Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Yield and Quality Enhancement of Marigold Flowers by Inoculation with Bacillus subtilis and Glomus fasciculatum

ABSTRACT Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is one of the most important flower crops in Mexico. Bacillus subtilis strain BEB-13 and Glomus fasciculatum Gerdemann & Trappe were employed to test their effect on marigold flower yield and quality. Marigold cultivar Alcosa was inoculated with Bacillus and/or Glomus at sowing and transplanting time. The number of inflorescences per plant, flower diameter, fresh weight, xanthophyll content and color were evaluated at the end of the crop production cycle. Bacillus and/or Glomus treated plants produced 14–24% more inflorescences than untreated plants. Although, the treated flowers had significantly higher fresh weight than controls, they did not differ in size. Bacillus improved flower clarity and yellow color but not xanthophyll content, and Glomus enhanced xanthophyll content but not color properties.
The oldest occurrence of immature Diptera (Insecta), Middle Triassic, France

Abstract The oldest fossil Diptera are known from the Grès à Voltzia Formation (Upper Buntsandstein) of the northern Vosges Mountains (northeastern France), the age of which is early Anisian (early Middle Triassic). Six monotypic genera assigned to all the major lineages of Diptera (except for the Culicomorpha) were described from these beds based on adults (Krzeminski et al. 1994; Krzeminski & Krzeminska 2003). Immature Diptera also occur in the Grès à Voltzia (ca 30 specimens). Pupae are abundant whereas the larvae are extremely rare. The most numerous and well-preserved pupal type has been assigned to Voltziapupa n. gen. (V. tentata n. sp. and V. cornuta n. sp.). These pupae display plesiomorphic characters combined with possibly derived ones. Among the larvae, Anisinodus crinitus n. gen., n. sp. shows culicomorph features. It represents the earliest Culicomorpha (Chironomoidea inc. fam.) known up to date. The other types of dipteran immatures (six pupal and two larval ones) occurring in the Grès à Voltzia are less well preserved, so that their systematic position is difficult to determine and they have been assigned to the Nematocera incertae sedis. These immature Diptera are the first ones recorded from the Triassic.
Herpes Simplex Virus Isolates from an Immunocompromised Patient who Failed to Respond to Acyclovir Treatment Express Thymidine Kinase with Altered Substrate Specificity

Ten sequential post-treatment herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) isolates were obtained from an immunocompromised patient whose infection, during prolonged treatment, became unresponsive to acyclovir (ACV). Of the ten isolates, eight later isolates were resistant in vitro to ACV and ganciclovir (DHPG), but remained sensitive to 9-β-D-arabinofuranosyladenine (ara-A) and phosphonoformate (PFA). Biochemical characterization of plaque-purified clones of the resistant isolates revealed an altered thymidine kinase (TK) substrate specificity phenotype. The comparative nucleotide sequence analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified DNA encoding the TK genes of one sensitive and two resistant clones showed a single mutation at nucleotide 527. This change would result in a substitution of arginine by glutamine at residue 176 of the polypeptide, a mutation previously observed in a laboratory isolated variant, SC16 Tr7 (Darby et al., 1986).
Microbial and Sensory Quality of Fresh Camel Meat Treated with Organic Acid Salts and/or Bifidobacteria

Fresh camel meat samples were treated by dipping in solutions of sodium acetate (10% w/w), potassium sorbate (1.5% w/w), sodium lactate (5% v/v of 60% solution), or trisodium citrate (1.5%w/w) alone or combined with Bifidobacterium breve cell suspension (5%) and stored at 4°C. The pH, psychrotrophs, and sensory attributes were evaluated. Sodium acetate alone or combined with bifidobacteria maintained pH level, extended microbial shelf life (>12 days) and minimized surface discoloration. Bifidobacteria cell suspension when applied alone had negligible effects on microbial and sensory attributes. However, when combined with sodium acetate or potassium sorbate, bifidobacteria exhibited an
Genome-wide copy number analysis of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer patients with liver metastasis

