Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adding bumblebees (Bombus terrestris L., Hymenoptera: Apidae) to pear orchards increases seed number per fruit, fruit set, fruit size and yield

Summary The European pear (Pyrus communis) cultivars ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’ exhibit full self-incompatibility, and therefore fruit production depends entirely on cross-pollination, which is carried out mainly by honeybees (HB), the ultimate pollinators of pear. To increase the efficiency of HB pollination, colony numbers are doubled or introduced sequentially; nevertheless, yields remain relatively low and fruit are small due to the low number of seeds per fruit. In the present research, we studied the effect of adding bumblebees (BB) to the HB colonies. Adding BB hives to pear orchards 10 d before bloom, at a density of ten hives ha–1, improved the percentage fruit-set, fruit size, and also sometimes, fruit yield. These positive results were due to a large increase in seed numbers per fruit, especially in ‘Spadona’ which had only one-to-three seeds per fruit when pollinated only by HB, compared to four-to-six seeds after pollination with HB + BB. There was a strong positive correlation between the number of BB visits tree–1 min–1 and the number of seeds fruit–1, and a similar correlation between seed number and fruit size.
Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Bacteria Associated with Fresh and Frozen Shrimp (Palaemonetes sp.) and Their Public Health Significance

Bacteria associated with fresh and frozen shrimp were investigated to characterize the major bacterial pathogens of public health significance and to determine their antibiotic resistance profiles. Twenty (20) pieces of shrimp were analyzed using ICMSF recommended procedures. Fresh samples had an average total culturable heterotrophic bacterial (TCHB) count of 2.60 x 10 7 cfu/g and total coliform bacterial (TCB) count of 2.99 x 10 5 cfu/g while frozen samples had average count of 9.11x10 6 cfu/g for TCHB and1.66 x 10 6 cfu/g for TCB.The density of THCB and TCB in the fresh samples was significantly higher than that obtained for the frozen samples (p<0.05). A total of 290 bacteria were isolated, comprising 168 isolates from fresh samples and 122 isolates from frozen samples. The percentage of single isolate from fresh samples were: Proteus (6.5%), Escherichia (11.9%), Salmonella (8.3%), Staphylococcus (10.7%), Shigella (7.1%), Citrobacter (9.5%), Serratia (8.3%), Enterobacter (10.1%), Klebsiella (10.7%), Aeromonas (8.9%) and Vibrio (7.7%) while frozen samples had Pseudomonas (16.4%), Bacillus(4.9%), Streptococcus(15.6%), Alcaligenes (14.8%), Micrococcus (9.8%), Proteus (3.3%), Aeromonas (5.7%), Lactobacillus (11.5%), Moraxella (4.1%), Achromobacter (6.6%), and Flavobacterium (7.4%). Consumption of bacterial contaminated shrimps have been reported to be responsible for gastroenteritis, diarrhea, bacillary dysentery and typhoid fever in humans.Antibiogram of selected isolates indicated their multiple antibiotic resistances to all antibiotics. The highest resistance (100%) was recorded against streptomycin, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, augmenting, gentamycin and amoxycilin. Ofloxacin (12.5%) recorded the least resistant followed by Ciprofloxacin (25%). Environmental sanitation and proper handling will reduce bacterial pathogens in shrimp and enhance its nutritional value.
Characterization of Bacillus Spore Membrane Proteomes and Investigation of Their Roles in the Spore Germination Process

Components of the bacterial spore germination apparatus are crucial for survival and for initiation of infection by some pathogens. While some components of the germination apparatus are well conserved in spore-forming species, such as the spoVA operon, each species may possess a different and possibly unique germinant recognition mechanism. The significance of several individual proteins in the germination process has been characterized. However, the mechanisms of how these proteins perform their functions and the network connecting these proteins in the complete germination process are still a mystery. In this study, we characterized a Bacillus subtilis superdormant spore population and investigated the abundance of 11 germination-related proteins. The relative quantities of these proteins in dormant, germinating and superdormant spores suggested that variation in the levels of proteins, other than germinant receptor proteins may result in superdormancy. Specifically, variation in the abundance of the GerD lipoprotein may contribute to heterogeneity of spore germination rates. Spore membrane proteomes of Bacillus anthracis and B. subtilis were characterized to generate a candidate protein list that can be further investigated. Proteins that were not iii previously known to be spore-associated were identified, and many of these proteins shared great similarity in both Bacillus species. A significant number of these proteins are implicated in functions that play major roles in spore formation and germination, such as amino acid or inorganic ion transport and protein fate determination. By analyzing the in vivo and in vitro activity of HtrC, we proved that the protease is responsible for YpeB proteolytic processing at specific sites during germination. However, without HtrC present in the spore, other proteases appear to degrade YpeB at a reduced rate. The activity of purified HtrC in vitro was stimulated by a relatively high concentration of Mn or Ca ions, but the mechanism behind the stimulation is not clear. We also demonstrated that YpeB and SleB, in the absence of their partner protein, were degraded by unknown proteases other than HtrC during spore formation. Identification and characterization of these unknown proteases would be a future direction for revealing the roles of proteases in spore germination.
Hormone replacement therapy and lobular breast carcinoma

