Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of a long-term recurrent selection program on the genetic structure of the BSSS maize population

Evaluating of Recurrent Selection (RS) programs can lead to increase knowledge of methods, populations, and traits and give support for better management of breeding programs. The objective herein was to evaluate the effects of seven cycles of half-sib selection followed by seven cycles of S2 selection on the genetic structure of BSSS maize population. Individuals from BSSSP (progenitor lines), BS13(S)CO (original S2 selection), and BS13(S)C7 (7th S2 cycle) cycles were genotyped based on a sample of 105 RFLP loci. Measures of genetic variation within (expected heterozygosity, number of allelles, average frequency of the most common allele, and proportion of polymorphic loci) and among (Principal Component Analysis and Nei's genetic distance, NGD) cycles of selection indicated BSSSP has a considerable genetic variability, substantial loss a variation and increase of divergence over the cycles of selection, greatest loss of diversity occurred during the HS selection program, future cycles of RS are predicted to have narrow genetic variation, and low average effective population size was an important factor in loss of genetic variation. Changes in allele frequencies for about 30% of the loci cannot be explained by genetic drift alone, suggesting that selection also was an important factor of variation. The majority of loci in C0 and C7 were in H-W equilibrium. Progenitor lines Illinois Hy had a lower NGD to C0 and C7 and five of its unique had frequencies significantly increased in later generations, indicating a selective advantage over the cycles of RS. Hybrid Hy x LE 23 showed the lowest NGD to C0 and C7 populations. NGD among parental lines was not a good predictor of single-crosses yield performance. A founder effect observed herein may explain partially reduced genetic gains during the S2-selection period reported in other studies. Limited RFLP diversity in BS13(S)C7 suggests this population may not have enough genetic variability to sustain significant long-term genetic gains per se for grain yield. RFLP data were useful tools to evaluate this RS program. However, much more information could be obtained about recurrent selection programs by integrating of molecular (a standard set of marker loci) and phenotypic data.
The role of Notch-1 in ex vivo expansion of CD34(+) cells

Notch signalling has been shown to prevent maturation and enhance self-renewal of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Effective manipulation of this pathway could therefore improve protocols for ex vivo expansion of HSCs, which rapidly lose their ? stem? potential when grown in vitro. In mammals, four Notch receptors have been identified, which through different receptor-ligand combinations may lead to different outcomes of Notch signal transduction. Therefore, it is important to distinguish via which Notch protein pathway activity is modulated. An antibody against the extracellular domain (ECN) of a certain Notch homologue would be a useful tool to study its surface expression at the physiological level in a defined population of live cells, allowing their isolation for further experiments. In this project, two antibodies against ECN of human Notch-1 (hECN1) were tested and compared. The first, ? in house? hECN1, was developed in the Buckle lab ten years ago, whereas the second, commercial hECN1, has been available recently from R&D Systems. Using both antibodies, it was shown for the first time that the Notch-1 receptor is expressed on the surface of CD34(+) progenitors from mobilised peripheral blood (MPB) and that CD34(+)? in house? hECN1(+) cells create a small subpopulation with a lower level of Notch-1 expression within the CD34(+)commercial hECN1(+) fraction. Due to significant differences observed in staining of CD34(+) cells with both antibodies, their specificity was verified. The commercial hECN1 antibody does not cross-react with other Notch homologues and recognises the canonical Notch-1 heterodimer. The ? in house? hECN1 antibody seems to detect an unprocessed Notch-1 protein, which does not undergo post-translational modifications. Comparison of CD34(+)Notch-1(+) and CD34(+)Notch-1(-) MPB cells using the commercial hECN1 antibody only showed for the first time a greater ? stem? potential of the former subpopulation. Initially CD34(+)Notch-1(+) cells demonstrated a slower proliferation rate, better maintenance of the CD34 phenotype and cell viability, a greater multi-lineage potential, therefore they appear to be more primitive than CD34(+)Notch-1(-) cells. Because Notch-1 expression oscillated during the in vitro culture, further studies are required, especially on cells which acquired the CD34(+)Notch-1(+)aq phenotype as they could increase the pool of cells available for successful ex vivo expansion. Particularly worth examination is the possible relationship between surface expression of the Notch-1 receptor and pathway activity, which can be lower or not present in CD34(+)Notch-1(+)aq cells.
Studies on the rice virus vector small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatella Fallen.

