Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of PLCγ-Dependent and -Independent Events during Fertilization of Sea Urchin Eggs☆

Abstract At fertilization, sea urchin eggs undergo a series of activation events, including a Ca 2+ action potential, Ca 2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum, an increase in intracellular pH, sperm pronuclear formation, MAP kinase dephosphorylation, and DNA synthesis. To examine which of these events might be initiated by activation of phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ), which produces the second messengers inositol trisphosphate (IP 3 ) and diacylglycerol, we used recombinant SH2 domains of PLCγ as specific inhibitors. Sea urchin eggs were co-injected with a GST fusion protein composed of the two tandem SH2 domains of bovine PLCγ and (1) Ca 2+ green dextran to monitor intracellular free Ca 2+ , (2) BCECF dextran to monitor intracellular pH, (3) Oregon Green dUTP to monitor DNA synthesis, or (4) fluorescein 70-kDa dextran to monitor nuclear envelope formation. Microinjection of the tandem SH2 domains of PLCγ produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of Ca 2+ release and also inhibited cortical granule exocytosis, cytoplasmic alkalinization, MAP kinase dephosphorylation, DNA synthesis, and cleavage after fertilization. However, the Ca 2+ action potential, sperm entry, and sperm pronuclear formation were not prevented by injection of the PLCγSH2 domain protein. Microinjection of a control protein, the tandem SH2 domains of the phosphatase SHP2, had no effect on Ca 2+ release, cortical granule exocytosis, DNA synthesis, or cleavage. Specificity of the inhibitory action of the PLCγSH2 domains was further indicated by the finding that microinjection of PLCγSH2 domains that had been point mutated at a critical arginine did not inhibit Ca release at fertilization. Additionally, Ca 2+ release in response to microinjection of IP 3 , cholera toxin, cADP ribose, or cGMP was not inhibited by the PLCγSH2 fusion protein. These results indicate that PLCγ plays a key role in several fertilization events in sea urchin eggs, including Ca 2+ release and DNA synthesis, but that the action potential, sperm entry, and male pronuclear formation can occur in the absence of PLCγ activation or Ca 2+ increase.
DOES INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL PREDICT THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE INDIAN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

The main objective of this study is to examine the influence of intellectual capital (IC) on the financial performance of the Indian textile industry. The study employs the data of top 100 Indian textile companies for a period of ten years from 2009 to 2018. Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC TM ) methodology was employed for measuring the efficiency of IC. The results revealed that the efficiency of IC has a significant and positive relationship only with the profitability of the Indian textile industry; while among the components of IC, capital employed efficiency (CEE) is the most significant in improving the financial performance. Moreover, human capital efficiency (HCE) only helps in augmenting the profitability while structural capital efficiency (SCE) shows an inconsequential effect on profitability and productivity of the Indian textile industry.
Functional infertility among territorial males in two passerine species, the willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus and the bluethroat Luscinia svecica

Information about male infertility in free-living birds is scarce, but anecdotal and circumstantial evidence suggests that it does occur regularly at a low frequency. In this paper we document three cases of azoospermia in two passerine species, the willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus and the bluethroat Luscinia svecica at their breeding grounds in South Norway. In willow warblers, two males out of a sample of 50 territory holders had no sperm in their seminal glomera, the storage site of sperm ready for ejaculation. The two males also had very small testes. One out of 48 bluethroat males also had no sperm in the seminal glomera. This male had an extreme asymmetry of the testes, with the right testis being about twice as large as the left. He also failed to fertilize any eggs in his own nest, as well as in neighbouring nests, as revealed by microsatellite genotyping. Thus, the proportion of males without sperm seems to be at a magnitude of a few (2 � 4) percent in both species. These are among the first estimates of the frequency of azoospermia in wild birds. Our results indicate a significant risk for sexually monogamous females of laying unfertilized eggs, which could favour the evolution of extra-pair copulation as a fertility insurance strategy in females.
Rendimento de grãos de milho e soja em uma sucessão cultural de oito anos sob diferentes sistemas de manejo de solo e de culturas

