on the growth of Dickeya solani bacterium was studied. Three different frequency windows in a range up to 50 Hz were selected for exposure to determine the frequencies causing maximum bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. Furthermore, the cellular morphological changes under most inhibitory conditions were studied and bacterial pathogenicity was examined. The obtained data showed the most inhibitory frequency that caused an inhibition by 65% and delayed the cellular growth by more than 8 h is 5 Hz. The morphological studies of exposed bacterium cells showed cellular abnormalities and fragmentations and loss of membrane outer surface charges. The pathogenicity test exposed a significant decrease in the infection reached 68%. In conclusion, the present study developed better disease strategy for controlling the bacterium of D. solani in an efficient and safe manner. Moreover, the applicability of using pulsed electromagnetic signals may have a good role in bacterial inhibition.
Do introduced apex predators suppress introduced mesopredators? A multiscale spatiotemporal study of dingoes and feral cats in Australia suggests not

Abstract The role of apex predators in structuring ecosystems through the suppression of mesopredator activity and abundance is receiving increasing attention, largely due to the potential benefits for biodiversity conservation. In Australia, invasive mesopredators such as feral cats (Felis catus) have been identified as major contributors to Australia's mass mammal extinctions since European arrival. The introduced dingo (Canis familiaris) has been proposed as a novel way to suppress the impacts of feral cats, however, scientific evidence of the dingo's suppressive role is equivocal. We used camera traps to investigate whether a large introduced predator (dingo) suppresses the activity of an established introduced mesopredator (feral cat) across a national park site conserving endangered species, and an agricultural site supporting cattle grazing enterprises. Feral cats and dingoes exhibited marked overlap in both temporal and spatial activity, indicating coexistence. Some temporal separation was evident at the agricultural site, however, this reflected higher diurnal activity by dingoes, not a responsive shift in cat activity. Cat activity times were unrelated to dingo presence and did not differ between areas occupied by dingoes and dingo-free areas. There was no evidence of dingoes excluding cats from patches at either site, nor was there evidence of within-night fine-scale spatiotemporal avoidance of dingoes by cats. Species co-occurrence models revealed dingoes had no negative effect on the probability of cat presence. The probability of detecting a cat on the national park was significantly higher in areas with dingoes than in dingo-free areas, while on agricultural land, cat detectability did not differ between areas with and without dingoes. Cats remained active, abundant and widespread across both sites, with evidence of cats hunting and breeding successfully in areas occupied by dingoes. Synthesis and applications. Our findings indicate that feral cats can coexist with dingoes, without apparent suppression of cat activity, abundance or fitness. Proposals to reintroduce or restore dingoes and other large predators to suppress invasive mesopredators and conserve biodiversity should be carefully evaluated on a site-by-site basis, as their ability to suppress cats and protect species of conservation significance will likely be context dependent.
Research Note: Effect of Light Quality on Fruit Growth, Composition and the Sensory Impact of the Wines

The stage at which grapes are harvested has an influence on the aromatic and phenolic composition of the berries and the resulting wines. The aim of this study was to evaluate wines harvested sequentially as outlined in the berry sugar accumulation model. Two vintages and treatments in which the light quality and quantity were altered at the fruit zone were compared. In 2010/2011, the grapes were harvested at two ripening stages after the sugar loading plateau was reached, namely the “fresh fruit” stage (20-25 days afterwards) and “pre-mature” stage (at approximately 35 days). In the 2011/2012 season, grapes were harvested 45 days after the sugar loading plateau was reached (the “mature fruit” stage). Vegetative aromas were synonymous with the “fresh fruit” stage in 2010/2011, while the 2011/2012 wines from the “mature fruit” harvest date were characterized by raisin, prune and spicy aromas. In both seasons, the control treatments were rated more intense in ‘satin in the mouth’ in and after expectoration. Wines in which the UV-B radiation was excluded during berry growth were rated the highest in the mouthfeel attribute ‘coarseness’ in both treatment seasons. Wines were analyzed chemically for phenolic content using HPLC, and sensorial using descriptive analysis with a trained panel. In the leaf removal treatments, higher acidity content enhanced the perception of astringency in the wine. Wines were analyzed chemically for phenolic content using HPLC and sensorial using descriptive analysis with a trained panel. Overall, the data showed that grape composition was altered by varying light quality, within a season, but seasonal variation overrode treatment effects. Flavonol concentration in 2011/2012 wine was higher in the exposed leaf removal treatment compared to the other treatments. High light intensities in 2011/2012 season increased anthocyanin concentration in the wine. This study emphasizes the importance of the quality and quantity of light on the composition and quality of wines, and presents new findings regarding sensory attributes associated with harvesting at different ripening stages.
Curling of epithelial monolayers reveals coupling between active bending and tissue tension