The genome-wide copy number analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) provides a promising prognostic biomarker for survival in breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM) patients. The present study aimed to confirm the prognostic value of the presence of CTCs in BCLM patients. We previously developed an assay for the genome-wide pattern differences in copy number variations (CNVs) as an adjunct test for the routine imaging and histopathologic diagnosis methods to distinguish newly diagnosed liver metastases and recurrent liver metastases. Forty-three breast cancer patients were selected for this study in which 23 newly diagnosed and 20 recurrent liver metastases were diagnosed by histopathology and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. CTCs were counted from all patients using the CellSearch system and were confirmed by cytomorphology and three-color immunocytochemistry. Genomic DNA of single CTCs was amplified using multiple annealing and looping based amplification cycles (MALBAC). Then, we compared the CTC numbers of newly diagnosed and recurrent BCLM patients using Illumina platforms. A high CTC frequency (>15 CTCs/7.5 ml blood) was found to be correlated with disease severity and metastatic progression, which suggests the value for CTCs in the diagnosis of BCLM in comparison with pathohistology and PET/CT imaging (P>0.05). Moreover, CTCs isolated from BCLM patients remained an independent prognostic detection factor associated with overall survival (P=0.0041). Comparison between newly diagnosed and recurrent liver metastases revealed different frequencies of CNVs (P>0.05). Notably, the CNV pattern of isolated CTCs of recurrent BCLM patients was similar to recurrent liver metastases (nearly 82% of the gain/loss regions). Functional enrichment analysis identified 25 genes as a CNV signature of BCLM. Among them, were defensin and β-defensin genes, which are significantly associated with anti-angiogenesis and immunomodulation signaling pathways. High CTC frequencies are effective in the evaluation and differentiation between newly diagnosed liver metastases from recurrent liver metastases. Future clinical studies will be necessary to fully determine the prognostic potential of CTC cluster signatures in patients with BCLM.
Changes in the serum proteins, hematological and some serum Changes in the serum proteins, hematological and some serum biochemical profi les in the gestation period in the Sahel goats biochemical profi les in the gestation period in the Sahel goats

The effects of pregnancy on haematological and some biochemical parameters were studied using 30 (25 pregnant of known gestational age, while fi ve animals remained as cycling non-pregnant control) Sahel does aged between 1½ to 2½ years and managed under controlled conditions. Their weights ranged between 14 to 25 kg. Red blood cell and the white blood cell counts were the only haematological parameters that showed a signifi cant (P 0.05) in the other biochemical parameters determined, namely: Na, Ka, Ca, Total proteins, FFA, Urea, Creatinine, AST, ALT, and Alkaline phosphatase. The present study indicates that haematological and mineral imbalances are unlikely to occur during pregnancy in Sahel does when properly managed.
Effect of sodium hypochlorite solution and gel with/without passive ultrasonic irrigation on , Enterococcus faecalis

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most commonly used Background: irrigant in endodontics The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect . of NaOCl solution (2.5%) and gel (3%) with/without passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) on and their Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, endotoxins, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). 40 human lower premolars were contaminated with Methods: E. coli (ATCC 25922) for 28 days and (ATCC 29212) for 21 days. E. faecalis Specimens were randomly divided into four groups: (1) 2.5% NaOCl irrigating the canals without PUI activation; (2) 2.5% NaOCl with PUI; (3) 3% NaOCl gel irrigating the canals without PUI; and (4) 3% NaOCl gel with PUI. 40 mL of irrigant was used for each group. PUI activation was carried out using E1-Irrisonic stainless-steel tip at 10% frequency. After treatment, all specimens were filled with 3mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 3min and then washed with nonpyrogenic saline solution. Three samples were collected from the canals: S1, at baseline to confirm biofilm formation; S2 after treatment; and S3 after EDTA. Samples were assessed for and colony forming units, and LPS and LTA were E. coli E. faecalis assessed using chromogenic kinetic LAL assay and ELISA, respectively. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Friedmann and Dunn tests with α≤0.05. : All groups were effective in reducing the microbial load of Results E. coli and after treatment without a significant difference among the E. faecalis groups. NaOCl and NaOCl gel groups had no significant difference in reducing LPS and LTA. Statistically increased reduction was seen for NaOCL + PUI and NaOCl gel + PUI compared for groups without PUI. NaOCl gel has the same antimicrobial action of NaOCl Conclusions: solution and can partially detoxify endotoxins. PUI improves NaOCl (gel or 1 1 1 1 2
AN OUTBREAK OF CASES OF RAYNAUD'S PHENOMENON

