Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On contractile force developed by the Spasmoneme, a biological spring of a peritrich ciliate Vorticella convallaria

Vorticella convallaria, a sessile ciliated protozoan, has an about 100 μm long stalk that retracts the zooid toward a substrate in a few milliseconds generating the contractile force in the order of 10 nN. The spasmoneme, the contractile organelle inside the stalk, is a mechanochemical engine employing calcium ions as the energy source. In this thesis, I evaluate the lower and upper bounds of the contraction force of the Vorticella stalk and analyze the contraction dynamics and energetics. The lower limit is the peak contraction force in normal contraction, and Stokes’ law was used with the contraction force equated to the drag force on the spherically shrunken zooid. However, contraction-induced water flow does not satisfy approximations for Stokes’ law because the Stokes number and Reynolds number greater than unity show that the induced flow is not only transient but also non-creeping and because the visualized flow shows that it is limited by the substrate. Instead of Stokes’ law, I employ computational fluid dynamic simulations and propose a contraction force estimation model. Simulation-based estimates reveal that the combined effect of the unsteadiness, finite Reynolds numbers and the substrate comprises 35% of the total force and that the work done in the early phase of contraction and the maximum power output are similar regardless of the medium viscosity. To measure the upper limit, the isometric force of the spasmoneme, I apply viscous fluid flow to Vorticella with a microfluidic channel. As the drag force increases, the cell contracts over shorter distance with lower speed, and latency between the zooid and stalk contraction increases whereas contraction propagation is not affected. The spasmoneme develops the contraction force at a rate of 40∼50 nN/msec. The isometric force, in the order of 100 nN, linearly depends on the stalk length, and this linear dependence (2.5 nN/1 μm of the spasmoneme) enables estimating contractile force per filament of the spasmoneme. In terms of energetics, Vorticella in flow behaves differently than it does in stagnant media: the total work is constant regardless of the stall force whereas the maximum power output decreases as the stall force increases.
Influence of plant age on infection and symptomatological studies on urd bean leaf crinkle virus in urd bean (vigna mungo)

Studies were conducted to identify the susceptible stage and symptomatology of urd bean leaf crinkle virus (ULCV) on urd bean. The incubation period was short and symtoms developed on second trifoliate leaf stage onwards when the plants were inculated at younger stage as compared to older plants. In the infected plants the increase in leaf size was evident from third trifoliate leaf stage onwards. Reduction in rachis length of terminal leaflet of infected trifoliate and thickening of stem and petiole were evident in infeceted plant. The size of stipules increased prior to the symptom development in lamina in all the infected plants These symptoms are of great use in eliminating infected plants in the early stages for effective management of the disease.
Heterogeneous Beliefs and Momentum Profits

Abstract Recent theoretical models derive return continuation in a setting where investors have heterogeneous beliefs or receive heterogeneous information. This paper tests the link between heterogeneity of beliefs and return continuation in the cross-section of U.S. stock returns. Heterogeneity of beliefs about a firm’s fundamentals is measured by the dispersion in analyst forecasts of earnings. The results show that momentum profits are significantly larger for portfolios characterized by higher heterogeneity of beliefs. Predictive cross-sectional regressions show that heterogeneity of beliefs has a positive effect on return continuation after controlling for a stock’s visibility, the speed of information diffusion, uncertainty about fundamentals, information precision, and volatility. The results in this paper are robust to the potential presence of short-sale constraints and are not explained by arbitrage risk.
Effect of 60Co Gamma Rays on Dutch Iris

In a field experiment, uniform sized bulbs of Dutch iris (Iris hollandica ev. Prof. Blaauw) were irradiated at 0, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 rad of gamma rays and vM2 generation was raised from the progeny of vM1 bulbs. Data for statistical analysis were recorded only on bulbs ranging in size from 1.6 to 2.20 cm. Plant height, leaf number and size, spike length, size of fall and standard petals, floret number, bulb size and weight recorded significant reduction whereas effect was nonsignificant for bulb sprout (%), plant survival (%), floret emergence, floret duration and daughter bulb number. Colour mutations and leaf variegations which appeared in vM2, persisted in vM3 generation.
Evaluation of yielding of pea mixtures with spring wheat grown for seed on good soils.