Significance Epithelial monolayers are sheet-like tissues composed of cells connected to one another that line the surface of all organs. These tissues change shape and bend during developmental morphogenesis or early in tumor formation. Yet, the amplitude of bending forces and how they integrate with tensile and compressive forces within the plane of the tissue remain largely unknown. By revealing the ability of epithelial monolayers to curl, we demonstrate that the polarization of contractile molecular motors within the tissue thickness generates high spontaneous curvature of the sheet. We quantify the corresponding torques and show that stretch and compression within the tissue plane can substantially impact curling. Such mechanical coupling could be at play during epithelial morphogenesis. Epithelial monolayers are two-dimensional cell sheets which compartmentalize the body and organs of multicellular organisms. Their morphogenesis during development or pathology results from patterned endogenous and exogenous forces and their interplay with tissue mechanical properties. In particular, bending of epithelia is thought to result from active torques generated by the polarization of myosin motors along their apicobasal axis. However, the contribution of these out-of-plane forces to morphogenesis remains challenging to evaluate because of the lack of direct mechanical measurement. Here we use epithelial curling to characterize the out-of-plane mechanics of epithelial monolayers. We find that curls of high curvature form spontaneously at the free edge of epithelial monolayers devoid of substrate in vivo and in vitro. Curling originates from an enrichment of myosin in the basal domain that generates an active spontaneous curvature. By measuring the force necessary to flatten curls, we can then estimate the active torques and the bending modulus of the tissue. Finally, we show that the extent of curling is controlled by the interplay between in-plane and out-of-plane stresses in the monolayer. Such mechanical coupling emphasizes a possible role for in-plane stresses in shaping epithelia during morphogenesis.
Protocols for preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in Quarter Horses

ABSTRACT: This study compared two protocols for preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and evaluated the association between manual and automated methods for platelet count using a prospective study design. Eight clinically healthy Quarter Horses had venous blood samples collected at rest. After collection, blood samples were centrifuged twice, using two different protocols including a period of sample resting, either at the start or at the end of the protocol. Platelet counting at the start of the protocol, during, and after obtaining PRP was conducted manually or with an automated counter, followed by comparison of the two methods. In order to investigate platelet degranulation during the protocol, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured at each preparation stage. The protocol with sample resting before centrifugation yielded a more concentrated PRP, and the study verified that both manual and automated methods are comparable and can be used interchangeably for platelet counting. VEGF concentration did not differ significantly between protocols, or among protocol stages. The results indicate that choice of protocol for PRP preparation will affect the quantity of platelets in the final product, although platelet degranulation was not observed as evidenced by the stable VEGF concentrations measured. A larger yield of non-degranulated platelets in PRP is desirable since more α-granules will be present, therefore Protocol II is recommended. Both manual and automated counts reliably allow clinicians to obtain platelet counts and the choice of utilizing a manual or automated method is unlikely to interfere with evaluation of the final PRP product.
Symptomatology of purple blotch disease of onion and exploration of fungicides, phytoextract and bio-agents against causal fungus Alternaria porri

In field, Onion blight / purple botch symptoms development starts from tip of the older leaves as small, whitish, sunken, oval shaped lesions which later On became elliptical or oblong, which brown to purple at the centre and surrounded by a light brown area. Further, the lesions coalesce and spread rapidly on leaf blade and affected leaves show drying from tip downward. The leaves break at the affected area and hang down. Concentric light and dark rings were observed on the infected leaves. In older spots, the conidia were produced abundantly on bunch of conidiophores. Brown lesions with reddish-purple margins resembling bull’s eye were also noticed. Affected leaves and stems turn yellowish white and die. On inoculated plant, blight symptoms were visible within 4 5 days of inoculation as small, water soaked sunken more or less oval shaped spots on leaves whichenlarged, became elliptical to oblong, zonate and turned brown to purple surrounded by yellow halo extending upwards and downwards with light to dark concentric rings. Lesions usually girdle leaves, causing them to fall over or hang down. Within 25 27 days after inoculation the affected plant showed complete drying of leaves. Under natural / field and artificial inoculation, symptoms induced by A. porri, causing blight (purple blotch) were recorded. All the fungicides tested in vitro against the pathogen were found effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth. Propiconazole 25% EC (0.1%) and combi product of iprodione 25% + Carbendazim 25% WP (0.1 and 0.05%) completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A. porri. Among the different plant extract testet against A. porri maximum per cent inhibition of mycelial growth was achieved with 10 per cent Cinnamon extract (72.22%), followed by Soapnut (64.77%) and Jatropha (64.44%). Among the various bio-agents tested, complete inhibition of A. porri was achieved by Trichoderma hargianum and Aspergillus niger, followed by T. viride and pseudomonas flourescens.
Effect of different fungicide seed treatments on the occurrence of gram wilt

