Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reversion reporters in Arabidopsis thaliana to detect all six base substitution pathways

approved: _____________________________________________________________________ John B. Hays Maintaining genome integrity is essential for an organism, as mutation accumulation can lead to cancer, reduced fitness, and heritable diseases in offspring. Therefore the study of mutations, how they are induced, and how they are prevented is vital. Biomonitor systems are useful for understanding the relevant biological effects of a given mutagen, and depending on the system, can even provide information on specific molecular changes induced by the mutagen. Plants are ideal biomonitors, as a sedentary lifestyle allows measurement of mutagens in air, soil, and water, even at low doses. We constructed mutation reporters in Arabidopsis designed to restore βglucuronidase (GUS) activity through one of six base substitution reversions. All six mutant constructs contained inactivating base substitutions in the same codon, which minimized sequence context effects. An AcV5 epitope tag sequence was fused to the 3’ end of GUS to allow detection of the inactive protein and selection of sublines based on levels of GUS protein expression. Initial characterization of these reversion reporters with or without UV-C treatment and exposure to heavy metal ions (Cd and Zn) supports the ability of the lines to measure different mutations. UV-C radiation induced T C and C T reversions, as well as T G and T A to a lesser extent. Heavy-metal-ion-mutation induction was inconsistent, showing variable increases in G T and G C, and no induction of T C reversion. Of key interest is the G T reporter line, as this is the first such reporter in higher eukaryotes. This line showed a large increase in spontaneous mutation as well as potential germinal mutations when compared to the other reporter lines, most likely due to endogenous oxidative damage (i.e. 8-oxoguanine). Further experiments to test the reporter lines with various mutagens as well as ways to improve the ability of the reporters to detect mutation are discussed. ©Copyright by Stephanie R. Bollmann May 21, 2008 All Rights Reserved Reversion Reporters in Arabidopsis thaliana to Detect all Six Base Substitution Pathways by Stephanie R. Bollmann A DISSERTATION submitted to Oregon State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Presented May 21, 2008 Commencement June 2009 Doctor of Philosophy dissertation of Stephanie R. Bollmann presented on May 21, 2008. APPROVED: _____________________________________________________________________ Major Professor, representing Genetics _____________________________________________________________________ Director of the Genetics Program _____________________________________________________________________ Dean of the Graduate School I understand that my dissertation will become part of the permanent collection of Oregon State University libraries. My signature below authorizes release of my dissertation to any reader upon request. _____________________________________________________________________ Stephanie R. Bollmann, Author
Seed yield and yield components of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) genotypes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate seed yield and yield components (stem number per plant, inflorescence number per stem, inflorescence number per plant, flower number per inflorescence, seed number per inflorescence and seed fertility) in individual plants of ten genotypes of red clover grown at low plant density (70 x 40 cm) in order to single out genotypes that have a higher seed yield potential. Significant differences among genotypes were determined for flower number per inflorescence, seed number per inflorescence, flower fertility and seed yield. The results obtained suggest that certain genotypes may be used for further selection work.
Personal and Environmental Correlates of Sexual Experience among Secondary School Students in Dar Es Salaam Region

There are both individual and environmental factors that are believed to be significantly associated with sexual experience among adolescent students. This cross sectional study aimed at exploring them using the ecological systems theory. A random sample of 407 students completed a semi structured survey questionnaire and the data gathered were processed using SPSS 20 and analysed using Chi Square, linear and Logistic regression methods. Results showed that, by their 16 th birthday, 32.4 percent of the surveyed students were sexually experienced. Significant correlates of sexual experience included male gender (OR = 1.867, p = .013), alcohol use (OR = 6.96, p = .001), being in a relationship (OR = 3.492, p = .001), relaxed sexual image (OR = 2.169, p = .005), having ever been seduced by a peer (OR = 4.71, p = .001), teachers’ unethical behaviors (OR = 1.63, p = .041), exposure to explicit media (OR = 1.67, p = .021), having ever received sex education from a parent (OR = 0.47, p = .021). Age at puberty explained a 29.4 percent variation in age at sexual debut; (Adjusted R2 = .294, p = .001). It is concluded that, personal factors correlated more with sexual experience than did environmental factors; it is suggested that, sex education and the monitoring of the whereabouts of student be enhanced by responsible parties.
Book reviews