Increasing the percentage of pea seeds from 40 to 80% had only a little impact on the yield of mixtures. Significantly larger yields were recorded only in 2012 with Tarchalska variety pea, when the percentage of pea amounted to 60%. Average yields of mixtures seeds with a semi-leafless variety Tarchalska and Wiato variety with bipinnate leaves were very similar. The percentage of pea seeds in the yield of mixtures (regardless of the foliage type) were much smaller than in the weight of the sown seeds. The seeds of pea of Wiato variety had a larger percentage in the mixtures yield compared to the seeds of pea variety Tarchalska. Increasing the pea percentage in the mixture resulted in an increase in the number of nodes with pods per plant and in the thousand seeds weight in both evaluated varieties, while with Tarchalska variety, it resulted in significant decrease in the weight and number of seeds per plant. Small changes in the height of pea plant as well as in the length of the fruiting part of steam, dry weight of the stem per plant and the weight of siliques were observed.
Early antibody, cytokine and chemokine responses during Echinococcus granulosus infection in Kazakh sheep with cystic echinococcosis resistance haplotype.

Received: Revised: Accepted: April 19, 2012 September 22, 2012 November 18, 2012 Our previous study showed that the haplotype of MHC MvaIbc-SacIIab-Hin1Iab, was associated with cystic echinococcosis (CE) resistance in Kazakh sheep. The present study described here was designed to analyze the system immune response in the very early stage of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) infection in sheep with CE resistant haplotype. Fourteen healthy Kazakh sheep were divided into two groups: seven sheep with CE resistant haplotype referred to group A, while the others without this haplotype constituted group B. These sheep were all experimentally infected with E. granulosus eggs. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (prior to infection), hours 2, 3, 4, and 9 post-infection as well as days 1, 2, 3, and 7 post-infection, respectively. ELISA assay was used to measure serum levels of antibodies (IgE and IgM), cytokines (Th1:TNF-α and IFN-γ; Th2: IL-4 and IL10) and chemokines (Th1:CXCL-9; Th2: CCL17) at different time points of E. granulosus infection in the two groups. Results showed that, in the early stage of E. granulosus infection, antibodies like IgM and IgE, Th1 cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, as well as Th1 chemokines CXCL-9 were predominant in group A, especially for IgE and Th1 cytokines, which were significantly higher, most were at or began from 4h post-infection, as compared with group B. Our findings revealed that the influence of the host’s genetic background on the immunopathology of E. granulosus infection in the early stage could be partially mediated by Th1-type cytokines and IgE. ©2012 PVJ. All rights reserved
Can a Mouse Be Standardized?

ANIMAL MODELSOXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM --With new generations of mutant mice on the horizon, some researchers question the meaningfulness of standard behavioral tests and the wisdom of minimizing the mouse environment. There's accumulating evidence that the typical living conditions of lab mice might induce odd behaviors, from the subtle to the profound, that might obscure genetically based differences. The result: The same experiment can have different outcomes in different labs.
Estabelecimento de mata ciliar às margens do reservatório da Usina Hidrelétrica de Camargos, MG.

The object of this survey was to analyze the growth and vigor of arboreal and shrub species planted in a reservoir shore of the Camargos Hydroeletric Plant, in the state of Minas Gerais, and to verify the processes of natural regeneration in function of the reservoir distance and along the planted area. At 150 months, in the arboreal species inventory, all the planted and the natural regenerations with diameter at breast height ³ 5 cm were measured. Grades (1.0 to 5.0) were attributed for the evaluation of the tree vigor. For the natural regeneration survey, four transects were demarcated and three 1 x 15 m plots were established in each transect, following the slope. Results showed that some of the pioneer species displayed senescence signs after 13 years of planting. In the natural regeneration, 55 species of 27 families were identified. Species of the Asteraceae family predominated in the more disturbed areas, because they are adapted to these conditions. There was predominance in zoochoric dispersion among the regenerating species. The greater regeneration density was found near the reservoir, whereas the bigger diversity and average height were found in the opposite side of the planted area.
Amplification of TruSeq ancient DNA libraries with AccuPrime Pfx: consequences on nucleotide misincorporation and methylation patterns