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the world’s third most important pulse crop. It belongs to the pea family with short, hairy pods containing usually two seeds. Chickpea is an important high protein crop of “Thal” area in Pakistan having major source of protein in animal feed and human diet especially for low income group, by supplementing their cereal diets. Efficacy of three different fungicides was studied in field laboratory against occurrence of gram wilt. Field study showed that Divind Star 036FS (difenconazole + cyproconazole) @1 ml/ kg of seed was proved to be best by minimum disease occurrence with mean of 7.18% compared with 39.26% in control. Although statistically similar results were obtained of all three fungicide treatments with efficacy order of Divind Star 036FS Teranil 45 DP Dynasty 125 FS. Divind Star 036FS was also proved most effective for better yield followed by Teranil 45 DP (bromothelanil) 5 gm/ kg of seed with mean of 340.67 332.66 grams per m² respectively. Control plot showed minimum yield with mean of 193 grams/ m². Comparative study of percent germination of gram crop in field after seed treatment with three different fungicides showed that Dynasty 125 FS (ezoxystrobin + fludioxonil + mefenoxam) @ 3 ml/ kg of seed was best with maximum mean germination of 78.33% over control with mean germination of 55% only.
Looking for mimicry in a snake assemblage using deep learning

Batesian mimicry, with its highly colorful species and astonishing mimic-model resemblance, is a canonical example of evolution by natural selection. However, Batesian mimicry could also occur in inconspicuous species and rely on subtle resemblance. Although potentially widespread, such instances have been rarely investigated, such that the real frequency of Batesian mimicry has remained largely unknown. To fill this gap, we developed a new approach using deep learning to quantify the resemblance between putative mimics and models from photographs. We applied this method to quantify the frequency of Batesian mimicry in Western Palearctic snakes. Potential mimics were revealed by an excess of resemblance with sympatric venomous snakes compared to random expectations. We found that 8% of the non-venomous species were potential mimics, among which all were imperfect mimics. This study is the first to quantify the frequency of Batesian mimicry in a whole community of vertebrates, and shows that even concealed species can be reliably identified as potential models. Our approach should prove useful to detect mimicry in other communities, and more generally it highlights the benefits of deep learning for quantitative studies of phenotypic resemblance.
Parkinson’s disease phenotypes in patient specific brain organoids are improved by HP-β-CD treatment

The etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is only partially understood despite the fact that environmental causes, risk factors, and specific gene mutations are contributors to the disease. Biallelic mutations in the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) gene involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, vesicle trafficking, and autophagy, are sufficient to cause PD. By comparing PD patient-derived cells, we show differences in their energetic profile, imbalanced proliferation, apoptosis, mitophagy, and a reduced differentiation efficiency to dopaminergic neurons compared to control cells. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, correction of a patient’s point mutation ameliorated the metabolic properties and neuronal firing rates but without reversing the differentiation phenotype. However, treatment with 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) increased the mitophagy capacity of neurons leading to an improved dopaminergic differentiation of patient specific neurons in midbrain organoids. In conclusion, we show that treatment with a repurposed compound is sufficient for restoring dopaminergic differentiation of PD patient-derived cells.
Young children’s drawings of plant world: a cohort study analysing pictorial content

ABSTRACT This study examines the drawings that 178 young children carried out on two different occasions separated by a period of one year to explain their understanding of the plant world. The pictorial content of the drawings was analysed in accordance to the categories that previous research has proved to be useful when it comes to gaining an insight into the examination of the depictions regarding flora in early childhood. The study provides evidence with respect to the changes in the pictorial content occurring in the whole of the sample as well as the four age groups or cohorts involved in the research project. The conclusions are discussed in the light of the evidence that preceding studies offer on the issue of graphical expression about botanical topics in early childhood and lend weight to the importance that early educational interventions have so as to improve young children’s understanding of plan life.
Soluble solids monitored in the clusters in minitomato hybrids from dwarf lines