Financial reporting provides the basis for a serious analysis of a ® rm’s current condition and its future prospects. Financial analysis, in turn, requires many skills. The number and type of analytical skills needed is increasing, since both the content measured by ® nancial statements and the structure of the measurements themselves, are in a state of nearly constant change. This creates a need for increasingly diverse ® nancial analyses. Practitioners need a current guide to help in the assessment process. Among the most recent books assisting people in this task is Revsine, Collins and Johnson [RC&J] (1999). This review describes how Financial Reporting and Analysis is used on two courses: one in Finland, the other in the United States (US). The main purpose is to indicate how this text accommodates various learning strategies, given the diŒerent professional and regulatory contexts which exist in Europe and the US. The organization of this review is: (1) a brief description of the content of the book and its appendices; (2) the uses which the book serves; and (3) some comparisons with alternative and/or supplementary books.
Selection experiments and the study of phenotypic plasticity 1

Abstract Laboratory selection experiments are powerful tools for establishing evolutionary potentials. Such experiments provide two types of information, knowledge about genetic architecture and insight into evolutionary dynamics. They can be roughly classified into two types: (1) artificial selection in which the experimenter selects on a focal trait or trait index, and (2) quasi‐natural selection in which the experimenter establishes a set of environmental conditions and then allows the population to evolve. Both approaches have been used in the study of phenotypic plasticity. Artificial selection experiments have taken various forms including: selection directly on a reaction norm, selection on a trait in multiple environments, and selection on a trait in a single environment. In the latter experiments, evolution of phenotypic plasticity is investigated as a correlated response. Quasi‐natural selection experiments have examined the effects of both spatial and temporal variation. I describe how to carry out such experiments, summarize past efforts, and suggest further avenues of research.
A century of tree line changes in sub‐Arctic Sweden shows local and regional variability and only a minor influence of 20th century climate warming

Aim Models project that climate warming will cause the tree line to move to higher elevations in alpine areas and more northerly latitudes in Arctic environments. We aimed to document changes or stability of the tree line in a sub‐Arctic model area at different temporal and spatial scales, and particularly to clarify the ambiguity that currently exists about tree line dynamics and their causes.
Who cares about organizational justice? How personality moderates the effects of perceived fairness on organizational attachment

The present article tests whether two theoretically relevant individual differences moderate the impact of perceived fairness on organizational attachment among young professionals in a large Dutch multinational firm. Drawing on the relational and control perspectives on organizational justice, we predict that any relationship between perceived fairness and organizational attachment will differ between individuals with varying beliefs in personal control and will be stronger for individuals with high interdependent self-construal (ISC). The findings revealed that almost all positive main effects of perceived fairness on organizational attachment were indeed moderated by either type of personality. As a result, we found support for both the relational as well as the control perspective, depending on the type of attachment considered. “Hard” reciprocation through extrarole behaviour seems to be inspired by the empowering impact of control through fairness. “Soft” reciprocation by affection and staying intentions (cognitions) on the other hand, results from the relational bond that is strengthened by fair treatment.
The concept of genus within the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Parasitiformes): historical review and phylogenetic analyses of the genus Neoseiulus Hughes

Systematic studies on the family Phytoseiidae were first conducted at the beginning of the 20th century but increased greatly after the Second World War. Various classifications have been proposed based on different characters such as: dorsal, ventral, and leg chaetotaxy; the shape of ventrianal and sternal shields; the shape of the insemination apparatus (spermatheca) and spermatodactylus; the number of teeth on the movable digit of chelicera; and dorsal and ventral adenotaxy. The genus concepts developed over the last five decades can be divided into two main categories or hypotheses. The first, supported mainly by Chant and McMurtry, focuses on dorsal and ventral chaetotaxy, and the genera so defined usually include a great number of species. The second category, proposed by Athias-Henriot, considers the shape of the insemination apparatus as the key character, and the genera so defined usually include a limited number of species. From a diagnostic point of view, both classifications have a valid structure, but the question investigated herein was: which of the two classifications or hypotheses fits phylogenetic evolution? To answer this, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses (using the genes ITS and 12S rRNA) on the genus Neoseiulus, which has been subjected to classification based on the two main genus concepts. The results showed that the first hypothesis (Chant and McMurtry) leads to polyphyly of the genus Neoseiulus, while the second (Athias-Henriot) leads to paraphyly of the genus. The results show that acarologists who first decided that the insemination apparatus was of evolutive importance could be correct as the shape of the insemination apparatus seems to better fit evolutive clades than dorsal and ventral chaetotaxy. The morphology of this organ, however, must be more accurately studied to better define homologies. The present paper investigates the two main hypotheses proposed until now for classification of Phytoseiidae and thereby opens the way for improved classification. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 165, 253–273.
Antimicrobial Efficiency of Chitosan Solutions and Coatings Incorporated with Clove Oil and/or Ethylenediaminetetraacetate