To establish a rational and sustainable use of the soil it is necessary to know the effect of different tillage systems on production considering that this factor is directly related to its choice. The present experiment had the objective to evaluate the grain yield under different soil tillage systems after eight years. The experiment was carried out in an oxisoil, in Ponta Grossa - PR, Brazil. The treatments were: no tillage, conventional tillage (one plow and two light disking), minimum tillage (two light diskings), and no tillage with chisel tillage every three years. The experiment was arranged in randomized blocks with three replications. The tillage systems did not affect the grain yield of corn. In 1998, the grain yield of soybean showed that conventional tillage and minimum tillage were significantly higher than no tillage. However, in 2000, the soybean cultivar was replaced by BRS 133, and grain yield was significantly lower in conventional tillage and minimum tillage than no tillage.
Quantitative‐genetic analysis of leaf‐rust resistance in seedling and adult‐plant stages of inbred lines and their testcrosses in winter rye

Leaf rust is the most frequent leaf disease of winter rye in Germany. All widely grown population and hybrid varieties are susceptible. This study was undertaken to estimate quantitative-genetic parameters of leaf-rust resistance in self-fertile breeding materials with introgressed foreign leaf-rust resistances and to analyze the relative importance of seedling and adult-plant resistance. Forty-four inbred lines and their corresponding testcrosses with a highly susceptible tester line were grown in a field in four different environments (location-year combinations) with artificial inoculation. Plots were separated by a nonhost to promote autoinfections and minimize interplot interference. Leaf-rust severity was rated on three leaf insertions at three dates. The testcrosses showed a considerably higher disease severity than the lines. High correlations (r ≅ 0.9, P = 0.01) existed among the leaf insertions and the rating dates. Large genotypic variation for resistance was found in both the inbred and testcross populations. Genotype-environment interaction and error variances were of minor importance, thus high entry-mean heritabilities were achieved. A tight correlation between the inbreds and their corresponding testcrosses was found (r = 0.88, P = 0.01). Heterosis for resistance was significant (P = 0.05), but not very important. In a seedling test with 20—30 single-pustule isolates, 34 out of 44 inbreds reacted race-specifically. From the remaining inbred lines, three were medium and seven highly susceptible. In a further greenhouse test with 16 inbreds, seven were susceptible and five were resistant in both seedling and adult-plant stages. The remaining four lines had adult-plant resistance. In conclusion, race-specific leaf-rust resistance can be selected among inbred lines per se. Lines should also be tested in the adult-plant stage.
Poultry manure effects on soil nitrogen processes and nitrogen accumulation in red raspberry

This study examined the effects of solid poultry layer manure addition on soil N processes and on dry matter and N accumulation in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). In trials conducted in two years, approximately 50% of the 400 kg total N ha−1 applied as manure was recovered as soil inorganic N 1 mo after manure application when manure was incorporated within 4 h of application. Three trials were conducted in two commercial raspberry fields: one with no history of manure use and one other with a history of heavy annual applications of poultry manure. Treatments included 55 kg N ha−1 as NH4NO3, 100 or 200 kg total N ha−1 as manure, and a control that received no manure or fertilizer N. Soil inorganic N to 60 cm depth was measured throughout the growing season. Berry yield was estimated, and dry matter and N accumulation was determined in floricanes at first berry ripening and in primocanes at the end of the growing season. Few significant effects of N fertilization were measured for any crop yield, growth o.
Ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids, protein degradability, and dry matter digestibility of flaxseed treated with different sugar and heat combinations

