Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dry matter production and grain yield from grazed wheat in southern New South Wales

In southern New South Wales, Australia, grazing wheat during the vegetative and early reproductive growth stages (typically during winter) can provide a valuable contribution of high quality feed during a period of low pasture growth. This paper reports results from a series of experiments investigating the agronomic management of grazed wheats in southern NSW. The effect of sowing date and grazing on dry matter production and subsequent grain yield of a range of wheat cultivars was measured in five experiments in 2004 and 2005. In all experiments, results were compared with ungrazed spring wheat (cv. Diamondbird). Grain yield of the best winter cultivar was either the same or significantly greater than the spring cultivar in each of the five experiments. Within the winter wheat cultivars, there was significant variation in grain yield, protein content and screenings, depending on site and year with the cultivar Marombi out-yielding all others. Interestingly, this cultivar usually had the least dry matter post-grazing but the greatest dry matter by anthesis of the winter wheats. Generally, if sowing of the winter wheat was delayed, then the effects on yield were small or non-existent. The results are discussed with respect to the benefits of incorporating grazing cereals into cropping programs in the medium rainfall zone of southern Australia.
Evaluation of denoising digital breast tomosynthesis data in both projection and image domains and a study of noise model on digital breast tomosynthesis image domain

Abstract. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is an imaging technique created to visualize 3-D mammary structures for the purpose of diagnosing breast cancer. This imaging technique is based on the principle of computed tomography. Due to the use of a dangerous ionizing radiation, the “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) principle should be respected, aiming at minimizing the radiation dose to obtain an adequate examination. Thus, a noise filtering method is a fundamental step to achieve the ALARA principle, as the noise level of the image increases as the radiation dose is reduced, making it difficult to analyze the image. In our work, a double denoising approach for DBT is proposed, filtering in both projection (prereconstruction) and image (postreconstruction) domains. First, in the prefiltering step, methods were used for filtering the Poisson noise. To reconstruct the DBT projections, we used the filtered backprojection algorithm. Then, in the postfiltering step, methods were used for filtering Gaussian noise. Experiments were performed on simulated data generated by open virtual clinical trials (OpenVCT) software and on a physical phantom, using several combinations of methods in each domain. Our results showed that double filtering (i.e., in both domains) is not superior to filtering in projection domain only. By investigating the possible reason to explain these results, it was found that the noise model in DBT image domain could be better modeled by a Burr distribution than a Gaussian distribution. Finally, this important contribution can open a research direction in the DBT denoising problem.
Molecular characterisation of Flavobacterium spp. and investigation of their biofilm-forming capacity in the tilapia aquaculture system

Fish infections caused by pathogenic Flavobacterium spp. are a major problem in the aquaculture industry worldwide, often leading to large economic losses. Thirty-two Flavobacterium spp. isolates, obtained from various diseased fish species and biofilm growth, were characterised genetically using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, 16S rRNA gene PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR, repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) element PCR, plasmid profiling, whole cell protein (WCP) and outer membrane protein (OMP) analyses. The biofilm-forming capability of five genetically heterogeneous Flavobacterium spp. study isolates was investigated using a modified microtiter-plate adherence assay, as well as flow cell studies. Experimental infection studies with Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) were carried out in order to determine the virulence of the Flavobacterium spp. study isolates. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed the Flavobacterium spp. study isolates were closely related, and 97% sequence similarity was shared with published F. johnsoniae sequences. A high degree of genetic heterogeneity was displayed by the Flavobacterium spp. study isolates following RAPD-PCR, REP-PCR and OMP analysis, however, based on the results obtained by plasmid profiling and WCP analysis, the isolates appeared genetically very homogeneous. The biofilm phenotype was displayed by all five Flavobacterium spp. isolates tested and varied from weakly to strongly adherent. No specific correlation was observed between the RAPD, REP and/or OMP profiles and degree of adherence displayed by Flavobacterium spp. isolates. However, a specific WCP profile (profile B), exhibited by 48% of the Flavobacterium spp. isolates, was linked to strong adherence. Experimental infection studies showed that Flavobacterium spp. isolates displayed variable levels of virulence, which could not be linked to biofilm formation, nor specific genotypes. This is the first reported isolation and characterisation of Flavobacterium spp. isolated from diseased fish in Southern Africa, and there appears to be significant diversity amongst the isolates which is not geographically linked nor host related.
Murine Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Produce IFN-γ upon IL-4 Stimulation1