Bioactive edible coatings based on chitosan (Ch) were developed by incorporating clove oil (CO) and/or ethylenediaminetetraacetate (E), with the aim of promoting the microbial quality of meat. The antimicrobial mode of Ch-based coatings was also explored in terms of membrane permeability. Results showed that the addition of CO and/or E provoked a significant (P < 0.05) increase in diameter of inhibition zones. In the growth inhibition assay, Ch + CO + E solution exhibited the highest inhibition rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (99.17 and 96.42%, respectively). A pork slice coating test showed that CO and/or E incorporated coatings could moderate the growth of total microbes and maintain acceptable sensory characteristics of pork in 7 days of storage at 4C. The coatings of Ch, Ch + CO and Ch + CO + E improved both lightness and red color stability of pork. Furthermore, four kinds of coating solutions induced the release of intracellular components, indicating the damage of cell membranes. This study suggests the potential utilization of Ch + CO and Ch + CO + E coatings for antimicrobial purposes in refrigerated pork. Practical Applications Increasing demands for food quality and safety have boosted the development of bioactive edible coatings and films to maintain quality attributes of food products in recent years. Edible coatings based on polysaccharides have shown great promise. Microbial growth on the food surface is a principal cause of food spoilage. Hence, the antimicrobial efficiency of edible coatings is of prime importance. In this study, clove oil (CO) and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (E) were incorporated into chitosan (Ch) coating to improve its antimicrobial activity. Results from in vitro and in vivo tests demonstrated that Ch + CO and Ch + CO + E coatings could be utilized as active packaging materials for refrigerated pork.
Diet, Food Intake of Phrynocephalus frontalis (Agamidae) and Its Potential Role in Desert Habitat

We examined the dietary diversity and food intake of Phrynocephalus frontalis, compared the difference of insect diversity in the natural habitats with different lizard densities, and discussed the potential role of this lizard in the desert ecosystem. The results show that:(1) arthropodans of the orders Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Hemiptera were major dietary components of P. frontalis;(2) coleoptera larvae always formed the predominant component of lizard diets;(3) dietary diversities of P. frontalis were not significantly different between summer and autumn or between the two sexes;(4) the similarity in trophic niches between seasons was 0.756, whereas the similarity in trophic niches between sexes was 0.994;(5) stomach content weight of lizards varied significantly among different seasons, but there was no significant difference in stomach content weight between sexes;(6) insect diversity differed significantly among the groups of the habitat with different degrees of lizard density, and the habitat with moderate lizards density had the highest insect diversity. We infer that P. frontalis prey mainly on insects and change their diet and food intake with season; males and females consumed similar preys in types and weights. As an important predator, P. frontalis could affect the insect community in the arid ecosystem of Hunshandak Desert on the Mongolian Plateau.
Export of Planning Knowledge Needs Comparative Analysis: The Case of Applying Western Land Consolidation Experience in Central Europe

Phenomena abroad is receiving increasing attention and exporting planning knowledge meets specific difficulties. This article tries to sustain two claims. First, it claims that advising and comparative research are linked, because the more options are known, the more likely it is that a well-suited strategy can be chosen. The second claim is that comparative analysis can be conducted on a number of levels of increasing complexity. These levels are referred to in this article as exhibiting, valuing, explaining and advising. Furthermore, each higher level analysis can only be applied after going through the former level. This article uses the case of land consolidation as an example.
Feeding and multiplication of three cereal aphid species and their effect on yield of winter wheat

Sitobion avenae F. multiplies at a higher rate on winter wheat than Rhopalosiphum padi L. and Metopolophium dirhodum Wlk. Unlike the other two species S. avenae prefers the ear, where it multiplies twice as quickly as on the flag leaf. Infestation of the ear rather than of the leaves leads to reduction of the average grain weight. These results suggest that S. avenae is the most injurious. In 3 field trials with this aphid fungal growth on honeydew caused about half of the damage. After correction for the fungus effect, the loss in yield caused by S. avenae feeding on the ear did not differ much from that calculated from its energy budget. Therefore, it is concluded that stylet insertion and saliva injection have no important influence on the growth of grains. From results with long living and highly productive crops it seems that honeydew can cause a more serious loss in yield if the crop does not prematurely ripen under the influence of various other yield-reducing factors.
Rainwater harvesting and integrated development of agri-horti-livestock-cumpisciculture in high altitudes for livelihood of Tribal farmers