We read with interest the article by Gollard et al., who reviewed their experience with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Although we believe the authors did excellent work in their clinicopathologic studies, we would like to point out a major hallmark of MCCs that was not mentioned by the authors. Patients with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma may present with metastasis to the skin even before the primary lesion is detected; thus it is important to distinguish these latter tumors from primary MCC for obvious treatment decisions. Because both entities are indistinguishable based on routine histologic examination, the use of cytokeratin 20 antibodies via immunohistochemical techniques is extremely helpful in establishing the diagnosis of MCC because this marker is extremely sensitive and very specific for the detection of MCC. Therefore, as demonstrated by Chan et al., positivity for cytokeratin 20 in a small cell carcinoma of uncertain origin is a strong predictor of MCC.
The effect of immunization against somatostatin and β-agonist administration alone and in combination on growth and carcass composition in young steers

The effect of active immunization against somatostatin and β-agonist administration alone and in combination on growth, carcass composition and endocrine responses was investigated in young steers given a pelleted diet of dried grass and barley (0·7: 0·3) ad libitum for 16 weeks. Immunization alone increased growth rate by proportionately 0·10 but had no effect on plasma growth hormone (GH) or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations (P > 0·10). Carcass protein content was unchanged but fat content tended to be increased. This was possibly associated with increased (P
Avaliação e seleção de progênies de meios-irmãos de guaranazeiro

This work aimed to study the genetic variability, to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters predict genetic values, establishing genetic correlations between characters and construirum selection index of individuals of guarana (Paullinia cupanavar. Sorbilis) in an experiment conducted in Maues, Amazonas. Thirty eseis progenies were evaluated for 10 morphological characteristics, including resistance to anthracnose disease and witches and fruit production in three consecutive years in experimental design of randomized blocks with two replications and six plants per plot. The variance components, and genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated by the procedure REML / BLUP. There phenotypic and genetic variability among progenies for fruit production, which can be exploited in the breeding program. The genetic gains obtained in this study indicate a larger gain than the clonal selection. The selection of individuals for seed production and composition of the population of improvement should be evaluated for four more years. This work aimed to study the genetic variability, to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters and predicting breeding values of individuals of guarana (Paullinia cupana var. Sorbilis) in an experiment conducted in Maues, Amazonas. Thirty-six families were evaluated for 10 morpho-agronomic characters, including resistance to anthracnose disease and witches and fruit production in three consecutive seasons, an experimental design of randomized blocks with two replications and six plants per plot. The variance components, and genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated by the procedure REML / BLUP. The strategy of selecting progenies involving all morpho-agronomic traits proved to be more efficient in regard to genetic gains of 100% and should be adopted in the breeding program of guarana. Moreover, the selection of individuals to seed production and breeding population composition must be further evaluated for over four years since the present genetic gain, ranging from 1.38% to 2.58% did not allow taking a safe decision.
Protein Synthesis in the Male Accessory Reproductive Glands of Spodoptera litura (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

The male accessory reproductive glands (ARGs) of the tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura begin development on 6th day of the pupal stage. The synthetic activity of the gland begins from the eighth day pupal stage as shown by 3H-leucine incorporation studies. There is a significant increase (2.4-fold) in the specific activity of 3H-leucine incorporation into TCA precipitable proteins in 10 hr old males when compared to newly emerged males (0 hr), and this synthesis is partially blocked (60%) by cycloheximide (5μg/insect) treatment. RésuméLes glandes accessoires de réproduction (ARG) du Spodoptera litura commencent le dével¬oppement en etape de milieu-pupille et les activités synthétiques depuis le huitième jour d’étape pupille comme montré pavles études incorporés de 3H-leucine. Le taux du synthese proteine augmente d’une manière significative dans les mâles quisont émergés nouvellement et le synthèse est blocké par le traîtment cycloheximide.
Use of Sugar-water Feeders to Supplement Energy Availability to Honeyeaters for Experimental Tests