INTRODUCTION Vascular disturbances resulting from the handling of mechanical devices have been recognized since 1911, when Loriga described a case which followed the use of a pneumatic tool. Then Alice Hamilton and others (1918) described, in a long monograph, an outbreak amongst the stonecutters-of Louisiana who also used such tools. Pneumatic hammers and chisels have been blamed for most of the cases up to 1,945, though Middleton (1930) observed Raynaud's phenomenon in men exposed to intense vibration while working at " pounding-up " machines in the boot and shoe industry. The literature up to 1945has been summarized in the papers of Hunter, McLaughlin, and Perry (1945), and Agate and Druett (1946, 1947). Up to that time it had been recognized that the harmful processes were those which subjected the workers' hands to repeated hammer blows, and there was much debate as to which were the most harmful tool speeds. No other mechanical tools had yet been found harmful. In January, 1945, a Trades Union representative in a large Manchester engiheering works sought advice about an outbreak of cases of intermittent blanching of the fingers which had already earned the unfortunate name of "dead hand. " There could be no doubt from the description that thesecases were examples of Raynaud's phenomenon. But the men and women concerned were workirng neither with pneumatic tools nor pounding-up machines. A start was, therefore, made with clinical and experimental investigations in the hope of finding out the natural history and the atiology of this outbreak of disease. The experimental work, dealing with the nature of the vibration set up by these tools in comparison with other vibratory tools, has been published previously in this
Securing Economic Benefits and Promoting Conservation through Bioprospecting

ABSTRACT Bioprospecting has frequently been cited as a sustainable use of biodiversity. Nevertheless, the level of bioprospecting in biodiversity-rich tropical regions falls below its potential, with the result that bioprospecting has produced only limited economic benefits. We present a bioprospecting program that, in addition to promoting drug discovery, provides economic benefits to and promotes conservation in Panama through the sustainable use of biodiversity. The program was initiated using insights from 20 years of nonapplied ecological research to enhance the likelihood of finding treatments for human disease. Samples are not sent abroad; rather, most of the research is carried out in Panamanian laboratories. Panama has received immediate benefits for the use of its biodiversity in the form of research funding derived from sources outside Panama, training for young Panamanian scientists, and enhanced laboratory infrastructure. Over the long term, discoveries derived from bioprospecting may help to establish research-based industries in Panama.
Field resistance in Trifolium subterraneum to Uromyces trifolii-repentis and Cercospora zebrina

Advanced, early-midseason breeding lines and overseas introductions of Trifolium subterraneum var. subterraneum and var. yanninicum were screened for resistance to rust (Uromyces trifolii-repentis) and cercospora (Cercospora zebrina) diseases in field 'miniswards', and their performances compared with appropiate control varieties. The reaction to each disease varied between genotypes. The most rust-resistant within var. subterraneum were CPI 89848D, CPI 89840A, and 76S40-6, all with final incidence scores of 90% leaves affected). On the basis of rust-induced leaf collapse, CPI 89848D, 76840-6, CPI 89838G, CPI 89840A, Areces 1, and B x D 15A Black-8 were the most resistant of var. subterraneum, with scores of 0-0.5 on a 0-5 scale. Except for CPI 39314YB, var. yanninicum was very resistant to rust, with rust incidence scores of 0.6-3. Lines 76Y51-31, 76Y52-3, 76Y51-28.2, and 76Y51-25 had the best resistance, with end-of-season incidence scores of 0.6-1.4. Except for 76Y51-27, there was no leaf collapse from rust in var. yanninicum. For cercospora disease, the most resistant lines within var. subterraneum were CPI 89838G, 75811-7, 76340-6, and CPI 89841E, with final incidence scores 51.5 on a 0-10 scale. Except for CPI 39314YB, var. yanninicum showed excellent resistance to cercospora disease, with end-of-season incidence scores 0.1-1.
TO DOUBLE-BROOD OR NOT? INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN THE REPRODUCTIVE EFFORT IN BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS (DENDROICA CAERULESCENS)

Abstract Individuals within a population vary in important fitness components, such as reproductive success. In general, females can maximize the number of young they produce by altering either the number of young per breeding attempt or the number of breeding attempts per season. In short-lived species, and especially in small passerine birds, number of breeding attempts per season varies markedly among individuals. Here, we evaluated factors influencing whether female Blackthroated Blue Warblers (Dendroica caerulescens) initiated additional nests after a successful breeding attempt (i.e. double-brooded). The percentage of females that laid a second clutch after successfully fledging a first brood ranged from 0 to 87% and averaged 53% (n = 7 years). Multiple logistic regression and AICc model selection indicated that double-brooded females bred in territories with greater food availability and produced heavier nestlings than single-brooded females. Female age, male age, date of first breeding attempt, and number of young in the first clutch were not included in the best-fit model. Older females, however, produced heavier fledglings, and females mated to older males occurred on territories with greater food availability, indicating that age contributed to individual variation in reproductive output. Because the proportion of females that produce multiple broods within a season can have a substantial effect on the annual fecundity of a population, variation among females and among the territories they occupy (i.e. habitat quality) are key factors influencing population dynamics in this and other multibrooded, shortlived species. Poner Nidadas Dobles o No? Variación Individual en el Esfuerzo Reproductivo en Dendroica caerulescens
Ultrastructure of the Pleuropodium in 8-d-old Embryos of Thermobia domestica (Packard) (Insecta, Zygentoma)

Abstract Pleuropodia of the invaginated type were observed on the first abdominal segment in 8-d-old embryos of Thermobia domestica (Packard). The pleuropodium is formed by a cytoplasmatic internal part and a mushroom-like cavity. The latter is filled with fluid and is composed of a stem protruding through the epidermis and a vesicle-like copula. The arrangement of membrane folds, mitochondria, and lipid drops was observed on electron micrographs (TEM) of pleuropodium cells. The position and structure of these organelles indicates that the cells of this organ perform transport and secretory functions.
Interaction of soil burial and smoke on germination patterns in seeds of selected Australian native plants

Abstract Patterns of dormancy and smoke responsiveness in artificially buried seeds were investigated in eight native plant species from the species-rich mediterranean-type climate zone of south-western Australia. A comparison was made between germination and viability behaviour of shelf- and field-soil-stored seed, with and without smoke treatment, at least every 3 months. These comparisons corresponded with each of the four seasons. The species chosen germinated with the aid of smoke under field or glasshouse conditions (termed ‘dormant’; n = 4) or produced low and variable germination under glasshouse conditions with smoke (termed ‘deeply dormant’; n = 4). Three trends were observed in viability of soil-stored seeds over 450 d: no decline, gradual decline or late-onset decline. In addition, various germination responses to soil burial and aerosol smoke were observed. Burial was not required for optimal germination in Anigozanthos manglesii. However, for all other species tested, maximum germination was observed only following a period of burial. This was manifested in a germination response without smoke after a short period of burial (Stylidium affine and Conospermum triplinervium) or a longer period of burial (Conostylis neocymosa, Hibbertia commutata, Leucopogon conostephioides, Stirlingia latifolia and Stylidium crossocephalum). Smoke treatment led to high germination in buried seed of S. affine, S. crossocephalum and H. commutata. The patterns of germination detected in this limited number of species indicate that a variety of mechanisms may exist, both temporally and spatially, in south-western Australian species, and support further research of this type for horticulture and land restoration.
Effect of One-Step Polishing Systems and Bleaching on Gloss after Staining of Resin Composites Citation: Fouad Salama and Zain Hafiz. “Effect of One-Step Polishing Systems and Bleaching on Gloss after Staining of Resin Composites"