Abstract Recent developments in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies have enabled the reconstruction of complete genome sequence and nucleosome and methylation maps from ancient individuals. A diversity of degradation reactions affect DNA molecules after an organism dies, introducing specific nucleotide misincorporation patterns in HTS data that are typically exploited to distinguish modern contaminants and authentic DNA templates. In this study, we used two different DNA polymerases to amplify Illumina TruSeq DNA libraries built on DNA extracts from ancient equines. The AmpliTaq Gold, widely used in ancient DNA studies, generated amplified libraries showing typical misincorporation patterns. Such patterns were partially lost following AccuPrime Pfx amplification, for which a two-fold reduction of endogenous content was also observed. This is explained by the inability of the AccuPrime Pfx to bypass uracils, which represent the most common post-mortem base modification and derive from the post-mortem deamination of cytosines. Our study, therefore, reveals that amplification of TruSeq DNA libraries with AccuPrime Pfx increases the cost of whole-genome sequencing for samples showing substantial levels of DNA degradation and creates atypical nucleotide misincorporation patterns for data authentication. The method can, however, be exploited to identify ancient methylation marks, and potentially, nucleosome occupancy maps. Statement of significance After an organism dies, DNA molecules are subjected to degradation resulting in fragmentation and bases modifications. After high- throughput sequencing (HTS), it is possible to detect the molecular signature of these damages, demonstrating that the data generated is authentic. DNA extracts from fossil remains indeed contain, besides endogenous ancient molecules, a variety of modern contaminants, but only the former generally exhibits molecular signatures typical of post-mortem damage. Our study reveals that these signatures depend on the protocol used for amplifying DNA samples. It thus helps defining better guidelines for authenticating ancient HTS data. Our results also reveal one molecular approach that limits our ability to exploit the whole complexity of ancient DNA molecules preserved in fossil specimens but can help track ancient methylation marks. Data availability The authors confirm that all data underlying the findings are fully available without restriction. All relevant data are contained within the paper.
The mannose receptor in macrophage biology

The Mannose receptor (MR) is a type I membrane molecule involved in both haemostasis and pathogen recognition. Its extracellular domains have broad ligand specificities: the cysteine-rich (CR) domain is involved in sulphated sugar binding, the C-type lectin-like domains (CTLDs) are responsible for the detection of sugars terminated in mannose, fucose or N-acetylglucosamine, and the fibronectin-type II (FNII) domain mediates collagen binding. Its recently discovered collagen binding ability raised the question of MR facilitating cellular adhesion which would then influence its function as an endocytic receptor in collagen-rich mammalian tissues. For this purpose, the level of MR-mediated endocytosis, and MR expression was analyzed by using bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BM-MΦ) plated on extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including fibronectin (not a MR ligand), collagen type I or IV (MR-ligands). The results showed no difference in the level of MR-mediated endocytosis and MR expression at both mRNA and protein levels upon MΦ adhesion to collagen. This suggests that MR interaction with collagen may simply be crucial for tissue remodelling and wound healing, rather than adhesion. MR is also expressed in a soluble form (sMR) which is comprised of the extracellular region of intact cell-associated MR (cMR). Even though its precise role is not yet clear, enhanced sMR production was previously shown to help Pneumocystis carinii to evade M phagocytosis by forming a protective coat around the organism. In this work, the mechanism responsible for the fungi-induced MR-shedding was studied by treating MΦ with fungal particles in the presence and the absence of a wide-range of inhibitors. After treatment in serum-free conditions, the cell lysate and cell culture supernatants were analyzed by western blot, for cMR and sMR expression respectively. It was shown that fungi species other than P. carinii can also trigger sMR production, and that this effect mainly takes place through -glucan recognition. Using bio-active particulate -glucan, it was also demonstrated that MR cleavage upon -glucan recognition requires dectin-1-mediated signalling involving Syk, PI3K, and, partially, Raf-1 and that is mediated by a non-secreted metalloproteinase. Dectin-1-mediated MR-shedding may partially explain the contradictive data on the involvement of cMR in the development of immunity against fungi, as well as other pathogens recognised by dectin-1. The ability of pathogens to evade or activate the immune response may depend on the balance between sMR and cMR expression levels.
Genetic analysis of dystocia in Holstein cattle of Iran by threshold and linear models.

