Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crop Rotation Compared with Continuous Rye Cropping for Weed Biodiversity and Rye Yield. A Case Study of a Long-Term Experiment in Poland

In recent years, sustainable agriculture has revitalized interest in crop rotations and their effects on crop performance and agroecosystem biodiversity, including weeds. This article used winter rye as an example and focused on the crop rotation (CR) impact on species, taxonomic and functional diversity of weed communities and analysed the contribution of crop rotation to protecting yield and regulating weed abundance. Long-term continuous rye cropping (CC) provided a background for comparison. Two variants of plant protection were also adopted: herbicide application (H+) and no plant protection (H−). The data from the 10th, 30th and 50th years of the experiment were included in the analysis. Diversified crop rotation with no chemical protection resulted in a satisfactory rye yield and reduced weed abundance—especially problem species—without a decrease in weed species diversity or functional diversity. When rye was grown under crop rotation, the herbicide application had no effect on yield protection, but it was harmful to weed biodiversity. The rye yield correlated negatively with weed biomass, but did not show a link with weed biodiversity. Continuation of long-term experiments as a research basis for contemporary and future scientific challenges is necessary.
Resiembra natural de plántulas de Plantago lanceolata cv. ‘Ceres Tonic’ en una pradera establecida

Article history: Received 28.06. 2016 Accepted 17.10. 2016 The natural reseeding of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) in a sward mix containing plantain, chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) was monitored under conventional dairy grazing management between January and September 2015 in Manawatu, New Zealand. Measurements included numbers of seedlings emerging, and survival of tagged seedlings and their contribution to sward population densities. Seedling numbers ranged between 17-368 seedlings per m2 and varied (P < 0.05) between paddocks and gradients (>15° slope versus flat). The time of seedling emergence had no effect (P > 0.05) on seedling survival; however seedling survival varied considerably (P < 0.05) between the paddocks (26% versus 76%), with higher survival following mechanical topping prior to the start of the study. Overall, at the end of the study, plantain seedlings contributed 14% of the total plantain shoots in the sward and plantain shoot density either increased or remained stable during the study period. The current study suggests that natural reseeding of plantain is significant under conventional grazing management and could be used as a management tool to maintain or increase plantain shoot density.
Ocean acidification during prefertilization chemical communication affects sperm success

Abstract Ocean acidification (OA) poses a major threat to marine organisms, particularly during reproduction when externally shed gametes are vulnerable to changes in seawater pH. Accordingly, several studies on OA have focused on how changes in seawater pH influence sperm behavior and/or rates of in vitro fertilization. By contrast, few studies have examined how pH influences prefertilization gamete interactions, which are crucial during natural spawning events in most externally fertilizing taxa. One mechanism of gamete interaction that forms an important component of fertilization in most taxa is communication between sperm and egg‐derived chemicals. These chemical signals, along with the physiological responses in sperm they elicit, are likely to be highly sensitive to changes in seawater chemistry. In this study, we experimentally tested this possibility using the blue mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, a species in which females have been shown to use egg‐derived chemicals to promote the success of sperm from genetically compatible males. We conducted trials in which sperm were allowed to swim in gradients of egg‐derived chemicals under different seawater CO2 (and therefore pH) treatments. We found that sperm had elevated fertilization rates after swimming in the presence of egg‐derived chemicals in low pH (pH 7.6) compared with ambient (pH 8.0) seawater. This observed effect could have important implications for the reproductive fitness of external fertilizers, where gamete compatibility plays a critical role in modulating reproduction in many species. For example, elevated sperm fertilization rates might disrupt the eggs' capacity to avoid fertilizations by genetically incompatible sperm. Our findings highlight the need to understand how OA affects the multiple stages of sperm‐egg interactions and to develop approaches that disentangle the implications of OA for female, male, and population fitness.
Clinical Validation of two Surface Imaging Systems for Patient Positioning in Percutaneous Radiotherapy

