Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Introduction of a fungal NADP(H)-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (gdhA) improves growth, grain weight and salt resistance by enhancing the nitrogen uptake efficiency in forage rice

Abstract We report the effect of the introduction of a fungal glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdhA) into forage rice (cv. Momiroman) by analyzing the transgenic rice plants in terms of growth, source function, and nitrogen contents. NADP (H)-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase activities in the gdhA-transgenic lines were markedly higher than those in non-transgenic control plants. Plant growth analysis at the seedling stage revealed that the leaf area and shoot and root dry weights of the high gdhA-expressors were higher than those of control plants under both high (high N) and low nitrogen (low N) conditions. These results suggested that the source ability was enhanced by the gdhA introduction. This was supported by the fact that the net photosynthesis rate at the heading stage was also higher in transgenic than in control leaves. Furthermore, under both high and low N conditions, the nitrogen contents in the shoots and roots, at seedling and grain-harvest stages, were significantly higher in high gdhA-expressors than in control plants, indicating that nitrogen uptake was higher in transgenic than in control plants. At the harvest stage, the high gdhA-expressors exhibited greater panicle and spikelet numbers per plant compared with control plants, resulting in higher grain weight, under the high N conditions. In addition, gdhA expression in forage rice significantly enhanced their tolerance to salt stress compared to control plants. The present study showed that the introduction of a fungal gdhA into forage rice could lead to higher source ability, better growth and higher grain weight by enhancing nitrogen uptake efficiency.
Changes in Tendon Elongation and Muscle Atrophy Over Time After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study on the Effects of Early Functional Mobilization

Background: Early functional mobilization (EFM) may improve patient outcome after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). However, whether EFM affects patient outcome via changes in tendon elongation, thickening, or calf muscle atrophy is unknown. Purpose: To analyze differences in tendon and muscle morphology recovery over time between groups treated with EFM or standard treatment after ATR repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 86 patients (20 women) with ATR repair who had a mean (SD) age of 39.3 (8.2) years and were part of a larger prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients were postoperatively randomized to immediate postoperative weightbearing and ankle motion (EFM group) or to immobilization in a below-knee plaster cast for 2 weeks (control group). Patient-reported and functional outcomes were assessed at 6 and 12 months with the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score and the heel-rise test for endurance. At 2 and 6 weeks and 6 and 12 months postoperatively, B-mode ultrasound imaging was performed to assess the length and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Achilles tendon, the gastrocnemius CSA, as well as the thickness of soleus. Results: The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score for the EFM and control groups were 65.8 (18.7) and 56.8 (20.1; P = .045), respectively, at 6 months and 79.6 (15.8) and 78.9 (17.2; P = .87), respectively, at 12 months. At 2 weeks, tendon elongation was significantly more pronounced in the EFM group as compared with the control group (mean side-to-side difference, 1.88 cm vs 0.71 cm; P = .005). Subsequently, tendon elongation increased in the control group while it decreased in the EFM group so that at 6 and 12 months no significant differences between groups were found. Mean Achilles tendon elongation at 1 year was 1.73 (1.07) cm for the EFM group (n = 55) and 1.67 (0.92) cm for the control group (n = 27), with a mean difference of 0.06 cm (95% CI, 0.54 to –0.42; P = .80). Achilles tendon CSA and calf muscle atrophy displayed no significant differences between the groups; however, significant changes were demonstrated over time (P ≤ .001) in both groups. Conclusion: EFM results in more Achilles tendon elongation at early healing, but this difference subsides over time. EFM does not seem to affect patient outcome via changes in tendon elongation, thickening, or calf muscle atrophy. Registration: NCT02318472 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
YAP signaling induces PIEZO1 to promote oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation

Most cancer cells are exposed to altered extracellular environments, such as an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and soluble signals consisting of growth factors and cytokines. It is therefore conceivable that changes in tumor extracellular environments affect tumor cell behavior. The Hippo pathway reportedly responds to the extracellular environment and regulates the nuclear localization of the transcription co‐activator, yes‐associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ). Inactivation of the Hippo pathway with nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ stimulates cell proliferation. Its pathway also regulates gene expression, but the precise molecule(s) meditating the cell‐proliferating effect of YAP signaling on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unclear. First, we examined the effects of YAP signaling on OSCC tumorigenesis. Loss‐of‐function experiments using siRNA or an inhibitor, and immunohistochemical analyses of tissue specimens obtained from OSCC patients demonstrated that YAP signaling was involved in OSCC cell proliferation. Second, we identified Piezo‐type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1), a Ca2+ channel, as a transcriptional target of YAP signaling and showed that elevated PIEZO1 was required for PIEZO1 agonist‐dependent Ca2+ entry and cell proliferation in OSCC cells. Experiments using three‐dimensional and suspension culture revealed that PIEZO1 was involved in OSCC cellular growth. Finally, YAP overexpression in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm was immunohistochemically detected in tumor lesions with frequent expression of both PIEZO1 and Ki‐67, but not in non‐tumor regions of OSCC specimens. These results suggest that the YAP/PIEZO1 axis promotes OSCC cell growth. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traditional Use of Banisteriopsis caapi Alone and Its Application in a Context of Drug Addiction Therapy

ABSTRACT Takiwasi is a therapeutic community for the treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) that combines traditional Amazonian medicine (TAM) with modern psychotherapy. One of the plant medicines from TAM used in this protocol is purgahuasca. It is a decoction of the vine Banisteriopsis caapi alone, whose use is traditional among the Awajún and other ethnic groups in Peru. The research began with a field trip to Awajún territory to explore the indigenous use of purgahuasca as an initiation rite. Then, analysis of its application was conducted in the clinical context of Takiwasi. Open-ended and semi-structured interviews with Awajún informants and Takiwasi’s therapeutic staff were performed and analyzed following the narrative methodological approach. Further clinical data on the ingestion of purgahuasca by Takiwasi’s SUD patients were obtained from the internal repository. These indicate that 359 (92.1%) patients reported having had the so-called mareación (dizziness), 299 (76.7%) experienced physical sensations, and 208 (53.3%) had visions. These effects can be related to the psychoactivity of β-Carbolines alkaloids from B. caapi, a medicinal plant that seems to have potential benefits also for SUD, especially giving a key contribution to the patients’ therapeutic process of becoming aware of the personal reasons behind addictive behaviors.
The Ecology of the Silveriaw Minnow, Ericymba buccata Cope

A study of the ecology of the silverjaw minnow, Eri- cymba buccata Cope, in Otter Creek, Vigo Co., Indiana, was based on random samples taken over a period of 1 year. This method enabled analysis of temporal and spatial changes in the occurrence of this species with respect to the environmental factors measured. Comparisons be- tween the ecology of Ericymba buccata and Pimephales notatus (Rafi- nesque) were drawn. Ericymba was the most abundant species in this relatively small, soft-bottomed stream. It usually occurred in non- wooded areas, over sand or sand-and-fine-gravel bottoms, in situations between 6 inches and 2.5 ft deep, and 16 to 40 ft wide with current speeds less than 1.5 fps. Certain aspects of its physiology and behavior are adaptive to these conditions. Although commonly associated with Pimephales notatus, the next most abundant species, the occurrence of the silverjaw minnow was less narrowly defined with regard to depth and flow. Pimephales occurred at significantly higher densities in "slow flow-deep" areas than in "moderate flow-shallow" areas. In contrast, the silverjaw minnow occurred at essentially the same densities in both of these situations and at much higher densities than the bluntnose minnow in the "moderate flow-shallow" areas. Although Erycimba has a high tolerance to turbidity and mine wastes, its numbers are reduced where turbidity and mine wastes have deposited silt layers over otherwise habitable stream bottoms. This species apparently moves into somewhat deeper water in the winter and remains there during early spring. Based on densities of occurrence it appears that young-of-the-year tend to move downstream in the autumn and remain there as yearlings until sometime the following, autumn when they move upstream.
Relationships Among Early Lactation Milk Fat Depression, Cattle Productivity and Fatty Acid Composition on Intensive Dairy Farms in Northern Italy