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of processing techniques on in vitro ruminal undegradable protein (RUP), in vitro ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of rolled flaxseed. In the first experiment, the influence of micronization treatment (130°C for 4 h, 140°C for 2 h, 150°C for 1 h, and 160°C for 0.5 h) was examined. The IVDMD significantly decreased when heating at 150°C for 1 h and 160°C for 0.5 h. Degradation rate of crude protein (CP) decreased and RUP concentration increased in parallel with heating temperature. Micronization had little effect on biohydrogenation of fatty acids. In the second experiment, the influence of sugar addition [none, soaked in a high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or a lignosulfonate solution] before heating, either in an autoclave or a forced-air oven, at two temperatures (100 or 120°C), and two temperature holding times (30 and 60 min) was examined. Increased temperature and heating time decreased degradation.
Copper binding affinity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) gills: Implications for assessing bioavailable metal

In this study, we determined the conditional stability constant (log K′) of copper for the gills of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss; RBT) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis; BT). Using toxicity‐based complexation bioassays, which measure the effect of competing organic ligands on copper toxicity, the RBT gill copper log K′ range was 6.4 to 7.2. Using a Scatchard analysis of gill Cu accumulation, the RBT log K′ was 7.50 and the BT log K′ was 7.25. The close agreement in RBT log K′ values between these two methods suggests that measurement of gill copper accumulation is an acceptable alternative for determining a toxicity‐based gill copper binding affinity. Our results also suggest that there is either a single gill copper binding component or, more realistically, multiple components with similar binding properties that function collectively to define a single toxicologically relevant copper conditional stability constant. These results suggest analytical approaches to measuring bioavailable metal concentrations, such as geochemical modeling where biological ligands are included in speciation calculations, may adequately simulate complex biological ligands. A method to convert gill copper accumulation to a bioavailable water criterion is also discussed.
Brief Paper: Drivable Area Detection with Region-based CNN Models to Support Autonomous Driving

: In autonomous driving, object recognition based on machine learning is one of the core software technologies. In particular, the object recognition using deep learning becomes an essential element for autonomous driving software to operate. In this paper, we introduce a drivable area detection method based on Region-based CNN model to support autonomous driving. To effectively detect the drivable area, we used the BDD dataset for model training and demonstrated its effectiveness. As a result, our R-CNN model using BDD datasets showed interesting results in training and testing for detection of drivable areas.
Inhibition of the Canonical IKK/NFκB Pathway Sensitizes Human Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin

The NFκB family is composed by five subunits (p65/RelA, c-Rel, RelB, p105-p50/NFκB1, p100-p52/NF-κB2) and controls the expression of many genes that participate in cell cycle, apoptosis, and other key cellular processes. In a canonical pathway, NF-κB activation depends on the IKK complex activity, which is formed by three subunits (IKKα and IKKβ and IKKγ/NEMO). There is an alternative NFκB activation pathway that does not require IKKβ or IKKγ/NEMO, in which RelB is a major player. We report in a panel of human breast cancer cells that the IKK/NFκB system is generally overexpressed in breast cancer cells and there is heterogeneity in expression levels of individual members between different cell lines. Doxorubicin, an anticancer agent used in patients with breast cancer, activated NFκB and appeared to be less effective in cells expressing predominantly members of the canonical IKK/NFκB. Two NFκB inhibitors, bortezomib and NEMO-Binding Domain Inhibitory Peptide, prevented doxorubicin-induced NFκB activation and increased doxorubicin antitumor effects in BT-474 cells. Transient downregulation of members of the canonical pathway (p65, p52, c-Rel and IKKγ/NEMO) by siRNA in HeLa cells increased doxorubicin cytotoxicity. In contrast, silencing of RelB, a key subunit of the alternative pathway, had no evident effects on doxorubicin cytotoxicity. To conclude, NFκB inhibition sensitized cells to doxorubicin, implying directly p65, p52, c-Rel and IKKγ/NEMO subunits in chemoresistance, but not RelB. These findings suggest that selective inhibition of the canonical NFκB pathway is sufficient to improve doxorubicin antitumor effects.
Kernel weight response to source-sink changes in spring wheat