IL-4 plays a key role in inducing IL-4 production in CD4+ T cells, functioning as an important determinant for Th2 cell differentiation. We show here that IL-4 induces IFN-γ production in B220+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs). By searching for cell populations that produce IFN-γ upon IL-4 stimulation, we found that PDCs were a major IFN-γ-producing cell upon IL-4 stimulation in wild-type and Rag-2−/− splenocytes. Isolated PDCs, but not CD11b+ DCs or CD8+ DCs, produced IFN-γ upon IL-4 stimulation. In vivo, the depletion of PDCs by anti-Ly6G/C Ab prevented IFN-γ production induced by IL-4 administration. We also found that IL-4 induced IFN-γ production, but not IL-12 or IFN-α production, in PDCs and also strongly enhanced CpG oligodeoxynucleotide-induced IFN-γ production, but not CpG oligodeoxynucleotide-induced IL-12 or IFN-α production. However, IL-4 did not induce IFN-γ production in Stat6−/− PDCs. Moreover, IL-4 induced Stat4 expression in PDCs through a Stat6-dependent mechanism, and only the Stat4-expressing PDCs produced IFN-γ. Furthermore, IL-4 did not induce IFN-γ production in Stat4−/− PDCs. These results indicate that PDCs preferentially produce IFN-γ upon IL-4 stimulation by Stat6- and Stat4-dependent mechanisms.
Microsatellite markers linked to QTL for resistance to Mal de Río Cuarto disease in Zea mays L.

‘Mal de Río Cuarto’ (MRC) disease, caused by a member of the family Reoviridae belonging to the genus Fijivirus, is considered to be the most damaging viral disease of maize (Zea mays L.) in Argentina. Resistance to MRC disease is a quantitative trait with moderate heritability ranging from 0·44 to 0·56. The objective of this study was to identify simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) contributing to MRC disease resistance. Two hundred and twenty-seven F3 derived-lines from a cross between a susceptible inbred line, Mo17, and a partially resistant inbred line, BLS14, were evaluated across four Río Cuarto environments. A disease severity index (DSI) based on disease grades was calculated and used to rate F3 derived-lines for their resistance to MRC disease. A subset of parental F2 plants belonging to susceptible and resistant F3 derived-lines from field assessments was assayed for 180 SSR primer pairs to map resistance genes. Fifty-six maize SSR were employed for the testing of linkage among DNA markers and the mapping of QTL through composite interval mapping. Resistance to MRC disease was affected by two QTL on chromosomes 1 and 8 which showed overdominance and dominant gene action, respectively. A simultaneous fit with these QTL in the joint analyses explained 36·2% of the phenotypic variance. In spite of the fact that relative efficiency of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in comparison to phenotypic selection was close to 1, the mapped QTL could improve the efficiency of efforts in breeding for resistance to MRC disease.
About Handwriting

There can be no doubt about the relevance of handwriting to reading and spelling skills nor about the influence of handwriting skills on word attack abilities. Much time is spent in the primary grades on word recognition, phonics, and word recall abilities as preparation for reading and spelling. Yet very little time is spent on the hand and movement skills that must be achieved if a child is to gain the most basic and essential handwriting skills. A child is given a pencil that is too small around for his clumsy fingers and a book showing how to draw each letter. Then a small sheet of paper with lines on it is provided, and writing mastery is expected in a short period of time. Children are constantly criticized for not having gained the "fine motor" skills so necessary to writing-yet they are given little opportunity. to learn the motor patterns and movement refinements that are part and parcel of the writing act. There is now a broadening recognition that manuscript writing may not be the place to start children in the acquisition of writing skills. This procedure was instituted a number of years ago by someone who had the idea that children had to make letters just like those in the textbook, or they would not be able to recognize the words. Forgotten was the fact that if a child knows a word,
Microbial Isolations from Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and East Pacific Green (Chelonia mydas agassizii) Sea Turtle Nests in Pacific Costa Rica, and Testing of Cloacal Fluid Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract Microorganisms associated with olive ridley and East Pacific green turtle nesting and potential cloacal fluid antimicrobial properties were studied in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. During the 2010–2011 season, bacteria and fungi were isolated from olive ridley cloacal fluid, nest chamber sand, and egg samples. Because of the lack of cloacal fluid bacteria isolated, the focus of the 2011–2012 season shifted to determine whether fluid contained antibacterial properties by using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion assays, and cloacal fluid and sand samples were taken to see whether bacteria were unique to cloacal fluid. Assays were performed on 34 olive ridley and 5 East Pacific green cloacal fluid samples, yielding no zones of inhibition. In the second season, Corynebacterium sp. , Bacillus sp. , Klebsiella sp. , as well as genera documented in previous studies, were found unique to cloacal fluid. Citrobacter freundii and Serratia odorifera are potential contaminates and were common in cloacal fluid and nest chamber sand samples on all beaches. Fungi unique to cloacal fluid included Fusarium sp. and Geotrichum sp. , with no previous record of Geotrichum sp. associated with sea turtle nesting. Our results suggest antimicrobial properties either are absent or undetectable by these methods. Future studies should use molecular techniques for bacterial analysis and alternative approaches for detecting antimicrobial properties.
A SELF-ORGANIZING MAP FOR MIXED CONTINUOUS AND CATEGORICAL DATA