Dystocia, a prolonged difficult parturition, is one of the most important economical traits. Although it is referred to as a secondary trait, it is preferred to use the term “Functional traits” instead of secondary trait which can be defined as traits that influence production efficiency not by increasing output, rather by decreasing production costs (Pederson, 1997). The producer is likely to face economic losses when a cow experiences calving difficulty because of possible losses in milk, fat and protein yields in the subsequent lactation, fertility, death of calves and cows and increased veterinary costs (Dematawewa
Fruit Culture: Its Science and Art

Offers a clear, detailed treatment of the principles of fruit growing from the standpoint of whole-tree physiology. This unique text supports all observations with analytical data and demonstrates them through extensive illustrations and color plates. Points out variations of several commonly stated horticultural phenomena (e.g., those species which take more than 50 days to bloom, those in which flower differentiation does not take place in the summer, etc.). After an examination of the ontogeny and morphology of buds, shoots, roots, flowers, and fruits, it covers current pomology practices and describes the features and horticultural requirements of numerous species that are grown in the temperate fruit-growing areas around the world. Also includes interesting information on the origins and history of various species.
Technology Use in Early Childhood Education

This paper provides a review of the literature from 2009 to 2014 on student use of technology in early childhood education. Previous efforts to synthesize the literature are somewhat dated, non-specific about age range, and focus almost exclusively on literacy. Thirty peer-reviewed articles from 11 countries, selected from a comprehensive search of the literature, were organized under five main categories: literacy, engagement, social interactions, mathematics, and miscellaneous topics. The overall effect size, based on only 12 studies and 33 measures was moderately high (d= 0.71, SD=0.60). Considerable qualitative and quantitative evidence indicated that technology had a significant impact on literacy development. Fewer studies, mostly qualitative in design and small in sample size, reported that technology had a positive impact on engagement, social interactions, and mathematics skills. A handful of studies provided qualitative evidence that technology had a positive impact on sequencing, visual perception, creative thinking, and fine motor capability. Methodological concerns included limited sample sizes and descriptions, not documenting the consistency and accuracy data of collection tools, the extent of adult intervention, and the limited range of technology tools used.
Effect of pruning and plant spacing on the growth of cherry rootstocks and their influence on stem water potential of sweet cherry trees