The small brown planthopper Laodelphax stristella Fall'en is the vector of rice black-streaked virus and rice stripe virus. The incubation period of black-streaked virus in the vector is from 17 to 19 days; this virus persists in the vector but there is no transovarial passage. The low temperature threshold for acquisition feeding is below 8掳C, and the vector can not acquire and transmit this virus at 4-5℃. The vector occurs 6 generations per year. Many emigrating macropterous adults occur in the 1st and 3rd generations; the transmission cycle of the virus and ita vector is as follows: winter wheat→the first crop of rice→the second crop of rice. The major infection periods occur in the late May and early June during the early transplanting stage for the first crop of rice, in the middle July and early August during the seedling and early paddy field stage for the second crop of rice, and in the winter during the seedling stage of barley and wheat.Based on the cultural practices such as synchronizing the rice planting in vast areas, and selecting and utilizing the resistant rice varieties, the virus diseases can be controlled by killing the vectors with insecticides at the winter seedling stage of barley and wheat, and at the early paddy stage of the second crop of rice.
Phosphorylation, ubiquitylation and characterisation of specific inhibitors of AMPK-related kinase NUAK1/ARK5

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The value of Big Data in government: The case of ‘smart cities’

The emergence of Big Data has added a new aspect to conceptualizing the use of digital technologies in the delivery of public services and for realizing digital governance. This article explores, via the ‘value-chain’ approach, the evolution of digital governance research, and aligns it with current developments associated with data analytics, often referred to as ‘Big Data’. In many ways, the current discourse around Big Data reiterates and repeats established commentaries within the eGovernment research community. This body of knowledge provides an opportunity to reflect on the ‘promise’ of Big Data, both in relation to service delivery and policy formulation. This includes, issues associated with the quality and reliability of data, from mixing public and private sector data, issues associated with the ownership of raw and manipulated data, and ethical issues concerning surveillance and privacy. These insights and the issues raised help assess the value of Big Data in government and smart city environments.
When Nudges Aren't Enough: Incentives and Habit Formation in Public Transport Usage

In three large-scale field experiments with over 32,000 individuals, we investigate whether public transport uptake can be in uenced by behavioral interventions and by economic incentives. Despite their effectiveness in other domains, we find a tightly estimated zero for social norms and implementation intentions on ridership. Doubling the trial period from two to four weeks significantly increases uptake and long-term usage. This increase is sustained for months after removing the incentive. The effect is mainly driven by initial low users, which is evidence for habit formation. While there is scope for long-term behavior change, nudges might not be the right approach.
Topological Invariant Prediction via Deep Learning

Using a deep neural network model, we show that predicting an accurate topological invariant is possible from one-dimensional Hamiltonians, whose topological invariant is the winding number. Given a set of Hamiltonians in momentum space as the input, the deep neural network can predict the topological invariant with high accuracy. We found that, upon optimization of the weight parameters, the deep neural network can accurately predict the topological invariant, if the training data size is sufficiently large. This means that extracting actionable insights from massive amounts of data is possible in the present deep neural network model.
Food and nutrition security impacts of Moringa: Evidence from Southern Ethiopia

Abstract The contributions of Moringa to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in developing countries were massive. Its production has to be more than increased to maintain its potential role in-curving food and nutrition insecurity sufferings in these areas. However, empirical researches evaluating its impact at smallholder farmer level were missing to confirm. The current research aims to add to fill the missing literature gaps through a survey study on selected 464 producer and non-producer smallholder farmers from Wolaita and Gamo Gofa zones, southern Ethiopia. The Propensity to Score Matching (PSM) model was used to estimate the impact of Moringa production on household food and nutrition security. The validity of the model was checked and found binding to observe the causal effect of dependent and outcome variables in controlling selection bias. The finding indicated positive and significant differences among Moringa producer and non-producer smallholder farmers in selected food and nutrition security proxy variables, weekly calorie intake and food consumption score (FCS). Farmers producing Moringa were found more food and nutritionally secure than non-producers. It requires policies and development actions to perform on ways to advance the production and intensification of Moringa production in dry parts of the country.
The Potential Use of Ground Conductivity Meters to Identify the Location of Seepages—Case Study of the Maniów Levee near Krakow, Poland

This paper presents an assessment of the potential usefulness of the Ground Conductivity Meter (GCM) method to locate seepage pathways in the Maniow levee zone near Kraków, Poland. We have realized this aim through geological recognition of the study area, which requires the implementation of GCM data inversion measured in the sounding version. The GCM measurements were performed along with the net of profiles using combined data from CMD Mini Explorer and CMD Explorer equipment. The methodology of the one-dimensional (1D) inversion of the GCM soundings located along profiles is presented in the article. The legitimacy of the inversion and the relationship of the results obtained in the form of conductivity sections along profiles with geology have been verified in detail. The inversion procedures were tested on the synthetic GCM soundings obtained from modeling processes, by using the electrical conductivity and thicknesses, known from the drilled formations and additionally based on DC-R sounding data. These soundings were performed at some selected reference points in the levee zone. We have used our software and IX1D Interpex software to calculate the forward modeling. Quantitative interpretation processed along the profiles has been proceeded by 1D inversion of GCM data at several referential points located close to boreholes and DC soundings. It was done to verify the correctness of the quantitative interpretation. The geoelectrical models, obtained in a section form, were correlated with the borehole lithology data, providing a reference geological structure in some places. As a result of the work mentioned above, the potential seepage zones were located on the conductivity sections. The thickness of the cohesive silty clay layer, lying near to the surface, in the seepage zones, was thin enough and less than a meter. When the water level in the Vistula river was high enough, water can flow in the noncohesive gravel layer occurring directly below the silty clays and lead to flooding on the landward side of the dams in the Maniow region.
Spike traits variability in wheat grown on solonetz and humogley.

The utilization of less productive soil could be one of the ways to enhance food production. That kind of soil under amelioration and suitable cultivar could give economically sound results. Wheat, being a durable cultivar could be used for agricultural production in less productive soil conditions. Moreover, single plant trait variability became increasingly important in abiotic stress conditions. A phenotypic variability for spike parameters was studied in trial established on two soil types – humogley and solonetz. Humogley exhibits less favorable water-physical properties, while solonetz represents sodium reach, alkaline soils with a subsurface clay horizon. Familiarization with wheat plant behavior in those agroecological conditions could be of help for special purposes wheat breeding or selection of suitable wheat varieties among existing genetic variability.
Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase restores hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in endotoxemic mice

Endotoxemia impairs hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction which leads to systemic hypoxemia. This derogation is attributable to increased activity of nitric oxide synthase 2 and arginase metabolism. Gene expression analysis has shown increased expression of ornithine decarboxylase in lungs of endotoxemic mice, a downstream enzyme of arginase metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate whether inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase increases hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in lungs of endotoxemic mice. Mice received lipopolysaccharides or saline intraperitoneal, and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was measured using an isolated perfused mouse lung model. Additional mice with and without endotoxemia were pretreated with the ornithine decarboxylase-inhibitor difluoromethylornithine before examination of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was defined as the difference of pulmonary arterial pressure between normoxic and hypoxic ventilation. In addition, lung tissue was analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Lipopolysaccharides caused an up-regulation of ornithine decarboxylase mRNA level (2.73 ± 0.19-fold increase, p < 0.05) as well as ornithine decarboxylase protein level (4.05 ± 0.37-fold increase, p < 0.05). Endotoxemia attenuated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction when compared with untreated control mice (26.3 ± 9.7% vs. 67.0 ± 17.5%). Difluoromethylornithine (20, 100, 500 mg kg−1 body weight intraperitoneal) restored hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in lungs of endotoxemic mice in a dose-dependent way (25.8 ± 9.9%, 57.3 ± 17.2%, 62.3 ± 12.4%) and decreased hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in control mice (53.6 ± 13.6%, 40.0 ± 14.9%, 35.9 ± 12.4%). These results show that endotoxemia induces ornithine decarboxylase expression and suggest that ornithine decarboxylase contributes to the endotoxemia-induced impairment of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase might be a target in the therapy of diseases with inflammation impaired hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, like the sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Early growth and nutrient status of Eucalyptus saligna as affected by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisation.

Growth responses of Eucalyptus saligna to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers were assessed in newly established bioenergy plantations in Hawaii. Fenilisers were applied three times (0, 6, and 15 months after planting) at four rates (0, 25, 50 and 75 g urea per tree and 0, 30, 60 and 90 g triple superphosphate per tree). Phosphorus increased growth only during the first 9 months, but nitrogen increased height and diameter and also their periodic increments through 48 months. The growth increment peaked during the 18-24 month period, and declined drastically thereafter. Maximum growth was obtained in the 50 g urea treatment, with tree biomass averaging if 22·5 kg and yield per hectare averaging 94 t at 48 months. Production may have been greater feniliser had been applied after 15 months. Nutrient status and its relationship with growth were evaluated using percentage composition and DRIS indices. Nitrogen applications increased concentrations and the DRlS indices of most nutrients at 12, 18 and 24 months. In general, DRIS indices for nitrogen and phosphorus were more strongly related than concentrations to present size and past growth at 12, 18 and 24 months. Future growth increment, however, tended to be more highly correlated with nutrient concentrations than with DRIS indices, especially for the 24-48 month period.
P2X7 receptor-induced CD23 shedding from B cells