I report observations of honeyeaters at sugarwater feeders conducted over two years in heathland near Sydney. Eight to 14 sugar-water feeders were distributed over a 4 ha patch of heath, and placed away from existing territories to minimise the chance of feeders being monopolised by a few birds. All common species of honeyeaters used feeders. and feeders were used extensively during all months except May-July (when nectar from Banksia ericifolia was abundant) and November-January (when there were few honeyeaters on the heath). Incidence of aggression at feeders was low, and most birds that were excluded could feed as soon as the aggressor finished using the feeder. Feeders were occasionally defended by large honeyeaters (Little Wattlebirds, Noisy Friarbirds and Red Wattlebirds) but these species were relatively uncommon. Feeders were never defended by New Holland or White-cheeked Honeyeaters, which were the most common species and defended breeding territories on the heath. Consequently, the majority of feeders were always freely accessible, so that they provided easy access to energy similar to that provided by rich and abundant nectar sources such as Banksia ericifolia. I conclude that feeders can be used to test whether correlations between nectar abundance and honeyeater abundance, behaviour and breeding are caused by responses to changes in energy availability.
Purification and characterization of trypsin-like enzyme from shrimp Penaeus indicus.

Trypsin-like enzyme in hepatopancreas of shrimp Penaeus indicus was obtained as two fractions (P1 and P2) from shrimp extract by an FPLC system using a Mono Q ion ex-change column. The enzyme in the peak P2 was purified. The enzyme has a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 36, 000, although the enzyme showed a molecular weight of 18, 000 on gel filtration. Isoelectric point was estimated to be below 3.0 by isoelectric focusing. The enzyme showed broad pH optimum (pH 6.5-11.0) and stability (pH 6.0-12.0), and was most active at 45°C. The Km value for the synthetic sub-strate (α-N-benzoyl-1-arginine-p-nitoroanilide) was 294μM. The activity of the enzyme was almost completely inhibited by phenylmethansulfonyl fluoride or trypsin inhibitor (soybean). Propanol was a potent activator for the enzyme, the activity was extremely activated by propanol. The activity was approximately 4 fold at 30°C, and 177 fold at 4°C in the presence of propanol of the concentration of 25%.
Using Scene-Aware Voice Dialogs in Human-Drone Interaction

Progress in robotics research enables drones to be deployed in more and more use cases. However, the user interfaces in particular for high-level mission control (e.g. search and report persons in speci c area) remain complex and unintuitive for the average user. To solve these issues, we propose an interactive dialog system based on the Transformer that is scene-aware and enables intuitive high-level mission control. In particular, an approach with which this system can generate goal-oriented questions that simplify interactive mission clari cation based on scene-understanding is proposed. We demonstrate these capabilities by deploying this system on an autonomous aerial vehicle for a person following task. Experiments using a user simulator con rm that our system is scene-aware. An online user study and end-to-end systems further show that users are able to intuitively interact with the system with a high degree of success without formal training. This lays the groundwork for signi cantly reduced barriers to the deployment of drones in new applications by users without extensive formal training.
What ocean biogeochemical models can tell us about bottom-up control of ecosystem variability

Gnanadesikan, A. , Dunne, J. P., and John, J. 2011. What ocean biogeochemical models can tell us about bottom-up control of ecosystem variability. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1030–1044.Processes included in earth system models amplify the impact of climate variability on phytoplankton biomass and, therefore, on upper trophic levels. Models predict much larger relative interannual variability in large phytoplankton biomass than in total phytoplankton biomass, supporting the goal of better constraining size-structured primary production and biomass from remote sensing. The largest modelled variability in annually averaged large phytoplankton biomass is associated with changes in the areal extent of relatively productive regions. Near the equator, changes in the areal extent of the high-productivity zone are driven by large-scale shifts in nutrient fields, as well as by changes in currents. Along the poleward edge of the Subtropical Gyres, changes in physical mixing dominate. Finally, models indicate that high-latitude interannual variability in large phytoplankton biomass is greatest during spring. Mechanisms for producing such variability differ across biomes with internal ocean processes, such as convection complicating efforts to link ecosystem variability to climate modes defined using sea surface temperature alone. In salinity-stratified subpolar regions, changes in bloom timing driven by salinity can produce correlations between low surface temperatures and high productivity, supporting the potential importance of using coupled atmosphere–ocean reanalyses, rather than simple forced ocean reanalyses, for attributing past ecosystem shifts.
Contrasting responses of small mammals to fire and topographic refugia

