Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tissue localization of u.v.-B-screening pigments and of chalcone synthase mRNA in needles of Scots pine seedlings

summary Epidermal tissue was isolated from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles by enzymatic digestion in order to study tissue distribution of u-V. -B-screening pigments. Up to 90% of the needle content of a group of diacylated flavonol glycosides that were structurally closely related was found in the epidermal layer. Among these metabolites, 3″,6″-di-paia-coumaroyl-isoquertitrin and 3″,6″-di-para-di-coumaroyal-astragalin were the main u.v. -B-induced compounds in cotyledons and primary needles, respectively. However, catechin and astragalin (kaempferol 3-glucoside), two non-acvlated flavonoid metabolites, were only observed in total needle extracts, and at levels independent of u.v. -B treatment. According to this metabolite distribution, the mRNA of chalcone synthase, the key enzyme to flavonoid, was found in epidermal and mesophyll as well as vascular tissues. The major alkali-extractable wall-bound phenolic metabolites, astragalin, 4-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid, a minor component of the cell wall, were also found exclusively in the epidermal layer. These compounds were not stimulated by u.v. -B irradiation within the experimental period. Staining of needle cross sections and epidermal layer preparations with Naturstoffreagenz A confirmed the specific localization of wall-bound astragalin in the outer wall of the epidermal layer. Model calculations of u.v. -B absorptions at 300 nm of soluble and cell-wall-bound metabolites of the epidermal layer revealed an almost complete shielding of the mesophyll tissue From u.v. -B radiation.
Growth of Young Spruce Plantations in Interior British Columbia

Ninety young plantations of Interior Spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss or Picea engelmannii Parry or a natural hybrid of these species) in the Cariboo Forest Region, British Columbia were assessed for growth performance. Total and internode heights of 20 to 40 undamaged planted seedlings were measured in each plantation using 50 m2 plots to select sample seedlings.There were few striking differences in performance between stock types, site treatment types, season of planting, competing vegetation classes and ecological subzones. Good performance was found in part of the Sub-Boreal Spruce subzone, and poor performance was associated with either wet sites or dry sites. The performance of individual plants was highly variable and this could reduce potential plantation yields. Almost all plantations suffered a two year period of slow growth after planting. The one year old plug stock from styroblock containers grew more rapidly in the first year than bareroot stock types thus recovering from an initial size .
Classification, Substrate Specificity and Application of α-Galactosidases

Galactose is found in many oligosaccharides, galactomannans, glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are widely distributed in plants microorganisms and animals. α-Galactosidase (α-Gal) catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1,6-linked α-galactosyl residues and transgalactosylation. α-Gals are classified into four glycoside hydrolases families (GH): 4, 27, 36 and 57. The majority of known α-Gals belongs to GH families 27 and 36. α-Gals are of particular interest in view of their biotechnological applications.
Survival of the postharvest biocontrol yeast Candida sake CPA-1 after dehydration by spray-drying

Abstract Spray drying was evaluated as a dehydrating method to preserve the postharvest biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA-1. The effect of drying temperature, carrier, growth and rehydrating medium on the survival of the yeast was studied. Outlet temperature had more influence on the death of the cells than inlet temperature, and survival decreased with increasing temperature. Spray drying at an inlet temperature of 150°C was optimum in terms of viability, powder recovery and moisture content of the product. Use of 10% (v/v) skimmed milk as a carrier gave the highest survival and percentage of powder recovery (34–47%). Rich rehydration media were found to be better than water or phosphate buffer, with slight differences on survival. Spray-dried cells were less effective than fresh ones in controlling Penicillium expansum rot on apples. Spray drying of C. sake was not a good dehydration method as it gave low cell survival, poor recovery of product, and low efficacy.
How to solve a linear system of equations using a quantum computer

This seminar report gives a short summary on the capababilty of quantum computers to solve linear systems of equations. An introduction in quantum computing will be given before discussing the building blocks of the HHL algorithm proposed by Harrow, Hassadim and Lloyd in 2009. At last, it will be discussed on a 4x4 system, and a outlook on advanced topics like the error analysis on it will be provided.
US women in thoracic surgery: reflections on the past and opportunities for the future