Aim: To evaluate the effects of two one-step polishing systems (OneGloss and PoGo) on gloss of two nanocomposite resin composites (Clearfil Majesty Esthetic and Filtek Z350 XT) before and after exposure to a staining solution. In addition, the effects of one officebleaching agent (Ultradent Opalescence Boost PF 40%) on gloss of the resin composites after staining was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Forty cylindrical specimens were prepared from each resin composite against Mylar strip (Mylar) and were tested for gloss (T1). The specimens were randomly assigned to four groups of 10 each. Each specimen was finished using a tungsten carbide finishing bur (Finish) and was measured for gloss (T2). Then, specimens were polished (Polish 1) with OneGloss or PoGo and was measured for gloss (T3). All specimens were stained (Stained) in coffee solution for 4 days and was measured for gloss (T4). Specimens were polished (Polish 2) with OneGloss or PoGo and then bleached (Bleach) with Ultradent Opalescence Boost PF 40% for 40 minutes and was measured for gloss, T5 and T6, respectively. Results: There was a statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two resin composites for gloss after Mylar strip. Also, after Polish 2, a statistically significant difference for gloss for both polishing systems OneGloss or PoGo on both resin composites was evident, with PoGo producing a higher gloss value. At Mylar strip and after Finish, there was no statistically significant difference in the two resin composites. Conclusion: PoGo polishing was less susceptible to staining and produced the highest gloss. Staining reduces the gloss for both resin composites. Re-polishing and bleaching do not increase gloss for either resin composite. Clinical Significance: The use of PoGo polishing system made nanocomposite resins less susceptible to staining and produced the highest gloss. Re-polishing and bleaching do not increase gloss for either resin composites.
Improving Load Forecast Accuracy of Households Using Load Disaggregation Techniques

The growing use of smart meters in residential buildings provides access to large volumes of consumer data with low-sampling frequency for demand-side analysis. Unlike system-level aggregated data, the measurements from smart meters show more stochastic and irregular behaviour. Advanced load forecasting techniques to deal with irregularities in household load profiles are therefore crucial to develop sustainable and reliable smart grids at local levels. In this paper, we propose a hybrid approach enabling the use of high-resolution smart meter data for short-term load forecasting by incorporating Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) technique as a pre-processing step. In particular, the input to the forecasting model includes not only the aggregated energy consumption but also the appliance-level data provided by energy disaggregation algorithms. The experiments on real data sets known as UKDALE and REFIT demonstrate significant improvements in the performance of two forecasting algorithms based on CART and ANN methodologies powered by the NILM input.
Interaction entre le système de culture et le statut (ravageur ou auxiliaire) des vers blancs (Coleoptera : Scarabeoidea) sur le riz pluvial

A Madagascar, les larves et adultes terricoles de certaines especes de Coleopteres Scarabeoidea causent d’importants degâts au riz pluvial. Le traitement insecticide des semences assure une protection efficace, mais son impact environnemental soupconne justifie des recherches pour s’en affranchir, notamment en systemes de culture avec semis direct sur couverture vegetale (SCV). Un systeme SCV, fonde sur une rotation riz pluvial-soja depuis 1998-1999, a ainsi ete etudie de 2002 a 2007 sur deux sites des Hautes Terres. Sur cette rotation, on a trouve, au bout de quatre ans (en 2002-2003), un effet positif du SCV (par rapport au labour) et du traitement de semences, en termes de reduction des attaques de ravageurs et de rendement du riz pluvial, sans effets negatifs du traitement des semences sur la biodiversite de la faune tellurique. Les quatre annees suivantes, l’abondance de la macrofaune (phytophages comme saprophages/geophages et predateurs), a augmente, en particulier en SCV, sans que cela se traduise par des effets notables sur les rendements en 2005 et 2007. On a egalement etudie en laboratoire les preferences alimentaires des larves (« vers blancs ») de 3 especes appartenant chacune a une famille de Scarabeoidea, et la variation du statut des larves de 7 especes dans ces trois familles, en fonction du contenu du sol en matiere organique. Bricoptis variolosa (Cetoniidae) et Hexodon unicolor (Dynastidae) se sont revelees etre saprophages obligatoires, alors que Apicencya waterloti (Melolonthidae) s’est revele rhizophage obligatoire, tandis que Heteroconus paradoxus et 3 autres especes de Dynastidae ( Heteronychus plebeius, H. bituberculatus et H. arator rugifrons) se sont revelees rhizophages facultatifs. Outre les changements dans la composition faunistique tellurique induits par la gestion SCV, le changement de statut de certains vers blancs selon le statut organique du sol ouvre de nouvelles perspectives de gestion des agroecosystemes rizicoles pluviaux.