Unburnt patches within burnt landscapes are expected to provide an important resource for fauna, potentially acting as a refuge from direct effects of fire and allowing animals to persist in burnt landscapes. Nevertheless, there is little information about the way refugia are used by fauna and how populations may be affected by them. Planned burns are often patchy, with unburnt areas generally associated with gully systems providing a good opportunity to study faunal use of refugia. We used a before-after control-impact design associated with a planned burn in south eastern Australia to investigate how two small mammal species, the bush rat Rattus fuscipes and agile antechinus Antechinus agilis, used unburnt gully systems within a larger burnt area. We tested three alternative hypotheses relating to post-fire abundance: (i) active refugia - abundance would increase in unburnt patches because of a post-fire shift of individuals from burnt to unburnt areas; (ii) passive refugia - abundance in unburnt patches would remain similar to pre-fire levels; and (iii) limited or no refugia - abundance would reduce in unburnt patches related to the change induced by fire in the wider landscape. We found the two species responded differently to the presence of unburnt refugia in the landscape. Relative to controls, fire had little effect on bush rat abundance in gullies, supporting hypothesis 2. In contrast, agile antechinus abundance increased in gullies immediately post-fire consistent with a shift of individuals from burnt parts of the landscape, supporting hypothesis 1. Differences in site fidelity, habitat use and intraspecific competition between these species are suggested as likely factors influencing responses to refugia. The way unburnt patches function as faunal refugia and the subsequent influence they have on post-fire population dynamics, will to some extent depend on the life history attributes of individual species.
ESF Research Networking Programmes

There were two main themes in the work which was carried out during the research visit. On the one hand, we studied versions of the unbounded resurrection axioms, as it was initially intended. On the other hand, and of a significantly different flavour, we introduced new sorts of “real numbers” which we call long reals ; these are complete ordered fields which arise via a natural modification of the well – known construction which produces the standard field R from the set of natural numbers N.
Relationships between local distribution and geographic range of desert heteromyid rodents

The extent to which desert heteromyid rodent species are distributed geographically is negatively correlated with their variability in abundance across sites within local regions. In pairwise comparisons, those species with larger ranges generally had lower coefficients of variation in local density across sites than species with smaller ranges. Computer simulations showed this pattern to be significantly non-random in three of the eight data sets examined (data analyzed from three other studies showed the same pattern at 0.1 < p < 0.2). These results are consistent with the abundance/ distribution theories proposed by Hanski and Brown. The results support a large body of literature suggesting that wide-ranging species may have greater ecological success and more evolutionary inertia than species with more restricted distributions. The results also suggest that the ability of species to occur consistently over space may be only indirectly related to the ability to occur stably over time.
Intellectual Capital Utilization And Intellectual Capital Growth In Improving Current And Future Financial Performance In Asean In The Era Of Asean Economic Community

This paper examines the association between intellectual capital (IC), rate of growth of intellectual capital (ROGIC), and firm financial performance in an emerging market context, which is ASEAN. The effect of Intellectual Capital and the rate of growth of Intellectual capital is tested towards firm financial performance, namely current financial performance and future financial performance. Panel data regression model analysis is used for a sample of manufacturing companies in ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore during 2015-2018. The results showed that intellectual capital and ROGIC has a positive effect on firm financial performance, both current and future performance. This result indicates that intellectual capital can generate higher financial performance for the firms, both in the current period and until the future period. A similar result also found in the relationship between ROGIC which is the rate of growth of IC toward firm financial performance. This result implies that firms should utilize and maintain intellectual capital together with maintaining IC growth (ROGIC) to maintain and preserve its performance in the current and future term.
Bioinformatics prediction and experimental validation of VH antibody fragment interacting with Neisseria meningitidis factor H binding protein

Objective(s): We previously conducted an in silico research on the interactions between the ribosome display-selected single chain variable fragment (scFv) and factor H binding protein (fHbp) of Neisseria meningitidis. We found that heavy chain variable (VH) fragment of this scFv had considerable affinity to fHbp. These results led us to evaluate the ability of this small antibody fragment in binding and detection of fHbp antigen. Materials and Methods: In this study, at first, the three-dimensional structure of VH fragment was simulated by Kotai Antibody Builder web server. By using ClusPro 2.0 web server, the 3D structure of the soluble form of fHbp (PDB: 2KC0) was docked to the modeled VH fragment to extract the structure of the complex’s binding. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was carried out using GROMACS 4.5. 3 package for 65 ns. Secondly, coding sequence of VH fragment was cloned separately and expressed in Escherichia coli. After purification of the VH fragment, its binding activity to fHbp protein was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method. Results: Important amino acids involved in antigen- antibody interaction were identified by analyzing the fHbp-VH complex. The ability of the VH antibody fragment to bind and detect fHbp antigen has been confirmed by the results of in silico analysis, ELISA and SPR methods. Conclusion: These results showed that this small fragment of antibody could be used for designing diagnostic kits.
Tight worst case complexity bounds for initial-value problems with nonadaptive information

It is known that in the worst case setting adaptive information for systems of initial-value problems performs much better than nonadaptive one. In the latter case, lower and upper complexity bounds significantly depend on the number of equations. However, in contrast with adaptive information, existing lower and upper complexity bounds for nonadaptive information are not asymptotically tight. In this paper, we close the gap by showing asymptotically matching bounds for nonadaptive standard information, as well as for a more general class of nonadaptive linear information.