Herein, we examine the state of women in thoracic surgery from the United States (US) perspective in terms of our past, present, and opportunities for the future. We explore the achievements of the first three women certified in thoracic surgery in 1961 and describe the progress made resulting in the current state. Women constitute slightly more than 50% of all medical students in the US, yet women remain underrepresented in thoracic surgery. The disparity is most notable for female representation in senior academic leadership positions, reflecting stagnation in progress. The lack of gender equity has important implications for projected workforce shortages and patient safety in cardiothoracic surgery. Recent organized efforts in scholarships and leadership training, as well as increasing awareness and mentorship, may herald progress on the horizon. Ultimately, however, engagement of leadership and top-down change are needed to achieve equity and, thereby, to improve patient health and satisfaction.
The Impact of Renminbi Appreciation on the World Rice Market

The World Rice Model (WRCM) was developed based on partial equilibrium approach in this paper. An impact of Renminbi (RMB or Chinese Yuan) appreciation scenarios on the world rice market was projected to 2020 by WRCM. The result indicates that RMB appreciation in the short term will lead to a dramatic change in the international rice price index. When RMB appreciation rate is greater than 4%, the international rice price index will continue to rise, and when it is greater than 8%, China will become the largest rice importer in the world.
Strategic use of sheep coats can improve your economic return

Merino wethers from a mixed bloodline flock in western New South Wales were coated for varying periods of time after shearing between August 1999 and August 2000. The coated and a similar number of uncoated control wethers from each of nine bloodlines (three fine and six superfine) were grazed together as part of a larger mob. Dyebands were placed in the fleeces of each wether before fitting of the coats and were removed before shearing when a midside sample was taken and several subjective assessments and objective measurements were made of each fleece. It was concluded that coating sheep for 6 months after shearing is as effective in improving the quality of the Merino fleece as coating for the entire 12 month period between annual shearings. Strategic coating of sheep after shearing is a viable option for wool producers to both reduce some of the management implications of coating and extend the useful life of sheep coats. Importantly, the magnitude of the net financial gain will vary according to the prevailing micron premium and premiums and discounts applied to style and vegetable matter. A software tool is described that allows producers to identify the potential financial gain in any market scenario.
The CK2 Phosphorylation of Vitronectin

Phosphorylation of vitronectin (Vn) by casein kinase II was previously shown to occur at Thr50 and Thr57 and to augment a major physiological function of vitronectin-cell adhesion and spreading. Here we show that this phosphorylation increases cell adhesion via the αvβ3 (not via the αvβ5 integrin), suggesting that αvβ3 differs from αvβ5 in its biorecognition profile. Although both the phospho (CK2-PVn) and non-phospho (Vn) analogs of vitronectin (simulated by mutants Vn(T50E,T57E), and Vn(T50A,T57A), respectively) trigger the αvβ3 as well as the αvβ5 integrins, and equally activate the ERK pathway, these two forms are different in their activation of the focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB) pathway. Specifically, we show (i) that, upon exposure of cells to Vn/CK2-PVn, their PKB activation depends on the availability of the αvβ3 integrin on their surface; (ii) that upon adhesion of the β3-transfected cells onto the CK2-PVn, the extent of PKB activation coincides with the enhanced adhesion of these cells, and (iii) that both the PKB activation and the elevation in the adhesion of these cells is PI3K-dependent. The occurrence of a cell surface receptor that specifically distinguishes between a phosphorylated and a non-phosphorylated analog of Vn, together with the fact that it preferentially activates a distinct intra-cellular signaling pathway, suggest that extra-cellular CK2 phosphorylation may play an important role in the regulation of cell adhesion and migration.
echobo : Audience Participation Using The Mobile Music Instrument