Participatory rainwater harvesting for promoting integrated development of agri-horti-livestock-cum-pisciculture was implemented during 2004-2008 at high altitude (> 1500m MSL) areas of Mawlangkhar village, West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya in a watershed approach to assess and refine improved package of practices integrating crops, fruits, vegetables, fish and animal production for higher productivity and income. Soil and water conservation measures like construction and renovation of ponds, jalkund- a micro rainwater harvesting structure on hilltops, bench and half moon terraces were developed with the active participation of the local peoples. The quantum of water harvested at one point of time during monsoon season through two ponds in community lands (2.69 million litre water), two ponds in individual farmer’s land (1.2 million litre water) and 15 jalkunds (0.45 million litre) on hill tops estimated to be about 4.3 million litre, was utilized for multiple purposes including irrigation, pisciculture, livestocks and domestic purpose. The cost of water harvesting in community pond was computed at ₹ 12/1000 litre (L) and for jalkund ₹ 82/1000 litre considering the lives of pond and jalkund for at least 20 and 3 years, respectively. Impact analysis revealed that the productivity has gone up by 30–40% in potato and 45-50 % in rice with the introduction of improved package of practices for various crops, availability of irrigation water and integration of different components. Farmers are now able to get about ₹ 2 440/month from community dairy unit and the individual farmer’s income from piggery unit increased substantially which ranged from ₹ 8 465 to 16 654/year. Besides, farmers are earning a substantial income (₹ 10 000/annum from community pond) from composite pisciculuture. Therefore, integrated watershed programme could be considered as a successful model for high altitude areas of North East India and similar other ecosystems for livelihood improvement of resource poor tribal farmers.
Motivating the Engineering Students for Learning English with Gender Difference in an ELP Context

ABSTRACT The paper presents the outcome of the study carried out to establish the engineering students’ ELP, the motivation for learning English and their relationship in terms of gender. The design of the study was in the form of a questionnaire survey and the information gathered in the form of quantitative data. The investigations’ main thrust was on motivation and its three constructs: instrumental motivation, integrated motivation and personal motivation. The major finding revealed the students’ moderate level ELP with a greater orientation towards instrumental motivation for learning English. The next prominent motivation was personal. The integrative motivation, as a part of the culture of its people, did not have a good impact on students of engineering to learn English. However, the students showed a distinct gender difference in ELP and motivational constructs. Finally, the researcher had given certain important implications of the study to tap the students’ motivation for effective learning of English.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic effects of Methanol Extract of Stellaria media (L.) Vill Leaf

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of the methanolic extract of Stellaria media (L.) Vill leaf was studied using albumen-induced paw oedema and formalin-induced paw lick in rats as the anti-inflammatory test models; acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and tail flick tests in mice as the analgesic models. Three groups of five rats or mice each were administered orally with the leaf extract of S. media at 100mg/kg, 300mg/kg or 500mg/kg body weight respectively. A fourth group was administered with Indomethacin (5mg/kg b.w) and distilled water (10mls/kg b.w) for the control group. The extract of S. media dose-dependently, significantly (p<0.05) inhibited egg albumen-induced paw oedema as effectively as Indomethacin. The late phase of the formalin response was also inhibited. The extract at 300mg/kg body weight produced a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of the acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions in mice compared to the control group and mice administered with indomethacin. The analgesic property of the extract was also exhibited in the tail flick test as the extract significantly (p<0.05) increased the tolerance of the mice to pain relative to indomethacin-treated mice. The methanolic extract of S. media showed potent peripherally and centrally mediated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The analgesic effect appears mediated through inhibition of release of histamine, serotonin and kinins, prostaglandin, cyclooxygenase and slow reacting substance Keywords : Medicinal plant, anti-nociceptive, rat, mice
Effect of the mycoflora of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) sclerotia on their viability

Ondřej M. , Cagas B. , Ondrackova E. (2010): Effect of the mycoflora of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) sclerotia on their viability. Plant Protect. Sci., 46: 66-71. Twenty fungal species were isolated from sclerotia of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) originating from rye. In in vitro tests with the anamorphic stage of ergot (known as Sphacelia segetum) high mycoparasitic activity was exhibited only by two of them – Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum, moderate mycoparasitic activity was detected in Ulocladium sp. , Clonostachys catenulata, Trichoderma hamatum, and Trichothecium roseum. In in vitro tests of mycoparasitic activity with sclerotia of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum their rapid and total destruction was brought about only by the fungi Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum. The viability of overwintering ergot sclerotia in the soil was influenced by their placement, age, depth of placement and treatment with a conidial suspension of the fungus Clonostachys rosea. The highest viability values were reported in fresh one-year-old sclerotia. In two-year-old sclerotia their viability was reduced and their sensitivity to microbial activity was higher. The sclerotia aged 3 years or more did not germinate and were all microbiologically degraded in the soil. More than 80% of degradation of sclerotia which were 1 to 2 years old was caused by the fungus Clonostachys rosea. The degradation of sclerotia aged 3 to 4 years was brought about by bacteria, soil edafauna (mites, nematodes) and fungi of the genera Trichoderma, Fusarium, Clonostachys, etc.