An observational study was conducted on three northern Italy Holstein dairy herds to evaluate the impact of milk fat depression (MFD, defined as milk fat lower than 3.2) on milk production and fatty acids (FA) composition in order to investigate the practical consequences and the possible origin of this phenomenon. The diet composition and the individual milk production and composition, were monitored during the first six months of lactation. Two virtual groups were created in each farm on the basis of the milk fat levels observed during the first two months of lactation (higher or lower than 3.2). Individual milk samples were taken from 16 animals/group/farm for composition and fatty acid analysis. The diet of Farm A, characterized by the highest average prevalence of MFD (33.1%), showed the highest acidogenic attitude (high NFC, low NDF, low peNDF8). The milk fat level differed significantly per group over time in all farms. Cattle with MFD showed tendentially lower energy corrected milk output and greater concentrations of C12:0÷C15:0, C18:1trans 10, total polyunsaturated, total odd chain (OCFA), total n-6 as well as OCFA/branched chain fatty acids, and C18:1trans 10/C18:1trans 11 ratios. Farm A milk fat showed higher values of C12:0, C13:0, C14:0 and C15:0. It appears that MFD cattle are characterized by lower mammary energy output and a milk FA profile similar to cattle fed acidogenic diets, thus suggesting an alteration in the rumen fermentation patterns, as occurs in acidotic cattle.
Genetic analysis of egg quality in selected and control lines of Japanese quails

Body weight, egg production and egg quality traits of two selected strains (PQ1 and PQ2) and a control line (PQ3) of Japanese quails, comprising a total of 750 females which were the progeny of 114 sires, were recorded upto 16 weeks of age. Selected strains were significantly heavier than control line at 16 weeks of age. The selected strains, as compared to the unselected control line, had more egg weight, yolk weight, albumen weight and lower egg production. The heritability estimates, pooled over the three lines, were high for body weight, egg weight, albumen weight and egg number (0.51±0.13 to 0.87±0.16), moderate for yolk weight, specific gravity, albumen height, Haugh Unit Score (0.26±0.1 0 to 0.43±0.12) and low for % yolk albumen and shell weight (0.11±0.09 to 0.20±0.11). Body weight at 4 and 16 weeks of age had low positive genetic and phenotypic correlations with egg weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height and shell weight and specific gravity. The correlations between egg number and egg weight and its components were very low and negative. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between egg weight and its components were positive and high.
Genetic and environmental dispersion parameter estimation by test interval method in dairy sheep

Genetic and environmental parameters for 38 983 test-day records of daily milk yield (DMY), fat (FC) and protein (PC) content, collected between 1994 and 2002, were estimated on 3,068 dairy ewes of the three Slovenian breeds. A multivariate restricted maximum likelihood method was used for estimation, where every test-day record was treated as a different trait. Fixed part of the multitrait animal model for DMY, FC, and PC included breed and lambing season as classes, while stage of lactation, parity, and litter size were covariates. Random part of the model contained additive genetic effect and the effects of flock test month and permanent environment over lactations. Heritability estimates for individual test-days were between 0.10 and 0.23 for DMY, 0.09 and 0.18 for FC, and 0.19 and 0.28 for PC. The flock test month effect explained most of the phenotypic variance: 0.18 to 0.41 for DMY, 0.26 to 0.45 for FC, and 0.24 to 0.44 for PC. A lower variance ratio was explained by the permanent environment effect over lactations: 0.09 to 0.15 for DMY, 0.02 to 0.11 for FC, and 0.02 to 0.09 for PC. Additive genetic correlations between individual test-days were high in all three milk traits for adjacent months of lactation. They decreased when the interval between months of lactation increased. The structure of additive genetic correlations showed that the observed milk traits in the different stages of lactation were genetically not the same trait, since the correlations between distant months of lactation were lower than one.
RECORDS OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM

A new genus of wolf spider (family Lycosidae Sundevall, 1833), Costacosa gen. nov. is described from north-west Western Australia to include C. torbjorni sp. nov. (type species) and C. dondalei sp. nov. The genus belongs to the subfamily Lycosinae Sundevall, 1833 and differs from all other Australian genera in this subfamily with similar somatic morphology, in particular Venator Hogg, 1900 and Knoelle Framenau, 2006, mainly in genitalic characters. The tegular apophysis of the male pedipalp has a pronounced ventral spur, a distinct ventral edge of species-specific shape and serrations along its apical edge. The female epigyne has an elongated triangular atrium and the medium septum is longer than the posterior transverse part. Costacosa are medium-sized wolf spiders of overall brown colouration and with broad light median and sublateral bands on the carapace and a black patch in the frontal two-thirds of the venter. Costacosa torbjorni is the most commonly recorded wolf spider on Barrow Island, from where currently seven species of Lycosidae are known.
Corporate Finance of Industry in a Developing Economy: Panel Evidence from Imperial Russia

This paper explores corporate finance during the early stages of industrialization using newly constructed panel data from Imperial Russian industrial corporate balance sheets. We argue the Imperial Russian financial system enabled early industrial development, despite several frictions. We document variation in financial strategies and outcomes across industries, accounting years, firm life cycles, and corporation types, as well as empirical relationships reflecting this developing country’s institutional environment. For example, asset tangibility was associated with lower debt levels, suggesting that Russian corporate debt was short-term, collateral was irrelevant, or agency problems dominated. Finally, dividends may have compensated investors for poor legal protections.
Photoperiodic entrainment of seasonal changes in the appetite, feeding behaviour, growth rate and pelage of pony colts

Relationships among photoperiod and changes in voluntary food intake, feeding behaviour, growth and pelage were determined in seven, 2-year-old pony colts (182·4 (s.e. 5·4) kg). Individually housed colts were provided with ad libitum access to a complete pelleted diet (gross energy = 16·7 MJ/kg dry matter). Voluntary food intake (VFI, kg/ day) was calculated daily and body weights were recorded weekly throughout the 36-week study. Feeding behaviour was evaluated at approximately 4-week intervals by continuous observation (24 h), and the hair weight density (HWD, mg/cm 2 ) of shoulder pelage was determined fortnightly. Day length was artificially manipulated to mimic the prevailing mid-summer photoperiod (16 h light: 8 h dark, 16L: 8D). After 1 week of the study (and the preceding fortnight), day length was abruptly decreased and thereafter animals were exposed to alternating 14-week periods of short (SD, 8L: 16D) and long days (LD, 16L: 8D). The mean daily VFI of individual ponies was calculated weekly and normalized for digestible energy (DE) content and metabolic body weight (DEI, MJ/kg M 0·75 ). The average daily gain (ADG, kg/day) in body weight of each individual was calculated weekly. The apparent digestibility of dietary energy (digestibility) was determined over 72 h (no. = 6) on two occasions (days 92 to 95 and 190 to 193) during the study. Digestibility was similar in both periods (0·48, s.e. 0·01). DEI, ADG and HWD changed in a cyclic manner throughout the study. The period of the appetite cycle (24·4 (s.e. 1·3) weeks) did not differ from that of the 28-week photoperiodic regime. DEI decreased from a maximum of 1·4 (s.e. 0·03) MJ/kg M 0.75 per day (day 21), to a nadir of 0·75 (s.e. 0·02) MJ/kg M 0.75 per day (day 154, P P 0.75 per day) before the end of the study. Ponies ate discrete meals of similar duration, but meal frequency was associated with changes in VFI ( r = 0·77) as was proportion of time spent feeding ( r = 0·79). Changes in ADG reflected those of DEI. Body weight was stable for 4 weeks at the nadir of the appetite cycle. Maximal HWD was coincident with the nadir of the appetite and growth cycles. Regression of individual values for DEI on ADG described a linear relationship ( R 2 = 0·80) which could be used to predict the energy requirements of growing ponies maintained under similar conditions: DEI total (MJ/kg M 0·75 per day) = 0·654ADG (kg/day) + 0·789 (1). The duration of the photoperiod, appetite, growth and pelage cycles were similar, suggesting a causal relationship. Physiological responses to photoperiodic change were not immediate and exhibited a delay of 5 to 8 weeks.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Turkey: Empirical Evidence from ARDL Approach