Precise patient positioning and thus precise positioning of the planning target volume (PTV) is a prerequisite for effective treatment in percutaneous radiation therapy. Conventional imaging modalities used to ensure exact positioning for treatment typically involve additional radiation exposure of the patient. A different approach to patient alignment without additional exposure is provided by optical 3D surface scanning and registration systems. We investigated two systems Catalyst and AlignRT, which allowed us to generate and validate surface images of 50 patients undergoing irradiation on a Tomotherapy system. We compared the positions proposed by these two surface imaging systems (SIS) with the actual adjustments in patient positions made on the basis of MVCT scans. With the two SIS, the surface of every single patient was repeatedly recorded throughout treatment. In addition, we performed a systematic analysis of both systems using a body phantom. At least 10 surface images were available from each patient included in the analysis. The large number of patients allowed us to subdivide the study population into three groups by body region treated: head & neck, chest, and pelvic. The results for each of these three body regions were separately analyzed. Thus, the focus of our investigation is on body regions registered with the two systems rather than tumor entities. For AlignRT, for instance, we found an improvement in positioning for the Pelvic region of 0.9mm in 75% and 6.4mm in 95% of the collected data in comparison to conventional marker alignment. The two systems were most accurate in the head & neck region, where conventional mask alignment is already sufficiently accurate. The other two body regions, pelvic and chest, might benefit from positioning by SIS. But for both systems there is still a need for improvement to reduce statistical variation.
Characterisation Of Bean Root Rot Pathogens From Soils In Western Kenya And Their Management With Biochar And Vermicompost

The root rot disease complex has continued to be a major constraint in the production of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) resulting in losses of up to 70% in Kenya. The aim of this study was to establish (i) the occurrence and quantification of root rot fungal pathogens of common bean in Western Kenya and (ii) the effect of farming practices on the populations of the pathogens. A survey was conducted in Western Kenya’s LM1, LM2, UM1 and UM3 AEZ’s to obtain data on different farming practices and soil characteristics. Pathogens were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Soil pH ranged from 4.59 to 6.01, Percent carbon and nitrogen ranged from 9.8 g/Kg to 19 g/Kg and 0.8 g/Kg to 1.5 g/Kg. All farms were infected with root rot fungi, including Fusarium solani, Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Fusarium spp. was the most abundant with the highest populations of 62 X 10 cfu/g soil recorded in lower midland zone 2. Isolation frequency of Fusarium spp. , Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp. was high in upper midland zone 1. Quantification of genomic DNA from soil by qPCR was highest for Rhizoctonia solani (2.23 pg μL). Sand had a positive correlation with Pythium ultimum DNA and Rhizoctonia solani DNA while clay had a negative correlation with Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani DNA. In conclusion, soil properties, management practices and elevation affected root rot pathogen populations and should be considered when developing management strategies.
THE REACTION MECHANISM OF β1C-GLOBULIN (C'3) IN IMMUNE HEMOLYSIS

During immune hemolysis by human complement, C'3 (β1C-globulin) becomes physically attached to the erythrocyte membrane. Binding of C'3 was found to be mediated by cell-bound, activated C'2 and to have the characteristics of an enzymatic reaction. A single C'4,2a site on the cell surface effected the binding of several hundred molecules of C'3 if the latter was provided in excess. The accumulation of hemolytically inactive, physicochemically altered C'3 in the fluid phase was found to be an inherent feature of the process of C'3 binding. It is postulated that C'4,2a activates C'3 for its subsequent reaction with cell membrane receptors. Antierythrocyte antibody did not play an essential role in C'3 uptake; C'3 could be bound to erythrocyte-C'4,2a complexes which were entirely devoid of antibody. Cell-bound C'3 proved hemolytically active, the degree of hemolysis being proportional to the number of C'3 molecules per cell. Binding of a large number of C'3 molecules per cell was found to be a prerequisite for the production of the immune adherence phenomenon and for immune hemolysis.
The complete mitochondrial genome of an Atlantic Ocean Shortfin Mako Shark, Isurus oxyrinchus