This work aims to create a musical performance for large-scale audience participation using mobile phones as musical instruments. Utilizing ubiquitous smartphones, we attempted to facilitate audience engagement with networked phones as musical instruments. Drawing lessons learnt from previous works of mobile music, audience participation practices, and networked instrument design, we developed echobo . Audience members download the app, play the instrument instantly, interact with other audience members, and contribute to the music via sound generated on their mobile phones. Surveys of participants indicated that it was easy to play and that participants felt connected to the music and other musicians.
Saccharomyces uvarum yeast isolate consumes acetic acid during fermentation of high sugar juice and juice with high starting volatile acidity

Aim: A Saccharomyces uvarum isolate was assessed for its ability to metabolize acetic acid present in juice and during the fermentation of partially dehydrated grapes. The impact on other yeast metabolites was also compared using an S. uvarum isolate and an S. cerevisiae wine yeast. The upper limit of fruit concentration that allowed the S. uvarum isolate to ferment wines to < 5 g/L residual sugar was defined. Methods and results: Cabernet franc grapes were partially dehydrated to three different post-harvest sugar targets (24.5 °Brix, 26.0 °Brix, and 27.5 °Brix) along with non-dehydrated grapes (21.5 °Brix control). Musts from all treatments were vinified with either the S. uvarum isolate CN1, formerly identified as S. bayanus, or S. cerevisiae EC1118. All wines were successfully vinified to less than 5 g/L residual sugar. Fermentation kinetics between the two yeasts were similar for all wines other than 27.5 °Brix, where CN1 took three days longer. During fermentation with CN1, acetic acid peaked on day two, then decreased in concentration, resulting in final wine acetic acid lower than that measured on day two. Wines fermented with EC1118 showed an increase in acetic acid over the time-course of fermentation. Significantly lower wine oxidative compounds (acetic acid, acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate) and higher glycerol resulted in wine produced with CN1 in comparison to EC1118. Both yeasts produced comparable ethanol at each Brix level tested. Further studies showed that CN1 lowered acetic acid seven-fold from 0.48 g/L in juice to 0.07 g/L in wine whereas EC1118 reduced acetic acid to 0.18 g/L. Conclusions: The autochthonous S. uvarum yeast isolate successfully fermented partially dehydrated grapes to < 5 g/L sugar up to 27.5 oBrix. The consumption rate of acetic acid was faster than its production during fermentation, resulting in low acetic acid, acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate in wine in comparison to a commercial S. cerevisiae yeast while consistently producing higher glycerol. Significance and impact of the study: The S. uvarum yeast isolate can metabolize acetic acid during fermentation to significantly lower acetic acid, ethyl acetate and acetaldehyde in wine. It can also reduce acetic acid by seven-fold from the starting juice to the finished wine, which could have potential application for managing sour rot arising in the vineyard or during the dehydration process in making appassimento-style wines.
Phytoplankton dynamics in a coastal jet frontal region

We studied the physiological status and turbulent transport of phytoplankton across the quasi-permanent 150 km long estuarine front separating the Gaspe current from the Anticosti gyre (NW Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada). In early June, chl a concentrations reached 35 pg 1-' in the current, but remained < 1 pg 1-' in the gyre. At that time of maximum river runoff and horizontal shear stress, the phytoplankton biomass developing in the current was rapidly transported across the front by turbulent mixing. The strong correlation between chl a and salinity (r = -0.96) lndcated that the rate of crossfrontal dilution far exceeded the rate of phytoplankton production. The N : C and C . ch l a ratios increased and decreased, respectively, with cross-frontal mixlng as nutrient-deficient cells from the Gaspe current experienced higher nutrient concentrations and a deepening of the mixed layer in the front. As freshwater runoff and frontal mixing decreased in summer, phytoplankton biomass accumulated in the density front and at the base of the jet current, where low advection and sufficient light and nutrient conditions prevailed. Sporadic upwelling along the front contributed an estimated 5 and 9 O/O of the total seaward flux of nitrate and silicate, respectively. Thus, nutrients from the drainage basin of the St. Lawrence, rather than the frontal upwelling of deep water, would b e responsible for the bulk of the inorganic nutrient flux from the NW Gulf of St. Lawrence to the southern Gulf and the Scotian Shelf.
Production of Conversational Implicatures by Students of the ELT Department