Summary The aims of this work are to describe the effects of pruning and planting density on growth and water relations of ungrafted and grafted sweet cherry trees. A trial with cherry rootstocks ‘Prunus avium’, ‘CAB 11E’, ‘Maxma 14’, ‘Gisela 5’ and ‘Edabriz’ was begun in 1997. Pruning severities were applied to the rootstocks (0, 30, 60 and 90% of the vegetative growth was removed corresponding to P1, P2, P3 and P4 treatments, respectively) after planting to two plant spacings (S1 = 0.25 × 1.0 m and S2= 0.45 × 1.5 m). Canopy, root growth and leaf water potential (ψleaf) were quantified throughout the growing season. Pruning significantly affected root length and root weight of the rootstocks. Uncut plants (P1) showed a heavier and expanded root biomass (231 g and 108 m) than the intensively pruned plants (P4) (187 g and 75 m). The greater root biomass was obtained with the spacing/pruning combination, S1/P1 (285 g), and the smaller with S1/P4 (180 g) and S2/P4 (176 g). ψleaf varied significantly between the rootstocks and plant spacing but not with pruning. ‘Maxma 14’ and ‘P. avium’ attained the lowest values of midday ψleaf, –2.28 and –2.04 MPa, but the highest values of predawn ψleaf, –0.29 and –0.25 MPa, respectively. Generally, with high density (S1), the rootstocks exhibited lower predawn and midday ψleaf. In 1998, cultivars ‘Burlat’, ‘Summit’ and ‘Van’ were grafted onto rootstocks and a trial was installed in 1999. Predawn and midday stem water potential (ψstem) on cherry trees, measured in 2002, were affected significantly by the rootstock/genotype combination. Cultivars grafted on ‘P. avium’ and ‘Maxma 14’ showed the less negative midday ψstem, –1.36 and –1.42 MPa respectively, so these rootstock genotypes perhaps induced a higher drought resistance to the scion. Recorded data show that the scion-rootstock interaction with regard to production performance under water deficits may be an important consideration in cherry tree planting strategies.
A CHAMBER DESIGN FOR MEASURING NET CO2 EXCHANGE ON RANGELAND

Net carbon exchange of terrestrial ecosystems will likely change as atmospheric CO2 concentration increases. Currently, little is known of the annual dynamics or magnitude of CO2 flux on many native and agricultural ecosystems. Remoteness of many ecosystems has limited our ability to measure CO2 flux on undisturbed vegetation. Today, many plant ecologists have portable photosynthesis systems with which they make single-leaf photosynthesis measurements. Utility of this equipment is enhanced when canopy-level CO2 flux is also measured. We designed a portable 1-m3 closed chamber for use in measuring CO2 exchange in short statured vegetation with widely varied canopy structure. The design includes external ductwork equipped with doors which are used to open the chamber for ventilation with outside air between measurements. The chamber was tested on a Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. Wyomingensis Nutt.)/Thurber's needlegrass (Stipa thurberiana Piper) community using 10 plots equally divided between shrub and interspace. The ductwork and doors provided adequate ventilation to allow consecutive measurements of CO2 flux without removing the chamber from the plot. The chamber could differentiate CO2 flux between plots with sagebrush and those with grass only, even at relatively low fluxes. Net CO2 uptake per unit ground area was greater (P = 0.04) on sagebrush-grass plots (7.6 +/- 1.4 micromoles m-2 s-1) than on interspace plots without sagebrush (3.1 +/- 1.0 micromole m-2 s-1). Chamber and leaf temperature increased by an average of 0.5 and 1.2 degrees C, respectively, during measurements.
The use of the Earth tide-seismicity compliance parameter maps for earthquake risk mitigation

Based on the results of our investigations, which indicate a tidal triggering effect on earthquakes when the stress in the focal area is near the critical level, we prepare yearly maps of the earth tide-seismicity p. It is shown that the earth tide-seismicity p maps points to the broader area of pending strong earthquakes within a year with a confidence level of 99,7%. Thus we suggest that earth tide-seismicity p maps may be used for earthquake risk mitigation.
Macroelements Content in Nougat, A Traditional Spanish Sweet

Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents were measured in a total of 66 nougat samples, 33 being Alicante nougat and 33 Jijona. At the same time, the two qualities established by regulation have been taken into account: Supreme and Extra. Potassium in Supreme quality is above 300 mg/100 g as purchased, sodium is around 20 mg/100 g as purchased. In Extra quality, these values are slightly lower and potassium still is the one in majority, with 264.3±9.0 mg/100 g, and sodium is found in a lower proportion, with 12.4±2.8 mg/100 g. Calcium and magnesium are also found in significant quantities both in this quality as in Supreme, with values for both categories above the ones found in Jijona nougat. Furthermore, a variance analysis (Student- t) shows that the two types of nougat are different, (P -value <0.05), in relation to potassium, calcium and magnesium contents in the Supreme quality. In the Extra quality, the two types of nougat have different contents of sodium, calcium and magnesium, P=0.009, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively.