Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A parametric decomposition of a generalized malmquist-type productivity index

This paper provides a parametric method of decomposing a generalized Malmquist-type productivity index into terms related to technical change, technical efficiency changes and returns to scale. The decomposition is based on parametric estimation of translog output-oriented distance functions and draws on the socalled exact index number approach to the derivation of productivity change measures. An empirical application using panel data from Spanish savings banks is included.
Evaluation for CNS Activities of Hexane Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seeds

The present study aimed to evaluate the possible CNS activities of hexane extracts of Citrullus lanatus Seeds. The effect of hexane extracts of Citrullus lanatus Seeds was tested for Anti-depressant activity using Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) in mice, Anxiolytic activity using Elevated Plus Maze(EPM) and Dark-light model in mice and effect on motor co-ordination and skeletal muscle using Rota-Rod, Grip Strength test in mice. The hexane extract exhibited significant anti-depressant and anxiolytic activities but the extract does not produces skeletal muscle relaxant activity beside it slightly improved the skeletal muscle activity in animal models. It can conclude that hexane extract of Citrullus lanatus Seeds possess anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity but does not affect on skeletal muscle activity. Finally, it can say that this can be used in CNS disorders like depression and anxiety and does not affect of skeletal muscle activity like synthetic drugs.
Collagen Glycation Promotes Myofibroblast Differentiation

The incidence of cardiomyopathy and cardiac fibrosis is markedly increased in patients with diabetes mellitus. As cardiac fibrosis is mediated by myofibroblasts, we investigated the effect of diabetes-associated collagen glycation on the conversion of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Collagen glycation was modeled by the glucose metabolite, methylglyoxal (MGO). Cells cultured on MGO-treated collagen exhibited increased activity of the α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) promoter, elevated levels of collagen I, α-SMA mRNA, and enhanced protein expression of α-SMA, ED-A fibronectin and cadherins. Increased expression of α-SMA was dependent on 1 integrins and on TGF-. In collagen gel assays, MGO-collagen promoted faster contraction and cell migration was increased by MGO-collagen. In shear-force detachment assays, cells on MGO-collagen were less adherent, and 1 integrin activation and focal adhesion formation were inhibited. We conclude that collagen glycation augments the formation and migration of myofibroblasts, critical processes in the development of cardiac fibrosis in diabetes.
High-pressure homogenization induced degradation of amylopectin in a gelatinized state

An investigation of the degradation mechanism of a highly branched polymer during a high-pressure homogenization (HPH) process was performed using gelatinized waxy maize starch as a substrate. The degradation mechanism was studied using high-performance size-exclusion chromatography equipped with multi-angle laser-light scattering and refractive index detectors. The HPH induced an exponential molecular degradation trend that was a function of HPH pressure/cycles. The results revealed that HPH preferentially disrupted larger molecules and caused their size distribution (or molecular weight) to a narrow range, resulting in a maximum stable size (or molecular weight). A final z-average radius of gyration of about 20 nm for amylopectin was observed after HPH for eight cycles at 100 MPa or two cycles at 150 MPa, which was due to the midpoint scission mechanism during the HPH treatment. The increase in molecular density after HPH verified the breakdown of the α-1,4-glycosidic bonds among the clusters of (midpoint scission) amylopectin.
The growth of selected cellulolytic fungi on wood pulp

A note on the capacity of cellulolytic fungi to grow on wood pulp as a carbon source. The effect of addition of different sugars and different levels of nitrogen in the medium are discussed. The failure of wood-inhabiting fungi to grow on pulp indicated that either they need some growth-promoting substances or the presence of various carbon sources as found in native wood.
Characterization of resistance against the olive‐defoliating Verticillium dahliae pathotype in selected clones of wild olive

Verticillium wilt of olive is best managed by resistant cultivars, but those currently available show incomplete resistance to the defoliating (D) Verticillium dahliae pathotype. Moreover, these cultivars do not satisfy consumers' demand for high yields and oil quality. Highly resistant rootstocks would be of paramount importance for production of agronomically adapted and commercially desirable olive cultivars in D V. dahliae-infested soils. In this work, resistance to D V. dahliae in wild olive clones Ac-13, Ac-18, OutVert and StopVert was assessed by quantifying the fungal DNA along the stem using a highly sensitive real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol and a stem colonization index (SCI) based on isolation of V. dahliae following artificial inoculations under conditions highly conducive for verticillium wilt. Ac-13, Ac-18, OutVert and StopVert showed a symptomless reaction to D V. dahliae. The mean amount of D V. dahliaeDNA quantified in stems of the four clones ranged from 3.64 to 28.89 pg/100 ng olive DNA, which was 249 to 1537 times lower than that in susceptible Picual olive. The reduction in the quantitative stem colonization of wild olive clones by D V. dahliae was also indicated by a sharp decrease in the SCI. Overall, there was a pattern of decreasing SCI in acropetal progression along the plant axis, as well as correlation between positive reisolation and quantification of pathogen DNA. The results of this research show that wild olive clones Ac-13, Ac-18, OutVert and StopVert have a valuable potential as rootstocks for the management of verticillium wilt in olive.
Diagnoses of new families, new names, etc., for the seventh edition of Willis's 'Dictionary'

The revision of the family and generic entries for the forthcoming new edition of Willis's 'Dictionary of the Flowering Plants and Ferns' has indicated the desirability of recognizing a certain number of new families, and the need for creating a few new generic names to replace later homonyms. Diagnoses of the proposed new families are provided herewith, together with explanatory notes and principal literature references. The necessary specific combinations are made under the new generic names, one of which is
Host target genes of the Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae type III effectors for bacterial blight in rice

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is the causal agent of the bacterial blight in rice, which invades the host rice plant through injecting a myriad of effector proteins through a structure called type III secretion system, thereafter, these effectors are also called type III effectors. There are two groups of type III effectors: TAL (Transcription Activator-Like) effectors that specifically bind to the promoter region of particular host genes and regulate host gene transcription and Non-TAL effectors that bind to host gene products and manipulate the host immune system. In this thesis, I present the work of three projects. First, I, and my colleagues demonstrated two TAL effectors, PthXo3 and AvrXa7 mediate susceptibility in rice by specifically binding to the promoter EBE (Effector-Binding Element) and activating transcription of the host gene Os-11N3 (Chapter 2). Second, I elucidated that another major virulence effector PthXo2 specifically targets EBE in the promoter of another host gene OsSWEET13 and induces susceptibility to bacterial blight only in indica rice but not in japonica rice, functional analysis confirmed that OsSWEET13 is a sucrose transporter that mediates the sucrose efflux from cytoplasm to apoplasm (Chapter 3). Finally, I investigated the XopZ-mediated virulence function in rice and found that it stabilizes a putative host E3 ubiquitin ligase PBP in the nucleus (Chapter 4). The revelation of modes of action of these bacterial effectors in rice leads to a better mechanistic understanding of host-pathogen interactions and the plant immune system, as well as effective strategies to defeat plant pathogens.
An Anther-Smut Disease (Ustilago violacea) of Fire-pink (Silene virginica): Its Biology and Relationship to the Anther-Smut Disease of White Campion (Silene alba)

-In the southeastern United States, anther-smut disease (Ustilago violacea) was observed on the native fire pink (Silene virginica), and on the introduced white campion (Silene alba). Fungal isolates from the two host species showed fixed differences at allozyme loci, and isolates from S. alba were similar to isolates from S. alba in Europe. Fungal isolates from S. virginica did not produce disease on S. alba; crosses between fungal isolates from the two hosts showed reduced inoculation success on S. alba. Teliospores from hybrids between the isolates showed abnormal sporidial development. We conclude that the two anthersmuts from each of the host species are genetically distinct and partially reproductively isolated "host-races. " Ustilago violacea occurs on S. virginica throughout its range, and far beyond the range of diseased S. alba. Rates of infection of healthy flowering individuals in natural populations of S. virginica were very low, but a large fraction of plants were already diseased when they first flowered, suggesting disease is transmitted by spores that fall on seedlings or rosettes. There was substantial heterogeneity in disease incidence even among local populations in the same vicinity, but evidence suggests that the disease was not rapidly spreading in S. virginica.
Isolation and Characterization of 13 Microsatellite Loci from Luculia pinceana (Rubiaceae), a Typical Distylous Species

Luculia pinceana Hook. (Rubiaceae) is a typical distylous species with dimorphic and long-styled monomorphic populations. Within this study, we developed 13 microsatellite markers from L. pinceana using a modified biotin streptavidin capture method. Polymorphism of each locus was assessed in 30 individuals from four dimorphic populations and one monomorphic population. The average allele number of these microsatellites was 4.153 per locus ranging from three to seven. The observed and expected heterozygosities were from 0.040 to 0.840 and from 0.571 to 0.769, respectively. Additionally, all 13 identified microsatellite markers were successfully amplified in its related species, L. yunnanensis, 10 of which showed polymorphism. These microsatellite markers could provide a useful tool for further study of the breeding system and the population genetic structure in this species and within other Luculia species.
Digital Pad Morphology in Torrent-living Ranid Frogs

-Digital pads of 24 species of ranoid frogs (Raninae, Dicroglossinae, Ranixalinae, Rhacophorinae, Hyperoliinae) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. In many species of Raninae the cells of the adhesive pad are differentiated (elongated and wearing projections). Functional aspects of cell morphology and digital pad expansion are discussed in relation with sticking condition in aquatic medium.
FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS AND FATTY ACIDS COMPOSITION OF BLACK SEA CYSTOSEIRA BARBATA

Brown alga Cystoseira barbata is the most widely distributed seaweed in the Black Sea. There is limited information about fat soluble vitamins content and fatty acids composition of this specie from Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The aim of this study was to determine fat soluble vitamins, pigments, total lipid and fatty acid composition of Cystoseira barbata. Fat soluble vitamins (vitamin E and D), pigments (β-carotene and astaxanthin) and total cholesterol were analyzed simultaneously using HPLC/UV/FL system equipped with RP analytical column. Sample preparation procedure includes alkaline saponification, followed by liquid-liquid extraction. Brown seaweed Cystoseira barbata contained high amounts of α-tocopherol and β-carotene. Lipids were extracted by following the method of Bligh and Dyer. The residual lipid fraction was methylated using base-catalyzed transmethylation with methanolic potassium hydroxide. Fatty acid composition was analyzed by GC/MS. Cystoseira barbata was rich in linoleic (C18:2n6) and eicosopentaenoic acid (C20:5n3) although total lipid content was generally low. High levels of α-tocopherol correlate with high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. As an antioxidant α-tocopherol preserves tissue PUFA from oxidation.
A comparative analysis of manpower strategies adopted by firms in the Cleveland area, 1980-86

Copyright and moral rights for this work are retained by the author A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge This work cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given
Morphological components of yield in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)

u Growth and productivity were analyzed in two cultivars of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. ): a bushy type (cv BO 44T3) and a spreading type (cv BO 129T9). Two main aims were to determine how tuberous root yield and aboveground morphological measures respond to population density in different growing seasons, and to identify morphological measures of aboveground plant parts that are indicators of high tuberous root yield. In addition, the study was used to compare several techniques of plant growth analysis. Two field experiments were performed using randomized complete block designs. One was repeated in 1995 and 1996 and involved a single final harvest after the cultivars were grown at three levels of plant population density. The second was carried out in 1996; it involved a sequence of harvests performed at different times during crop growth at a single population density. Five different techniques were used to analyze the experimental results: conventional plant growth analysis, inverse yield-density regression analysis, allometric analysis, path analysis and yield component analysis. These procedures offered complementary interpretations in that each provided new perspectives on plant performance. The two cultivars arrived at similar final tuberous root yields through different chronologies of growth. Increasing population density reduced tuberous root yield along with most other measures of growth. Responsiveness to population density, i. e. , intraspecific competition, differed among the different plant measures and years, and the two cultivars did not always respond to density to the same degree. Where significant differences were found between years, the responsiveness was always higher in the year that was less favourable to growth (1996). Some effects of population density on tuberous root yield were direct, but indirect effects on yield via responses of
The influence of methyl jasmonate, cholesterol and l‐arginine on solasodine production in hairy root culture of Solanum mammosum

The increasing demand of diosgenin for high‐revenue synthesis of steroid hormones by the pharmaceutical industries has driven researchers to look for other alternatives. Solasodine which was reported to be present in Solanum mammosum is known to be a potential source. The present study highlighted that added methyl jasmonate, cholesterol and l‐arginine into the modified liquid full‐strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (with ammonium to nitrate ratio 10.3 mM: 39.4 mM, and 4% (w/v) sucrose) could influence the solasodine production in the hairy roots of S. mammosum. The findings showed that both hairy root line‐ATCC31798 and line‐A4 (which were separately induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC31798 and A4) acquired solasodine productivity of 4.5 mg/g dry weight roots with average dry biomass of 190 mg after 32 days culture, when using 50 mg fresh weight roots as initial inoculum size, with 100 mM cholesterol, 1000 μM l‐arginine and 300 μM methyl jasmonate added simultaneously into the culture medium on day 20 of culture. The amount of solasodine obtained was five times higher than those without both the elicitor and precursor treatment. The improved solasodine production with a high‐biomass growth could reduce the production cost of steroid synthesis in the long run.
The Students, the Local and the Foreign: Drama of Identity and Language in Mongolian-English Bilingual Schools

Education in bilingual schools aims to equip learners with balanced bilingualism, increased (bi)cultural capital and a global mindset. Nevertheless, in a growing number of countries only local children attend such institutions, where foreign teachers are the almost exclusive manifestations of ‘globalness’. Dynamics among foreign and local teachers and students shape learners’ attitudes, their learning outcome and identity formation to an unexpected degree. This often produces unhealthy perceptions and behaviour towards among the groups and the taught languages as well, eventually students not benefiting from bilingual education to the expected extent, if at all. One of the oldest and one of the newest bilingual schools in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, were observed for this study. Local and foreign teachers of these schools contributed with their experiences in the form of unstructured interviews, while classroom observations shed light on students’ attitudes. The findings reveal that students respect local educators more and display more respect and discipline with them. However, pupils are usually more emotionally attached to foreign teachers, confiding in them and seeking their company on a daily basis, yet refusing to be disciplined and to study for their classes. Students’ unbalanced attitudes towards the two groups of teachers generated unease between the educators as well. This paradox created an unhealthy milieu in the schools and discouraged the development of a healthy perspective on (foreign) languages and identity. Teachers’ attitudes further compromised learners’ behaviour, as local educators stressed nationalism, while foreigners pressed towards the development of a more global mentality. Unfortunately, as none of the institutions had any policies to address this dilemma, eventually students developed behaviours contrary to the intended by the schools.
Amino–Acetone-Bridged Cyclodextrins ― Artificial Alcohol Oxidases

A new series of α- and β-cyclodextrin derivatives containing a substituted amino–acetone bridge attached to the 6A and 6D positions of the cyclodextrin are reported. The synthesis starts from the known α- or β-cyclodextrin A,D-diols, which were either oxidized to α- or β-cyclodextrin A,D-dicarbaldehydes and then coupled with 1,3-diamino-2-propanol by a reductive amination reaction and further modified to give the final 6A,6D-diamino-6A,6D-dideoxy-N,N′-(2-oxopropa-1,3-dienyl)-N,N′-acetyl-α- or -β-cyclodextrin or the cyclodextrin-diol was substituted with azide then reduced and after a few alkylation steps the final 6A,6D-dideoxy-N,N′-(2-oxopropa-1,3-dienyl)-6A,6D-(N,N,N′N′-tetramethyldiammonio)-α-cyclodextrin dibromide was obtained. The new compounds display very good enzymatic catalytic properties in the oxidation of benzyl alcohols with a rate increase of up to 18500 but only appreciable catalysis for aniline oxidations. Thus, unlike previously studied cyclodextrin ketones, these new amino–acetone-bridged cyclodextrins have high substrate selectivity and also exhibit stereoselectivity in the oxidation of different enantiomers.
Soil tests for predicting nitrogen supply for grassland under controlled environmental conditions

SUMMARY Mineralized soil nitrogen (N) is an important source of N for grassland production. Some soils can supply large quantities of plant-available N through mineralization of soil organic matter. Grass grown on such soils require less fertilizer N applications per unit yield. A reliable, accurate and user-friendly method to account for soil N supply potential across a large diversity of soils and growing conditions is needed to improve N management and N recommendations over time. In the current study, the effectiveness of chemical N tests and soil properties to predict soil N supply for grass uptake across 30 Irish soil types varying in N supply potential was investigated under controlled environmental conditions. The Illinois soil N test (ISNT) combined with soil C : N ratio provided a good estimate of soil N supply in soils with low residual mineral N. Total oxidized N (TON) had the largest impact on grass dry matter (DM) yield and N uptake across the 30 soil types, declining in its influence in later growth periods. This reflected the high initial mineral N levels in these soils, which declined over time. In the current study, a model with ISNT-N, C : N and TON (log TON) best explained variability in grass DM yield and N uptake. All three rapid chemical soil tests could be performed routinely on field samples to provide an estimate of soil N supply prior to making N fertilizer application decisions. It can be concluded that these soil tests, through their assessment of soil N supply potential, can be effective tools for N management on grassland; however, field studies are needed to evaluate this under more diverse growing conditions.
Discriminação de raças primitivas de Pupunha (Bactris Gasipaes) na Amazônia brasileira por meio de marcadores moleculares (RAPDs)

The pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes Kunth, Palmae) was domesticated for it fruits by the first peoples of western Amazonia. Consequently it exhibits a landrace complex that has been partially characterized morphologically and mapped. Along the Amazonas and Solimoes Rivers, in Brazil, three landraces have been proposed [Para (Amazonas River), Solimoes (lower and middle Solimoes River), Putumayo (upper Solimoes River)], with indications that the Solimoes landrace could be an artifact of the morphometric analysis. RAPD markers were used to evaluate the three landrace hypothesis. DNA was extracted from 30 plants of each landrace maintained in the Pejibaye germplasm bank, Manaus, AM, Brazil. During PCR amplification, 8 primers generated 80 markers, Jaccard similarities were estimated, the plants were grouped with UPGMA. The dendrogram contained 2 large groups that joined at a similarity of 0.535: the group of the Para landrace contained 26 plants of this race, 5 of the Putumayo and 1 of the Solimoes; the group of the Solimoes River contained 29 plants of the Solimoes race, 19 of the Putumayo and 1 of the Para. The structure of the second group suggested that there is only one landrace along the Solimoes River, since the plants were mixed in sub-groups without apparent order. This marker-based genetic analysis did not support the three landrace hypothesis and suggests that the Putumayo landrace extends along the Solimoes River to central Amazonia. Genetic and morphological data must now be used to evaluate this new hypothesis.