Bu calismada Ingilizce Ogretmenligi bolumune devam eden ogrencilerinin Ingilizce dilinde sezdirileri uretme becerileri arastirilmistir. Calismaya, bolume birinci, ikinci ve ucuncu sinifta devam eden 88 ogrenci katilmistir. Calismaya katilim gonulluluk esasina dayanmaktaidi. Katilimcilara 12 durum iceren sezdiri uretme olcegi verilmistir. Bu durumlar, sikayet bildirme, istek bildirme, kizginlik bildirme, elestirme gibi konular icermektedir. Katilimcilara bu ifadeleri direk olarak degil, sezdiri yolu ile nasil ifade edebilecekleri soruldu. Veriler toplandiktan sonra her bir katilimcidan alinan olcek notlandi ve her bir katilimci icin toplan olcek puani cikarilmistir. Veri SPSS programi araciligi ile yas, cinsiyet ve bolume devem ettigi yil gibi faktorler acisindan incelendi. Bulgular katilimcilarin sezdiri anlama becerilerinin genel olarak orta duzeyde oldugunu gosterdi. Kadinlar sezdirileri genel olarak daha iyi ifade ederken, erkekler daha cok direk ifadeler kullandilar. Bu sonuc sezdiri uretme becerisi ile ilgili bir gosterge olabilecegi gibi, cinsiyete dayali tercihlerin de bir sonucu olabilir. Yas gruplari karsilastirildiginda, yasi buyuk olanlarin kucuk olanlara gore daha basarili oldugu goruldu. Yas gruplari ile ilgili sonuc dil ogrenmek icin harcanan surenin onem arz ettigini gostermektedir. Bolume devam eden birinci, ikinci ve ucuncu siniflar karsilastirildiginda ise, ikinci siniflarin bir ve ucuncu siniflara gore daha a sezdiri kullandigi goruldu. Bunun en temel sebebi bu grupta sezdirileri cok kullananlar ile cok az kullananlar arasindaki buyuk farkti. Sezdiri uretme becerisi, dilin sadece sozluk anlami ile degil ikincil anlamlari ile veya kulturel anlamlari ile kullanilabilecegine iliskin farkindalik sonucu gelisir. Bu calismadan cikan sonuclar Ingilizce ogrencilerine ve ogretmen adaylarina bu ve buna benzer konularla ile farkindalik kazanmalarini saglamak uzere yardimci olunmasi gerektigini gostermektedir.
Transformative Learning Theory through the Incorporation of Edublogs: The Experiences of Prospective Teachers Edublogların Katılımıyla Dönüştürücü Öğrenme Kuramı: Öğretmen Adaylarının Deneyimleri

This article investigates the effects of teacher education, conducted through transformative learning theory, on prospective teachers’ professional beliefs. This study is also aimed at identifying the transformations in their perspectives regarding the teaching profession. The participant prospective teachers took part in various projects using transformative pedagogy supported by Edublogs. The courses were implemented in both faceto-face activities in classroom settings and the Edublogs environment as a form of blended learning. A blended method was preferred, in which 38 prospective teachers participated. The findings obtained after the 12-week application indicated that transformative activities had a positive effect on the prospective teachers’ professional beliefs. Consequently, a positive transformation in their professional perspectives was observed.
Log colonization by Ips sexdentatus prevented by increasing host unsuitability signaled by verbenone