XX CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 CD23 . 2 1.1.1 Structure and features . 2 1.1.2 Distribution . 3 1.1.3 Roles of membrane CD23 . 4 1.1. 4 Generation and roles of soluble CD23 . 5 1.1. 4.1 Shedding of membrane CD23 . 5 1.1. 4.2 Roles of soluble CD23 and IgE . 7 1.1. 4.3 Roles of soluble CD23 as a cytokine . 7 1.1. 5 Soluble CD23 in disease . 9 1.2 CXCL16 . 10 1.2. 1 Structure and features . 10 1.2. 2 Distribution of CXCL16 . 12 1.2. 3 Roles of membrane CXCL16 . 13 1.2. 4 Generation and roles of soluble CXCL16 . 13 1.2. 4.1 Shedding of membrane CXCL16 . 13 1.2. 4.2 Roles of soluble CXCL16 . 14 1.2. 5 Soluble CXCL16 and disease . 15 1.3 Purinergic signalling and purinergic receptors . 16 1.3.
Antimicrobial Adaptation in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) make up the largest proportion of hospital acquired infections. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are a major causative agent of CAUTI partially due to the bacteria’s ability to form biofilms on the catheter surface in addition to their extensive array of virulence factors that facilitate infection. Anti-infective coatings for urinary catheters are a promising strategy to prevent bacterial attachment and subsequent biofilm formation on the catheter thus helping to prevent CAUTI. Concerns have been raised that exposure to biocides may select for biocide resistant populations of bacteria in addition to promoting cross-resistance with third part agents such as antibiotics. This, in addition to further concerns over biocide cytotoxicity, has led to the search for alternative anti-infective coating agents that exhibit long-term antimicrobial activity and low-level cytotoxicity. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) have emerged as potential candidates to prevent such biofilm associated infections, however the long-term effects of QSIs and biocides in uropathogens is poorly understood. In this investigation, the impact of repeated exposure of eight UPEC strains to four biocides (PHMB, triclosan, BAC, silver nitrate) and three QSIs (cinnamaldehyde, furanone C30 and F-DPD) were evaluated. Antimicrobial susceptibility in planktonic (MIC and MBC) and biofilm (MBEC) states were determined before and after repeated exposure to each antimicrobial. Changes in pathogenicity were assessed in a Galleria mellonella waxworm model and through the use of cell invasion assays (SMC and HUEPC cell lines). Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of antimicrobial impregnated polymers was assessed via inhibition assays and through agar overlay tests. After the initial assessment, the sol gel coating was determined to have the highest biocompatibility, and was assessed for antimicrobial activity in a continuous culture drip-flow biofilm reactor. In an attempt to understand the mechanisms that govern antimicrobial adaptation in UPEC, strain EC958 was subjected to full genome and RNA-sequencing and differential expression gene analysis. The results of these experiments show the multiple and varied effects that occur after exposure to broad-spectrum antimicrobials must be taken into consideration when developing a new antimicrobial coating as these effects have impacts on resistance, virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance.
An Ecological Niche Model for Dociostaurus maroсcanus, Thunberg, 1815 (Orthoptera, Acrididae): The Nesting Environment and Survival of Egg-Pods

Since the earliest times, the problem of the locust has been a very serious one for agriculture and food production in particular. Devastating locust plagues are known from the Old and the New World where locust swarms terrified the earliest settlement and towns, leaving not a single green branch on the fields. Ways to combat locust plagues were often ineffective or extremely expensive due to a lack of information on the exact location of the newly hatched locusts; and the lack of an accurate assessment of the number of locusts in currently forming swarms. Rapidly developing GIS applications, especially as part of environmental modelling, appear to be a good means of forecasting a locust plague, being based on accurate ground observation and expert knowledge of the biology and ecology of the locust species. This paper represents an example of extended ecological modelling for the nesting conditions of Dociostaurus maroccanus, a well-known gregarious acridid species, with emphasis on the explanation of key environmental variables as revealed by the model.
The Skull Of Australopithecus Afarensis

1. Background to This Study 2. Recovery and Reconstruction of A.L. 444-2 3. A.L. 444-2: The Reconstructed Skull as a Whole 4. Endocranial Morphology of A.L. 444-2 5. Elements of the Disarticulated Skull 6. Implications of A.L. 444-2 for the Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Status of Australopithecus afarensis Notes References
Metadynomene tuamotu, a new species of dynomenid crab from French Polynesia (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)

A large dynomenid specimen from the Tuamotu Archipelago previously thought to belong to Metadynomene tanensis (Yokoya, 1933) is shown to be a new species, M. tuamotu sp. nov. Metadynomene tanensis is a widespread Western Pacific species occurring from Japan to New Zealand; while M. tuamotu sp. nov. joins M. devaneyi (Takeda, 1977) as the second species of this genus known from French Polynesia. A key to the genus is provided.