Field trials were used to investigate the hypothesis that yield of some cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) may be limited by potential seed size. Eight cultivars, varying in kernel weight from 32 to 46 mg were tested in replicated experiments under dryland growing conditions at Saskastoon in 1985 and 1986. Plot thinning at the six-leaf stage or at heading was used to increase the supply of photosynthate to developing spikes
Greater morphological plasticity of exotic honeysuckle species may make them better invaders than native species.

sempervirens L. , a non-invasive native. We hypothesized that greater morphological plasticity may contribute to the ability of L. japonica to occupy more habitat types, and contribute to its invasiveness. We compared the morphology of plants provided with climbing supports with plants that had no climbing supports, and thus quantified their morphological plasticity in response to an important variable in their habitats. The two species responded differently to the treatments, with L. japonica showing greater responses in more characters. For example, Lonicera japonica responded to climbing supports with a 15.3% decrease in internode length, a doubling of internode number and a 43% increase in shoot biomass. In contrast, climbing supports did not influence internode length or shoot biomass for L. sempervirens, and only resulted in a 25% increase in internode number. This plasticity may allow L. japonica to actively place plant modules in favorable microhabitats and ultimately affect plant fitness.
Pasture seed theft by ants in northern New South Wales

To obtain probability information for the theft of oversown seed by ants in northern New South Wales, the seasonal pattern of theft of both bare and coated seed of Trifolium repens, Medicago sativa, Festuca arundinacea and Phalaris tuberosa was monitored at both Armidale and Tamworth. Average values for seed removed within 24 hours of placement ranged from < 1 per cent at Armidale and c. 25 per cent at Tamworth during winter to summer values of c. 40 per cent and c. 90 per cent for the two locations respectively. It was concluded that the theft of oversown seed by ants could be a problem in any month at Tamworth and in all but the winter months at Armidale. At both locations more phalaris seed was taken than seed of other species. Using coated seed significantly reduced theft at both locations. However, it was considered that the coating effect may often be of little practical value. At Armidale, theft rates from sites on a lateritic podsol were on average 47 per cent greater than the rates observed at sites on a black earth soil type. Theft rate was related to mean air temperature at both Armidale and Tamworth. For both bare and coated seed the theft rate for a particular temperature was generally much greater at Tamworth than at Armidale. Because of the spatial variability of theft encountered at both locations it was concluded that a simple exponential type extrapolation from the 24 hour theft data for longer periods of time would be unwise.
Two new species of the genus Picobia Haller (Acari: Syringophilidae) from Australian and Indonesian passeriform birds

Abstract Two new species of the quill mite genus Picobia Haller are described and figured from Australian and Indonesian passeriform birds: Picobia pyrrholaemus sp. nov. from Pyrrholaemus sagit‐tatus (Acanthizidae) from Australia and Picobia indonesiana sp. nov. from three Indonesian sturnid birds (Sturnidae): Aplonis panayensis (Scopoli), Enodes erythrophris (Temminck) and Mino dumontii Lesson.
Effects of Heating Conditions on Physicochemical Properties of Skim Milk Powder during Production Process

1 Laboratory of Quality Analysis and Assessment, Division of Agronomy and Horticultural Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan 2 Technology and Research Institute, Snow Brand Milk Products Co. Ltd.,1-1-2 Minamidai, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1165, Japan 3 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0893, Japan
Optimization of culture conditions for glucose oxidase production by a Penicillium chrysogenum SRT 19 strain