Since the 1980s, there has been constant growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and in the previous 20 years, FDI has moved from advanced nations to developing economies. As they bring more growth prospects. Hence, this study looked critically in some selected factors that determine FDI in Turkey utilizing yearly data stretching 44 years (1974-2018). The objectives set for this study are; to ascertain influence of trade openness on FDI, to explore the interaction between FDI and economic growth in Turkey, and to verify if increase in Gross Capital Formation (GCF) will trigger FDI. ADF and PP, which are the conventional unit roots test and Zivot-Andrew unit root test, were utilized and the outcome reflects variables are stationary at mixed level. Thus, paving way for the estimation of the ARDL Bound test. Results from this test signify that variables are cointegrated in the long-run. Furthermore, the ARDL long run estimate depict increase in trade openness, and growth will triggers FDI in the long, though increase in gross capital formation will not trigger increase in FDI. The ARDL short-run estimate shows increase in GCF will trigger FDI. Recommendations were drafted based on these research findings.
Effect of Traditional Market Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Production and Nutritional Quality of Setaria Splendida Stapf Defoliation

The amount of organic waste from traditional markets is high in number and has the potential to pollute the environment. The waste is generally made into compost, but through simple technology liquid organic fertilizer can be made that can be applied to feed plants. Setaria splendida Stapf grass is one of the superior feed plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of forage Setaria splendida Stapf which is fertilized with liquid organic fertilizer from traditional market waste at various harvest ages. The treatment is in the form of 3 (three) doses of liquid organic fertilizer mixed with water namely 1: 1, 1: 2 and 1: 3 (liquid organic fertilizer: water) and the harvest age is 35, 40 and 45 days. Repeat 3 times. The plot size is 1 x 2 square meters. The study design was a Complete Random Design. The variables studied were the production of fresh forages, dry matter content, crude protein content, crude fat content and crude fiber content. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, if there is an effect followed by a regression test. The results showed that the harvest age was getting older, more fresh forage production and the nutritional quality of Setaria splendida Stapf decreased while the dose of liquid organic fertilizer was more concentrated, fresh forage production and the quality was getting better. Most fresh forage production is obtained at 45 days of harvest and 1: 1 dilution rate, while the best forage quality is obtained at a younger age (35 days) with a dose of liquid organic fertilizer at a ratio of 1: 1.
Protection of Wheat Seed with Diatomaceous Earth

Laboratory tests were made to determine the relative effectiveness of dosages of diatomaceous earth proportional to 4, 6, and 8 1bs. per ton of grain in preventing or controlling insect infestations in wheat seed. Effectiveness of treatments was tested against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.); the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.); the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.); the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal; the saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus, surinamensis (L.); and the flat grain beetle, Cryptolestes pusillus (Schonherr). Tests were made under constant conditions of 80° ± 1° F. and 60% ± 5% relative humidity. Untreated control samples of wheat were completely riddled by the end of 6 months after initial exposure to insects. Results show that 4 Ibs. of diatomaceous earth per ton or grain would prevent infestations for 6 months, and 6 1bs. per ton would last 9 months. The 8-lbs. -per ton treatment was still effective when the experiment was terminated 12 months after initial exposure to insects. The results indicate that diatomaceous earth offers promise as a means of protecting seeds against insects, and it was concluded that more extensive trials should be undertaken with this material.
A general expression for wave-induced sediment bypassing of an isolated headland

1 At the time of initial submission to EarthArXiv Preprints (20th July 2020), this manuscript had been submitted to COASTAL ENGINEERING and was undergoing peer review. Subsequent versions may have different content depending on the outcome of the review process. If accepted, the final version of the manuscript will be available via the ‘Peer-reviewed Publication DOI’ on the right-hand side of this webpage. Please free to contact the corresponding author with any feedback: