Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell-lytic effect of Bacillus subtilis on plant fungal pathogens

Nine hundred and seventy-sir bacterial isolates were obtained in this study, among which a bacterial antagonistic isolate, Bacillus subtilis S9 from sugarcane rhizosphere showed cell-lytic det on the plant pathogens, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum after 4-day-confronting incubation on PDA plates. However, S9 could not cause obvious inhibitory zones on PDA plates during this incubation. Lytic spots of hyphae of R. solani caused by S9 were clearly presented under scanning electronic microscope. The cell-lytic process of S9 is as follow: Bacterial cells of S9 absorb on hypae of R. solani firstly, and grow and reproduce as the fungal hrphae grow, and then secrete some cell-lytic substances to decompose the hyphae. However, this study revealed that S9 hardly interfered with the growth of the fungal antagonists, such as Trichoderma viride, Chaetomium cupreum and Chaetomium globosum. Pot experiments proved that S9 could effectively control root disease of tomato caused by R. solani. It suggested tha S9 mixed with above fungal antagonists could potentially synergistically control plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi.
Bibliographic review on the potential of microorganisms, microbial products and enzymes to induce respiratory sensitization

The immune system has evolved to protect individuals from microbial pathogens as well as larger parasites. However, the immune system can sometimes react inappropriately to innocuous antigens, triggering allergic reactions. The potential of microorganisms, microbial products and enzymes to induce respiratory sensitization when used as food and feed additives was investigated in this report. A short review of the state-of-the-art methods to predict allergenicity was also conducted. Our results indicate that there is currently no established model to predict the allergenicity of a molecule. Although in-silico models can be useful to predict cross-reactivity between allergens, they do not take into account phenomenons like the context of presentation of the antigen to the immune system. There is no realiable, predictive in-vitro or in-vivo model of allergenicity. Cases of occupational allergy to both fungi and bacteria have been documented, but allergic reactions to microorganisms purposedly introduced in the work environement seem to concern only a limited number of fungi. Enzymes were more a matter of concern, with 17 out of 71 enzymes investigated in this report being linked to respiratory allergies. Because these risks are well known, enzyme exposures are strictly controlled both by regulatory authorities and 1 CFP/EFSA/FEEDAP/2009/02. Accepted for Publication on 22nd October 2010 Enzymes and microorganisms as respiratory sensitizers
Referee Comments and Responses

Soil respiration (Rs), the flow of CO2 from the soil surface to the atmosphere, is one of the largest carbon fluxes in the terrestrial biosphere. The spatial variability of Rs is both large and poorly understood, limiting our ability to robustly scale it in time and space. One factor in Rs spatial variability is the autotrophic contribution from plant roots, but it is uncertain how the presence proximity of plants affects the magnitude and temperature sensitivity of RS. This study used one year of Rs measurements to examined the effect of localized basal areatree proximity on RS in the growing and dormant seasons, as well as during moisture-limited times, in a
Development of Real-Time PCR Assays for Detecting Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 & 9 Over-expression in Canine Mammary Tumours

| Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 & 9 are overexpressed in wide variety of cancers and play important roles in tumour cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Tissue and serum levels of MMP2 and MMP9 correlate with disease prognosis. Real-time PCR is emerging as an alternative or supplementary technique to immunohistochemistry (IHC) for sensitive detection of tumour markers in tissues. Therefore, in this study real-time PCR assays were standardized for detecting over-expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in canine mammary tumour (CMT). Primers designed for real-time PCR analysis of MMP2 & MMP9 were specific as indicated by amplification plots and meltcurve analysis of amplicons. These amplicons showed sharply defined melting curves with single peaks at expected melting points. The over-expression of MMP2 and MMP9 was examined in 12 CMT tissues by real-time PCR analysis. Over-expression of MMP2 & MMP9 was observed in 58.3(7/12) and 41.6 % (5/12) cases of CMT respectively. Expression levels of MMP2 were 2.23±0.10 to 29.80±3.5 fold higher and for MMP2, 1.5±0.56 to 22.67±2.35 fold higher in cases of CMT than normal mammary gland biopsy. Approximately 33.3 % (4/12) of CMT tissues showed co-expression of both MMP2 and MMP9. Further studies are required to correlate MMP2 and MMP9 expression levels with CMT prognosis.
Skeletal extension, density and calcification rate of the reef building coral Montastraea annularis (Ellis and Solander) in the Mexican Caribbean

Growth parameters (skeletal extension, density, and calcification rate) were determined using annual growth bands along 12 slabs of skeletons of the reef building coral Montastraea annularis, collected at 1. m depth in Puerto Morelos and at 10 m depth in Xahuayxol, in the Mexican Caribbean. X-radiography contact prints revealed that the high-density annual growth band is formed during summer, possibly between July and September, when the sea water temperatures are highest in the Mexican Caribbean. Skeletal extension, density and calcification rates obtained were within the range of values presented by other authors for M. annularis in different reefs distributed throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Only slight trends could be identified for the time span represented by the slabs (1980-1995) for the three parameters, suggesting that the environmental conditions have been quite similar for the past 1.5 decades. Using the available environmental data, it seems that, at least, water temperatures have been similar for the period of time studied in the two reef zones. In addition, the observed relationships among the growth parameters were similar to those previously described by other authors. An alternative to the more expensive density measurement procedures is described and discussed.
INITIATING FLIPPED CLASSROOM IN FORMING THE 4C SKILLS AMONG ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDENTS

Flipped classroom enables students to learn new content online by watching video lectures outside the classroom independently, with teachers offering more personalized guidance and interaction with students. This study tried to depict an effort of initiating flipped classroom to form the 4Cs among the English Student-Teachers. This study aimed to portray the process of initiating flipped classrooms, the obstacles, and the students' 4Cs reflection in the flipped classroom. The study involved four lecturers as collaborators in the lesson study of an English Teaching Media subject. The instruments used were observation, interview, and document analysis. In conducting the flipped class, Schoology was utilized. The results showed that, in initiating a flipped class, the lecturers should be creative in creating the video lectures and other classroom activities as a preclusion to boredom. Besides, the results also denoted the emerging capacity of the students' 4Cs during online and offline classes. Moreover, the lecturers considered flipped classrooms as a breakthrough that enables them to have a closer look at the students individually. Nonetheless, the flipped classroom's newness brings about intricacy since the lecturers should be able to manage online and offline classes simultaneously.
Advances in Water Resources

Understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of extreme precipitation not only improves prediction skills, but also helps to prioritize hazard mitigation efforts. This study seeks to enhance the understanding of spatiotemporal covariation patterns embedded in precipitation (P) and soil moisture (SM) by using an event-based, complex-network-theoretic approach. Events concurrences are quantified using a nonparametric event synchronization measure, and spatial patterns of hydroclimate variables are analyzed by using several network measures and a community detection algorithm. SM–P coupling is examined using a directional event coincidence analysis measure that takes the order of event occurrences into account. The complex network approach is demonstrated for Texas, US, a region possessing a rich set of hydroclimate features and is frequented by catastrophic flooding. Gridded daily observed P data and simulated SM data are used to create complex networks of P and SM extremes. The uncovered high degree centrality regions and community structures are qualitatively in agreement with the overall existing knowledge of hydroclimate extremes in the study region. Our analyses provide new visual insights on the propagation, connectivity, and synchronicity of P extremes, as well as the SM–P coupling, in this flood-prone region, and can be readily used as a basis for event-driven predictive analytics
Effect of Grapevine Leafroll Disease on the Acid and Potassium Composition of Sultana Grapes

The effects of different strains of grapevine leafroll disease (LR) on the composition of field-grown Sultana grapes were examined. A high-yielding Sultana clone without symptoms was graft-inoculated with bud material from itself or from low-yielding clones which habitually showed mild or severe LR symptoms. Vines with mild or severe LR symptoms had higher malate, tartrate, and potassium concentrations in berries than did vines without symptoms. Vines with severe symptoms had smaller berries with higher tartrate concentrations than did vines with mild symptoms, whereas concentrations of malate and potassium were similar. The magnitude of effects of LR strain on the acid characteristics of grapes is discussed in relation to variety, rootstock, and climate.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TO PALEONTOLOGY: A DISCUSSION OF

Data from current research dealing with Jurassic ammonoids and stratigraphy of western North America are being stored in a computer file called AMMON using a data base management system. Each ammonite is described by up to 94 descriptors divided into the following six categories: taxonomy, quantitative morphology, qualitative morphology, stratigraphy, locality- catalogue information and general remarks. Data entry is facilitated by the use of a template on a video display terminal, the use of code numbers instead of full names and the bulk entry of hierarchic data. The computer can be used to speed fossil identification and retrieve geologic data by matching lists of descriptor states for a given specimen against those stored in the data bank. By interfacing with statistical analytical systems a 'profile' of a given taxon can be generated showing ranges of morphologic variation for any stage of ontogeny. Multivariate techniques are readily employed and subtle patterns of covariation more easily assessed. The data base may also be questioned to instantly generate taxonomic lists by zone, geographic area, lithostratigraphic unit, etc. (or any combination thereof) so that its research potential is considerable. AMMON is a prototype meant to serve as a basis for discussion in developing a globally acceptable ammonoid data base. If code numbers for taxonomic, morphologic and stratigraphic data are standardized, information can be exchanged internationally using magnetic tapes and then decoded by the computer into any language. As data bases proliferate, they will inevitably make paleontological information more readily accessible to the specialist and non-specialist alike.
Purification and Characterization of an Extracellular High Molecular Mass Esterase from Bacillus pumilus

Esterases (EC 3.1.1.x) represent a diverse group of hydrolases catalyzing the cleavage and formation of ester bonds and are widely distributed in animals, plants and microorganisms. The esterase was purified from cell-free culture broth to homogeneity by size exclusion chromatography with 7.7 fold purification and 22.5% yield. The Mr of the purified esterase of B. pumilus was 17 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The esterase appeared to be a novel decameric protein as it possessed a single band of M r 17 kDa in SDS PAGE and 170 kDa in Native PAGE. A Lineweaver-Burk plot was calibrated to determine K m (3.94 mM), V max (49.02 mM/mL/min), K cat (138.89 sec -1 ), K spec (35.28) and K si (26.58 mM) values of purified esterase of B. pumilus for its substrate p -nitrophenylacetate. Energy of activation (Ea) of purified esterase of Bacillus pumilus was 2.61 Jmol -1 as determined with the help of an Arrhenius plot. The DMSO drastically inhibited the activity of purified esterase while benzene and propan-2-ol were fairly tolerated by the esterase. The potential protease inhibitors such as PMSF, EDTA, SDS and DTT were found to decrease the activity of purified esterase. Thermostability of the purified esterase was checked at 45 o C. Purified esterase lost more than 50% of its initial activity at 45 o C after 6.5 h of incubation in a water-bath under shaking.
Differential gene expression in response to cold stress in Viola wittrockiana

Environmental stresses such as cold are among the most important factors contributing to plant species diversity. When exposed to cold and freezing temperatures, most temperate plants enhance their tolerance prior to the arrival of sub lethal colds. This mechanism of plant adaptation in the face of cold stress conditions is called chilly acclimation. The purpose of this study was to gather more information about the genes involved in cold acclimation through the detection and isolation of differentially expressed transcripts in Viola wittrockiana plants under different temperature treatments. Changes in gene expression levels were studied using the differential display RT-PCR method (DDRT-PCR). Band separation was carried out in a 19% non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel. In this study, six samples were isolated and sequenced. These sequences were screened for similarity with known sequences deposited in databases, using the BLAST algorithm. Also, the expression patterns of six newly-identified ESTs were confirmed by Northern blot analyzes. MHV2 and MHV6 showed significant homology to 23S rRNA and trnI-GAU genes, respectively.
Production of genetically engineered low-affinity human Immunoglobulin receptors FcγRIIa (CD32a) and FcγRIIIa (CD16a) extracellular domains in Pichia pastoris

Genetic engineering technologies allow mass production of proteins for a variety of applications mainly in the biopharmaceutical industry. FcγRIIa (CD32a) and FcγRIIIa (CD16a) are antibodies cell surface receptors that mediate important immune functions. Fcγ receptors are currently the focus in developing novel therapeutic antibodies. Herein, we report the production at a high yields of genetically engineered soluble forms of the extracellular domain of the main genetic variants of CD16a (158F/V) (1.5mg/ml, 0.75mg/ml) and CD32a (131H/R) (5.8mg/ml, 0.9mg/ml) by the yeast Pichia pastoris. The Proteins were produced following induction using 1% methanol. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis of the protein purified on Ni+ column showed bands of ~45 kDa and ~25 kDa corresponding to CD16a and CD32a respectively. The production at a high yield of good quality recombinant Fcγ receptors in yeast is an important outcome because of their importance in the development of third generation therapeutic antibodies.
The first complete plastome sequence from the family Sapotaceae, Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni

Abstract In this study, we determined the complete plastome sequence of Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni (Sapotaceae) (NCBI acc. no. KX426215). This is the first time a plastome from the Sapotaceae has been sequenced. The gene order and structure of the P. campechiana plastome are collinear with those of the typical plastome of land plants. The complete plastome size is 157,922 bp in length and consists of a large single-copy region of 87,122 bp and a small single-copy region of 18,559 bp, which are separated by a pair of 26,120 bp-long inverted repeat regions. The overall A–T content of the plastome sequence is 63.2%. The plastome contains 113 genes, of which 79 are protein-coding genes, 30 are tRNA genes, and 4 are rRNA genes. Sixteen genes contain one intron and two genes have two introns. A total of 91 simple sequence repeat loci were identified within the genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. campechiana is a sister group of the Primulaceae-Ebenaceae clade with 100% bootstrap support.
A source-orientated approach for estimating daytime concentrations of biogenic volatile organic compounds in an upper layer of a boreal forest canopy

Biologically justified statistical models for daytime atmospheric concentrations of methanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, isoprene and monoterpene were tested using measurements at a boreal forest stand in southern Finland in 2006―2007 and in summer 2008. The canopy-scale concentrations of all compounds except monotepene were closely correlated with shoot-scale concentrations indicating a strong link to biological emission source. All the models were based on the exponential relationship between air temperature and atmospheric concentration of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). The first model — an exponential function of air temperature (T model) — could explain 27%―64% of the variation in BVOC daytime concentrations in the test data. The second model — a Temperature-State of Development model (T-S model) having two explaining variables (air temperature and seasonal photosynthetic efficiency) — was derived from an empirical adjustment of seasonality. This model slightly increased the fraction of explained variation but it still could not explain the high concentration peaks, which accounted for most of the unexplained variation. To better analyse these peaks we tested the Trigger model including two potential environmental triggers, a PAR index (high photosynthetically active photon flux density (PAR) and high ozone concentration, that could increase the concentrations momentarily. However, the Trigger model described the peak concentrations only somewhat better than the T or T-S model. It seems that it is very difficult to explain more than 32%―67% of variation in BVOC concentrations by a straightforward source-oriented modelling without deep understanding of biological and physical processes. In order to improve the models profound studies on specific stress factors and events inducing BVOC emissions are needed.
Pyrimidylsulfonamide derivatives as chemokine receptor modulators

A compound of formula (1), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof: ** Formula ** in which R1 is a group selected from C3-7 carbocyclyl [in which a group -CH2- may optionally be substituted by a -C (O) -], C1-8 alkyl, C2-6 achenyl and C2-6 alkynyl; wherein the group is optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from fluoro, nitrile, -OR4, -NR5R6, -CONR5R6, -COOR7, -NR8COR9, -SR10, -SO2R10, -SO2NR5R6, -NR8SO2R9, phenyl or heteroaryl; wherein phenyl and heteroaryl are optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from halo, cyano, nitro, -OR4, -NR5R6, -CONR5R6, -COOR7, -NR8COR9, -SR10, -SO2R10, -SO2NR5R6, -NR8SO2R9 , C1-6 alkyl and trifluoromethyl.
A Review of Cognitive Assistants for Healthcare

Healthcare cognitive assistants (HCAs) are intelligent systems or agents that interact with users in a context-aware and adaptive manner to improve their health outcomes by augmenting their cognitive abilities or complementing a cognitive impairment. They assist a wide variety of users ranging from patients to their healthcare providers (e.g., general practitioner, specialist, surgeon) in several situations (e.g., remote patient monitoring, emergency response, robotic surgery). While HCAs are critical to ensure personalized, scalable, and efficient healthcare, there exists a knowledge gap in finding the emerging trends, key challenges, design guidelines, and state-of-the-art technologies suitable for developing HCAs. This survey aims to bridge this gap for researchers from multiple domains, including but not limited to cyber-physical systems, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, robotics, and smart health. It provides a comprehensive definition of HCAs and outlines a novel, practical categorization of existing HCAs according to their target user role and the underlying application goals. This survey summarizes and assorts existing HCAs based on their characteristic features (i.e., interactive, context-aware, and adaptive) and enabling technological aspects (i.e., sensing, actuation, control, and computation). Finally, it identifies critical research questions and design recommendations to accelerate the development of the next generation of cognitive assistants for healthcare.
Scientific opinion on flavouring group evaluation 401 (FGE.401): γ-glutamyl-valyl-glycine from chemical group 34.

The Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids of the European Food Safety Authority was requested to carry out a safety assessment of one flavouring substance, γ-glutamyl-valyl-glycine [FL-no: 17.038], in the Flavouring Group Evaluation 401 (FGE.401), in accordance with the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008. There is no safety concern with respect to genotoxicity for the flavouring substance. It has been demonstrated that the flavouring substance, which is a tripeptide, will be hydrolysed to the three amino acids L -glutamic acid, L -valine and glycine. As the human consumption of these three endogenous amino acids through food is orders of magnitude higher than the anticipated levels of exposure from their use as flavouring substances, the Panel concluded that γ-glutamyl-valyl-glycine [FL-no: 17.038] would be of no safety concern at its estimated level of intake as flavouring substance. The specifications for γ-glutamyl-valyl-glycine [FL-no: 17.038] are considered adequate according to Commission Regulation (EC) no 1334/2008.
NOVEL METHOD OF IMPROVING THE TEAM GOALS PERFORMANCE LEVEL USING LEAN AND SIX SIGMA: A CASE STUDY PROBLEM

In today’s wobbly economic scenario, achievement of sustainable profit making is the prime objective of the industries. In this paper, an attempt is made to improve the team goals performance level, in order to attain the continuous improvement (CI) on heavy engine product development. An integrated methodology of combining lean and six sigma is proposed. A statistical procedural approach is developed to predict the efficiency improvement level. Variance of the team goal achievement level is computed to ensure the system to be transparent, less fatigue and cost effective. From research findings, it is concluded that the relationship between the employee and employer is improved. Effort of the employee is measured in a better way as it leads to employee satisfaction. Keyword: Lean and Six Sigma; Integrated methodology; Continuous improvement; Team goals achievement level; Variance; Cite this Article: J. Rajini, Dega Nagaraju and S. Narayanan, Novel Method of Improving the Team Goals Performance Level Using Lean and Six Sigma a Case Study Problem, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 9(12), 2018, pp. 954– 961 http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/issues.asp? JType=IJMET&VType=9&IType=12 J. Rajini, Dega Nagaraju and S. Narayanan http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 955 editor@iaeme.com