Abstract We report the first complete mitochondrial genome of a shortfin mako shark from the Atlantic Ocean. The genome had 16,700 base pairs and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a non-coding D-loop. There were 81 individual differences compared to the published mitochondrial genome of a shortfin mako from the Pacific Ocean, with most variability found in protein coding genes, especially ND5, ND3, and ND1. These highly variable genes may be useful population markers in future studies, and availability of a second mitogenome will assist with future, genome-scale studies of this IUCN Endangered species.
Worker demography and behavior in a supercolonial ant colony: The case of the desert ant
 Cataglyphis niger

Sociality in insects is assumed to have evolved via kin selection (in‐ clusive fitness theory) with the basic social structure comprising a single reproductive, the queen (monogyny), which is singly insem‐ inated (monoandry) (Boomsma, 2009; Hamilton, 1964; Hölldobler & Wilson, 1990; Hughes, Inouye, Johnson, Underwood, & Vellend, 2008). However, during the course of evolution more derived states have evolved, in which the colony may be composed of multiple queens (polygyny) that may also be multiply inseminated (polyandry), seemingly violating inclusive fitness theory. Polygyny poses two problems: from the queens' perspective, queens are predicted to compete for monopoly in reproduction; while from the workers' perspective, workers are predicted to favor their own matriline in rearing gynes (young unmated queens; Keller, 1993). Effectively, polygyny in ant colonies can vary from queens that equally share reproduction (true polygyny) to functional monog‐ yny (i.e., only one queen reproduces while all other queens be‐ have like workers); and from complete openness, accepting all incoming queens, to a limited acceptance of only related queens (Hölldobler & Wilson, 1977). Inclusive fitness theory also assumes favorable discrimination of closely related individuals (e.g., nepo‐ tism), unless between‐matriline competition hampers total colony reproductive output (Hammond & Keller, 2004). Although nest‐ mate recognition is common in ants (Hefetz, 2007; Hölldobler & Wilson, 1990) within‐colony kin discrimination occurs only in rare Received: 13 June 2019 | Revised: 4 September 2019 | Accepted: 5 September 2019 DOI: 10.1111/eth.12960
Rebound effect of drugs: fatal risk of conventional treatment and pharmacological basis of homeopathic treatment

The homeopathic model applies the secondary action or vital reaction of the organism as a therapeutic method and thus prescribes treatment by similitude, which consists in administering to ill individuals substances that cause similar symptoms in healthy individuals. The vital, homeostatic or paradoxical reaction of the organism might be explained scientifically by means of the rebound effect of modern drugs, which might cause fatal iatrogenic events after discontinuation of antipathic (a term used in alternative medicine for palliative treatment, also known as enantiopathic) treatment. Although the rebound effect is studied by modern pharmacology, it is poorly communicated to and discussed among healthcare professionals, who are thus deprived of information needed for the safe management of modern drugs. This article presents an up-to-date review on the rebound effect of modern drugs that grounds the homeopathic principle of healing and calls the attention of doctors to this type of adverse effect that is usually unnoticed. The rebound effect of modern palliative drugs, which was pointed out by Hahnemann more than two centuries ago, might cause fatal adverse events and is illustrated by the examples of acetylsalicylic acid, anti-inflammatory agents, bronchodilators, antidepressants, statins, proton-pump inhibitors, etc. Although the rebound effect is expressed by a small fraction of (susceptible) individuals and might be avoided by gradual tapering of antipathic drugs, it exhibits epidemiologic importance as a function of the massive use of such palliative drugs and the lack of knowledge in its regard.
Torsin ATPases are required to complete nuclear pore complex biogenesis in interphase