On minitomatoes, the soluble solids content (SSC) is a fundamental characteristic for commercialization. Therefore, is essential to evaluate the genetic diversity among the genotypes, looking their SSC and also the SSC variation, related to the position of the cluster, mainly due to the new technologies – tomato hybrids obtained from dwarf lines. In this sense, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the genetic variability and the influence of the cluster’s position on the SSC, in minitomato genotypes that were obtained from dwarf lines. The experiment were conducted on a greenhouse and set up in a completely randomized design, with subdivided portion of 13 hybrids x 5 cluster’s position and four replications. The SSC of the fruits were evaluated according with their position of the clusters, being the values expressed in 0Brix. The genetic diversity was obtained by multivariate analyzes, using the generalized distance of Mahalanobis, utilizing different grouping methods (UPGMA and Tocher). The hybrids performance for SSC was checked by the Scott-Knott test (p=0.005). The cluster’s position influenced on the SSC of the minitomatoes fruits and the first cluster of all hybrids that were evaluated, presented the highest SSC. Besides that, the highest 0Brix variability among the genotypes occurred when the fruits were harvested on the fifth and first cluster. Most hybrids originated from dwarf lines did not presented a reduce on 0Brix values during the harvests.
Diversity Patterns of Different Life Forms of Plants along an Elevational Gradient in Crete, Greece

Elevational gradients provide a unique opportunity to explore species responses to changing environmental conditions. Here, we focus on an elevational gradient in Crete, a climate-vulnerable Mediterranean plant biodiversity hotspot and explore the diversity patterns and underlying mechanisms of different plant life forms. We found that the significant differences in life forms’ elevational and environmental ranges are reflected in α- diversity (species richness at local scale), γ-diversity (species richness at regional scale) and β-diversity (variation in species composition). The α- and γ-diversity decreased with elevation, while β-diversity followed a hump-shaped relationship, with the peak varying between life forms. However, β-deviation (deviation from null expectations) varied significantly with elevation but was life formindependent. This suggests that species composition is shaped by the size of the available species pool which depends on life form, but also by other deterministic or stochastic processes that act in a similar way for different life forms. The strength of these processes varies with elevation, with hotter–drier conditions and increased human activities filtering species composition at lowlands and large-scale processes determining the species pool size overriding local ecological processes at higher elevations.
Amplitude effects allow short jetlags and large seasonal phase shifts in minimal clock models

Mathematical models of varying complexity have helped shed light on different aspects of circadian clock function. In this work, we question whether minimal clock models (Goodwin models) are sufficient to reproduce essential phenotypes of the clock: a small phase response curve (PRC), fast jetlag and seasonal phase shifts. Instead of building a single best model, we take an approach where we study the properties of a set of models satisfying certain constraints; here a PRC to a one-hour pulse of three hours and clock periods between 22h and 26h. Surprisingly, almost all these randomly parameterized models showed a phase shift of about four hours between long and short days and jetlag durations of three to seven days in advance and delay. Moreover, intrinsic clock period influenced jetlag duration and entrainment amplitude and phase. Fast jetlag was realized in this model by means of a novel amplitude effect: the association between clock amplitude and clock period termed ‘twist’. This twist allows amplitude changes to speed up and slow down clocks enabling faster shifts. These findings were robust to the addition of additional positive feedback to the model. In summary, the known design principles of rhythm generation – negative feedback, long delay and switch-like inhibition (we review these in detail) – are sufficient to reproduce the essential clock phenotypes. Furthermore, amplitudes play a role in determining clock properties and must be always considered, although they are difficult to measure.
Feeding status influences adult vine weevil (coleoptera: curculionidae) behaviour to conspecific volatiles

Vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is widely considered to be one of the most economically important pests of soft-fruit and ornamental crops. The chemical ecology of vine weevil has been extensively studied in the pursuit of a semiochemical lure to improve monitoring tool sensitivity/reliability and develop novel control methods. Although vine weevil adults exhibit a strong tendency to aggregate, the mechanism underlying this behaviour has not, to date, been identified. It is notable, however, that previous studies have not considered the impact of feeding status on vine weevil aggregation behaviour. To investigate the importance of feeding status on aggregation behavior, this study recorded the responses of satiated and starved vine weevil adults to the odour of starved conspecifics. Satiated adults exhibited a preference for the odour of conspecifics while starved vine weevils exhibited no such preference. Therefore, this study provides evidence to support the hypothesis that feeding status is an important factor for vine weevil aggregation.