The enzyme glucose oxidase (GOD) has been used for a variety of biotechnological applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, the optimization of extracellular GOD production was carried out in a Penicillium chrysogenum SRT 19 strain isolated from contaminated and decaying cheese samples. Maximum GOD production was attained at pH 6 and 20°C in fermentation broth after 72 h of incubation. The effects of metal ions and sugars were screened for the induction of higher GOD production. The results revealed that glucose and lactose give the highest production of enzyme (0.670 and 0.552 U/mL, respectively) as compared with other sugars (sucrose, cellulose, mannitol and fructose). Out of the seven metal ions studied, CaCO3 (1.123 U/mL) and FeSO4 (0.822 U/mL) act as modulators, while MgSO4 (0.535 U/mL), CuSO4 (0.498 U/mL), HgCl2 (0.476 U/mL), ZnSO4 (0.457 U/mL) and BaSO4 (0.422 U/mL) yield lower production. The study therefore suggests that a strain of P. chrysogenum SRT 19 can be used as a new strain for GOD production.
Secuenciación de nueva generación (NGS) de ADN: presente y futuro en la práctica clínica

Introducción: el término secuenciación de nueva generación (NGS) hace referencia a las tecnologías diseñadas para analizar gran cantidad de ADN de forma masiva y paralela. Abordamos en esta revisión los conceptos básicos de estas tecnologías, las consideraciones de su uso clínico actual y perspectivas a futuro. Desarrollo: las pruebas basadas en NGS han revolucionado el estudio de los genomas pues permiten la lectura de millones de secuencias de ADN de forma masiva y paralela en un menor lapso de tiempo y a menor costo por base. Estas pruebas incluyen la secuenciación de panel de genes, la secuenciación completa del exoma y la secuenciación completa del genoma. El análisis de sus resultados es complejo y requiere de un proceso bioinformático y clínico exhaustivo para su adecuada interpretación. Las limitaciones de las pruebas NGS incluyen aspectos técnicos como la cobertura, profundidad y longitud de las secuencias, las cuales se pueden solventar implementando buenas prácticas de laboratorio. Conclusiones: las pruebas basadas en la secuenciación por NGS son herramientas diagnósticas que deben partir de una aproximación clínica adecuada para su uso razonado, correcta interpretación y toma de decisiones acertadas. Es de gran trascendencia que los médicos tengan la información básica para poder solicitar e interpretar estas pruebas dada su relevancia clínica actual.
Is Immune Modulation Possible with Radiation Treatment? - Report of a Randomized Phase III Study Irradiating Canine De-Novo Brain Tumors

Objectives: Tumors in brain are currently treated with conventional radiation therapy techniques with poor tumor control but are associated with considerable side effects. Synchrotron generated micro-beam radiation therapy (SMBRT) has shown promising results in preserving brain architecture; however physical characteristics of SMBRT limit its use. We have successfully implemented a new clinical device for use on linear accelerator in clinical use, which produces fine beams of radiation called mini-beams (MBRT) of 1000 um size using 6 MV photons. The objective of this study was to test if MBRT can emulate the SMBRT biological effects using spontaneous brain tumors in dogs. Methods: Pet dogs with de-novo brain tumors were accrued for treatment across the country. Dogs were randomized between standard Stereotactic (9 Gy x 3 fractions) radiation treatment (SRT) Vs single fraction MBRT (26 Gy to mean dose). Dogs were followed for clinical assessment and MRI. Whenever dogs were euthanized, a veterinary pathologist assessed the radiation changes and tumor response. Results: Between 2013 and 2017, we accrued 16 dogs (8 on SRT and 8 on MBRT arm and range of follow up 1.5 50 months SRT group Vs 3 36 months with MBRT group). SRT treated dogs follow-up scans and postmortem evaluation showed residual tumor in all of them. In contrast, > 50% dogs have pathological complete response in MBRT treated dogs. All these dogs have shown lymphocyte infiltration in the target area which was not seen in control group. There were definite treatment-related changes seen in both arms of treatment, however changes were more pronounced in SRT group. Conclusions: Results show MBRT has a superior therapeutic ratio with excellent tumor control and fewer long term pathologically correlated toxicities. Post mortem evaluation shows the possibility of immune response as noted with lymphocyte infiltration. This might pave way for a new modality of radiation treatment, which would require a phase I human studies. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Open Access Abstract