Sudden increments of breeding material after windstorms, forest fires, or inappropriate management practices help bark beetles such as Ips sexdentatus Boerner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) increase in numbers and colonize standing healthy pine trees. Preventing bark beetles from arriving to susceptible trees or logs may have great relevance for bark beetle management. Recent studies have reported inhibition of the aggregation response of I. sexdentatus using verbenone. Two field experiments were conducted to examine the effect of verbenone on the colonization pattern of this beetle. The first experiment tested the combined effect of trans‐conophthorin, a non‐host bark volatile with known repellent effect, and verbenone on Pinus sylvestris L. (Pinaceae) log piles of two sizes, but failed to protect them against I. sexdentatus attack when these two infochemicals were released at low rates. The results of this experiment suggested an interaction with the associated secondary bark beetle Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston). A second experiment examined the response of I. sexdentatus and O. erosus to log piles that released verbenone at 0, 2, 10, or 40 mg day−1. Although I. sexdentatus colonization of Pinus nigra Arnold logs was completely prevented at 40 mg day−1, O. erosus could be found at all tested verbenone release rates. Besides verbenone, O. erosus colonization density and the height from which logs originated were the variables that best explained I. sexdentatus log colonization pattern. In addition, I. sexdentatus and O. erosus were rarely recorded colonizing the same log, and niche breadth analyses suggested that they excluded each other. The role of verbenone in the colonization process and its potential use in the prevention of population buildups of damaging bark beetles such as I. sexdentatus are discussed.
Movement of Plasmodiophora brassicae resting spores in windblown dust

Abstract Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor.) of canola (Brassica napus L.) was first detected in Alberta, Canada, near Edmonton in 2003. Since that time it has become a severe problem in canola production, spreading throughout central Alberta, with isolated cases of the disease also identified in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Clubroot is believed to be spreading mostly via the movement of P. brassicae-infested soil on farm machinery. This study examined the potential for the spread of the pathogen in windblown dust from infested fields. Dust samplers were placed at four locations, three in central Alberta and one in southern Alberta, in 2011 and 2012. Soil particles in suspension and moving through saltation were collected in samplers at heights ranging from 0 to 1 m. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the collected soil samples and subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR analysis for the detection and quantification of P. brassicae in the samples. The DNA of P. brassicae was detected in samplers at all locations in both years. There was no clear association between sampling height and the frequency of samples testing positive for the presence of P. brassicae DNA, or between sampling height and the amount of P. brassicae DNA. The results indicate that P. brassicae resting spores can be carried by wind-borne dust and that wind-mediated dispersal likely contributes to spread of this pathogen.
Evaluation of the efficacy of the sequential elution technique, by use of electron microscopy methods

Abstract In the present study, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) was used in conjunction with the sequential elution technique (SET) to evaluate the efficacy of extraction of Zn from the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum (Hedw.) M. Fleisch. Moss samples were collected from two areas, a contaminated area (with high concentrations of Zn) in the surroundings of a steel works, and an uncontaminated area. Some samples from the uncontaminated area were used as controls, and others were incubated in a solution of ZnCl2 for subsequent analysis of uptake and location of Zn. The concentrations of Zn in the different cell compartments of the moss were determined by use of the SET, and different points on the surface of the moss and in deposited particles were analysed by SEM–EDS. The results showed that the extracellular fraction obtained by SET includes the Zn bound to cation exchange sites in the moss and Zn bound to particles on the moss surface, which leads to overestimation of extracellular Zn. After extracellular extraction, Zn was not detected on the surface of the moss or in the particles. To avoid problems associated with the presence of particles on the moss surface, a washing procedure should be used to remove such particles before application of the SET. Another possibility is to use the intracellular concentration, as this is not affected by the metal load in the particles and better reflects those contaminants that affect the moss metabolism.
Flower Constancy: Definition, Cause, and Measurement

A pollinator that restricts its visits to one flower type, even when other rewarding types are accessible, can be said to exhibit flower constancy. This usage distinguishes constancy from fixed preference or labile preference for the most rewarding flower type; I discuss a quantitative constancy index that is insensitive to preference changes. Because a constant visitor avoids flowers with acceptable rewards, the behavior is inefficient unless there are constraints such as an inability to learn quickly or to remember simultaneously how to deal with many flower types. If such constraints are the basis for constancy, it should be most pronounced when flowers in a mixture differ strongly in morphology or color. I observed bees foraging in outdoor flower arrays and found that constancy always increased with increasing differences among flower types; similar results can be gleaned from one other study. The available experimental evidence thus suggests that constancy reflects behavioral constraints.