Nuclear envelope herniations (blebs) containing FG-nucleoporins and ubiquitin are the phenotypic hallmark of Torsin ATPase manipulation. Both the dynamics of blebbing and the connection to nuclear pore biogenesis remain poorly understood. We employ a proteomics-based approach to identify MLF2 as a luminal component of the bleb. Using an MLF2-based live cell imaging platform, we demonstrate that NE blebbing occurs rapidly and synchronously immediately after nuclear envelope reformation during mitosis. Bleb formation is independent of ubiquitin conjugation within the bleb, but strictly dependent on POM121, a transmembrane nucleoporin essential for interphase nuclear pore biogenesis. Nup358, a late marker for interphase nuclear pore complex (NPC) biogenesis, is underrepresented relative to FG nucleoporins in nuclear envelopes of Torsin-deficient cells. The kinetics of bleb formation, its dependence on POM121, and a reduction of mature NPCs in Torsin deficient cells lead us to conclude that the hallmark phenotype of Torsin manipulation represents the accumulation of stalled NPC assembly intermediates.
Towards elective single embryo transfer : investigating approaches for improving accessibility and efficacy of in vitro fertilisation treatment and their implications for patients

A total of 134 controlled natural IVF (nIVF) cycles were reviewed retrospectively and compared with 370 stimulated IVF (sIVF) cycles. The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer following nIVF was 27% and 47% in sIVF cycles for patients aged less than 35. However, natural cycle patients could attempt consecutive cycles with much less impact on their lives, both medically and fi nancially. In patients under 35 years of age, the choice of controlled nIVF reduces the cost and risk to the patient, permitting her to have multiple, consecutive attempts, and cumulatively offers a clinical pregnancy rate which approaches that of sIVF. The multiple pregnancy rate in nIVF is signifi cantly reduced compared with sIVF treatment cycles. In patients over 35 years of age the benefi ts of nIVF were much less evident (clinical pregnancy rate: 8% per embryo transfer) and the opportunity to transfer multiple embryos in these patients seems to be advantageous.
Quantitative MRI maps of human neocortex explored using cell type-specific gene expression analysis

Quantitative MRI (qMRI) allows extraction of reproducible and robust parameter maps. However, the connection to underlying biological substrates remains murky, especially in the complex, densely packed cortex. We investigated associations in human neocortex between qMRI parameters and neocortical cell types by comparing the spatial distribution of the qMRI parameters longitudinal relaxation rate (R1), effective transverse relaxation rate (R2∗), and magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat) to gene expression from the Allen Human Brain Atlas, then combining this with lists of genes enriched in specific cell types found in the human brain. As qMRI parameters are magnetic field strength-dependent, the analysis was performed on MRI data at 3T and 7T. All qMRI parameters significantly covaried with genes enriched in GABA- and glutamatergic neurons, i.e. they were associated with cytoarchitecture. The qMRI parameters also significantly covaried with the distribution of genes enriched in astrocytes (R2∗ at 3T, R1 at 7T), endothelial cells (R1 and MTsat at 3T), microglia (R1 and MTsat at 3T, R1 at 7T), and oligodendrocytes (R1 at 7T). These results advance the potential use of qMRI parameters as biomarkers for specific cell types.
Evaluación de la Pérdida de Calidad Mecánica de Tres Fibras Naturales como Alternativa de Tutorado en el Cultivo de Arveja (Pisum sativum L.)

espanolEl objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la velocidad de la perdida de calidad mecanica de las propiedades de carga maxima, modulo de Young y elongacion de fibras naturales de fique, algodon y platano, al ser usadas como soporte vertical en el cultivo de arveja. La perdida de calidad de las propiedades de las fibras naturales fue medida cada 15 dias durante un periodo de tres meses en condiciones de cultivo. Los resultados fueron comparados con la fibra de polipropileno usada actualmente en estos sistemas de produccion agricola. La cinetica de degradacion de cada propiedad mecanica fue modelada matematicamente y se estimaron parametros cineticos para cada fibra evaluada. La fibra de platano presento mayores velocidades de perdida de calidad mecanica en la mayoria de las propiedades evaluadas y podria descartarse para su uso en el tutorado de arveja. Sin embargo, las fibras de fique y algodon presentaron menor velocidad con perdida de calidad similar, y podrian utilizarse para sustituir a la fibra de polipropileno en los sistemas de produccion de este tipo de cultivos agricolas. EnglishThe objective of this study was to determine the quality loss rate of the mechanical properties maximum load, Young's modulus, and elongation at break of natural fibers of fique, cotton, and banana stalk, which were used as vertical supports in pea production. The quality loss of natural fiber properties was determined every 15 days for three months in crop conditions. The results were compared with those for polypropylene fiber, currently used in these agricultural production systems. The degradation kinetics for each mechanical property were mathematically modeled, and the kinetic parameters for each fiber were estimated. The banana-stalk fiber showed higher quality loss rates in most of the mechanical properties, and it could be discarded as vertical support in pea crop. However, the cotton and fique fibers presented lower and similar quality losses, and they could be used as an alternative to polypropylene in production systems of this type of crops.
The Effect of Dietary and Exercise Self-Management Support Program on Dietary Behavior Exercise Behavior and Clinical Outcomes in Muslim Patients with Poorly Controlled Type 2 DM in a Community Setting in Indonesia

Purpose : The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary and exercise self-management support program on the dietary behavior, exercise behavior, and clinical outcomes of Muslim patients with poorly controlled type 2 DM in Indonesia. Methods : This study was a quasi-experimental, two group, pre-test and post-test design. The experimental group received the dietary and exercise self-management support program and usual care, whereas the control group only received the usual nursing care. Result : 35 subjects in the experimental group and 35 subjects in the control group completed the program, respectively. The findings indicated that there are significantly differences in dietary behavior (p=.00), exercise behavior (p=.00) and clinical outcomes: fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p=.00), cholesterol total level (p=.01) and systolic blood pressure (p=.00) between the experimental group and control group. However, for the BMI status (p=.84) and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (p=.32) were no significant differences between two groups. Conclusion : The dietary and exercise self-management support program was effective for improving the dietary behavior, exercise behavior, FBG, and total cholesterol level for individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further studies should be replicated using larger groups over a longer time frame.
The G119S ace‐1 mutation confers adaptive organophosphate resistance in a nontarget amphipod

Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CM) insecticides are widely used in the United States and share the same mode of toxic action. Both classes are frequently documented in aquatic ecosystems, sometimes at levels that exceed aquatic life benchmarks. We previously identified a population of the nontarget amphipod, Hyalella azteca, thriving in an agricultural creek with high sediment levels of the OP chlorpyrifos, suggesting the population may have acquired genetic resistance to the pesticide. In the present study, we surveyed 17 populations of H. azteca in California to screen for phenotypic resistance to chlorpyrifos as well as genetic signatures of resistance in the acetylcholinesterase (ace‐1) gene. We found no phenotypic chlorpyrifos resistance in populations from areas with little or no pesticide use. However, there was ~3‐ to 1,000‐fold resistance in H. azteca populations from agricultural and/or urban areas, with resistance levels in agriculture being far higher than urban areas due to greater ongoing use of OP and CM pesticides. In every case of resistance in H. azteca, we identified a glycine‐to‐serine amino acid substitution (G119S) that has been shown to confer OP and CM resistance in mosquitoes and has been associated with resistance in other insects. We found that the G119S mutation was always present in a heterozygous state. Further, we provide tentative evidence of an ace‐1 gene duplication in H. azteca that may play a role in chlorpyrifos resistance in some populations. The detection of a genetically based, adaptive OP and CM resistance in some of the same populations of H. azteca previously shown to harbor a genetically based adaptive pyrethroid resistance indicates that these nontarget amphipod populations have become resistant to many of the insecticides now in common use. The terrestrial application of pesticides has provided strong selective pressures to drive evolution in a nontarget, aquatic species.