Most traditional clustering algorithms are limited to handle data sets that contain either continuous or categorical variables. However data sets with mixed types of variables are commonly used in data mining field. In this paper we introduce a weighted self-organizing map for clustering, analysis and visualization mixed data (continuous/binary). The learning of weights and prototypes is done in a simultaneous manner assuring an optimized data clustering. More variables has a high weight, more the clustering algorithm will take into account the informations transmitted by these variables. The learning of these topological maps is combined with a weighting process of different variables by computing weights which influence the quality of clustering. We illustrate the power of this method with data sets taken from a public data set repository: a handwritten digit data set, Zoo data set and other three mixed data sets. The results show a good quality of the topological ordering and homogenous clustering.
Concurrent validity of a fixated hand-held dynamometer for measuring isometric knee extension strength in adults with congenital heart disease

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity of a fixated hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in comparison to a load cell in measurement of maximal isometric knee extension force in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) and healthy adults. Methods: Fourteen adults with CHD and fourteen healthy adults were included. Each participant was tested three times with each method and the mean of the top two results for each participant and method was used in analysis. Results: The agreement between the two methods was excellent in both groups (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 95% confidence interval [CI]) 0.98 (0.92–1.00) in the CHD group and ICC 0.99 (0.96–1.00) in the healthy group). There was a small difference of 19.5 Newton or 4.8% (p<.05) between the two methods in the CHD group. No significant difference was seen between the two methods in the healthy group (p>.05). Conclusions: The fixated HHD demonstrated excellent concurrent validity when compared to a load cell among adults with CHD as well as in healthy adults. Thus, in a healthy population the methods can be used interchangeably, however, a small difference between the methods is seen in the CHD group.
Flight muscle carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity varies with substrate chain length and unsaturation in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)

Fat is an important fuel for bats to support high metabolic rates in extended periods of flight. The fatty acid composition of adipose stores could affect whole animal exercise performance, as fatty acids vary in rates of mobilization and oxidation. A key step in the fatty acid oxidation pathway is transporting fatty acids from the cytosol into mitochondria, mediated by the enzyme carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT). Therefore, understanding the substrate preference patterns of CPT in bats is important for interpreting the consequences of adipose fatty acid profiles. We measured CPT activity with eight different fatty acyl CoA substrates (16:0, 16:17, 18:0, 18:19, 18:26, 18:33, 20:46, and 22:63) in the pectoralis muscle of migrating and nonmigrating hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus (Beauvois, 1796)). The pattern of substrate preference was similar to the patterns previously reported for birds and rats and was not affected by migration. Generally, activity increased with the number of double bonds and was higher with 16 carbon fatty acids compared with 18 carbon fatty acids. Given the observed substrate variation in CPT activity, there is no evidence to suggest that recently reported seasonal changes in the adipose fatty acid composition of migrating hoary bats would lead to increased lipid oxidation rate, and may instead be a consequence of seasonal shifts in diet.
Influences of Energy Sources and Levels Supplementation on Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Protein Synthesis in Dairy Steers

Four rumen fistulated dairy steers were randomly assigned according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments (Factor A = source of energy; CM = corn meal, CC = cassava chip), (Factor B = level of supplementation; 1 and 2% of BW). Four dietary treatments were used: CM1, CM2, CC1 and CC2, respectively. Results revealed that supplementation of cassava chip at 2 %BW, was lower ruminal pH than that of CM1, CM2 and CC1, respectively. In addition, cellulolytic bacteria populations was decreased while protozoa increase with affected by energy source and level supplementation. The result from this experiment suggested that supplementation of energy sources at 2 %BW, especially from cassava chip was reduced ruminal pH lowest but increasing populations of protozoa in rumen of dairy steers.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Populations Respond Differently to 2,4-D or Triclopyr1

Ground ivy is an invasive, perennial, broadleaf weed common in turf sites. A recent survey of lawn care professionals suggests ground ivy populations respond differently to herbicides. Our study was conducted to determine the variation in response among and within ground ivy populations to 2,4-D or triclopyr application. Ground ivy populations were sampled from nine sites in the United States and Canada. Leaf width, petiole length, and internode length varied by population by as much as 31, 36, and 45%, respectively. In a greenhouse study, applying 4.5 kg/ha 2,4-D or 0.9 kg/ha triclopyr to all populations resulted in a phytotoxic response that varied according to population by as much as 47% for 2,4-D and 31% for triclopyr. Random-amplified polymorphic DNA analysis identified 52 genotypes in the nine populations, and these genotypes varied in response to 2,4-D application in some populations. Difficulty in control of ground ivy with 2,4-D or triclopyr may be because of the presence of ecotypes and biotypes. Nomenclature: 2,4-D; triclopyr; ground ivy, Glechoma hederacea L. #3 GLEHE. Additional index words: Biotype, ecotype, herbicide screening, resistance, tolerance. Abbreviations: DAT, days after treatment; FW, fresh weight; LCO, lawn care operator; RAPD, random-amplified polymorphic DNA; RFW, regrowth fresh weight.
Studying the Role of SUMO in the Interaction between HCN2 Channel and its Auxiliary Subunit TRIP8b Using Pull-down Assay

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels form an integral part of the plasma membrane, existing as tetramers and enclosing ion conducting pores. Ion channels are often regulated by auxiliary subunits and one such protein interacting with the HCN channel is TPR-containing Rab8b interacting protein (TRIP8b). TRIP8b is known to play a crucial role in controlling voltage dependence of HCN channel activation, channel trafficking and surface expression. Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) is a peptide that can be conjugated to a lysine residue on a target protein and modify proteinprotein interactions. HCN2 channel can be SUMOylated and possible SUMOylation sites on TRIP8b exist. SUMOylation at these sites may strengthen or weaken the association between these proteins. In this study we use Pull-down assay technique to determine whether SUMO influences this interaction. By altering the baseline SUMOylation level, changes in the degree of HCN channel protein pulled down by TRIP8b is analyzed. INDEX WORDS: HCN channel, TRIP8b, SUMO, Pull-down assay, Protein purification, Protein-protein interaction STUDYING THE ROLE OF SUMO IN THE INTERACTION BETWEEN HCN2 CHANNEL AND ITS AUXILIARY SUBUNIT TRIP8b USING PULL-DOWN ASSAY
Strategic fit: model development and fitness analysis of a manufacturing unit

ABSTRACT Though Bangladesh is one of the largest garments manufacturing country in the world and there happened revolutionary changes more than four decades ago, they couldn’t achieve sustainable platform yet. The failure to achieve up to the requirement level for the competitive capabilities/manufacturing metrics is the common phenomenon for the manufacturers. Even there is an alarming issue that the manufacturers yet don’t know how they are affected by these failures and also can’t measure how much they are statistically fit. By being motivated from manufacturer’s failure, we worked on a manufacturing unit of a garments industry where we aggregated manufacturing metrics and determined how the manufacturers are affected by the failure of these metrics. This research work will conclude by proposing few models with their mathematical and graphical explanation. By using these models, the manufacturers will be able to determine their strategic fitness, security level, and associated loss/penalty.
A new species of portunid crab of the genus Charybdis (De Haan, 1833) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) from Goa, India

Abstract A new species of portunid crab, Charybdis (Charybdis) goaensis sp. nov. is described from Goa, west coast of India. It differs from its closest congener, Charybdis (Charybdis) philippinensis in possessing bluntly triangular median frontal teeth, wide U-shaped notches separating the sub-median and lateral frontal teeth, wide notches separating antero-lateral teeth, and granular tuberosity on cardiac region of carapace. A taxonomic key to 43 species of the sub-genus Charybdis including the newly described species is also provided.
La raza bovina autóctona española Pajuna: Situación actual y programa de recuperación

Resumen La raza bovina Pajuna es una razaautoctona andaluza que esta al borde de laextincion. Su aptitud es mixta carne-trabajoy es posiblemente la raza espanola masrustica, al ser capaz de adaptarse a losmedios marginados, aprovechando losescasos recursos de las sierras andaluzas, queno pueden ser utilizados por otras razas mascarniceras.El cruzamiento indiscriminado con razasespecializadas, la mecanizacion del campo yla perdida del habitat de explotacion hanllevado esta raza a una situacion deinminente desaparicion, con solo300 animales puros, relegados en la mayoriade los casos a meros vientres para el cruceindustrial en vacadas mixtas.En el presente articulo describimos lasituacion actual y las causas que la hanllevado a esta situacion, asi como lasactuaciones de la Asociacion de Criadores(GRAPA), creada en el ano 2001, dentro deun programa de preservacion yrecuperacion. Estas razones se puedenresumir en la localizacion de todos losefectivos existentes, el analisis de laestructura demografica de la poblacion, laactualizacion de su estandar racial ycreacion del Libro Genealogico, lacaracterizacion genetica, y determinacion delnivel de variabilidad intra e interpoblacionala partir del polimorfismo de loci molecularesmicrosatelites como a traves de lavariabilidad de la region control del ADNmitocondrial.
Use of chemicals and biological products in Asian aquaculture and their potential environmental risks: a critical review

Over the past few decades, Asian aquaculture production has intensified rapidly through the adoption of technological advances, and the use of a wide array of chemical and biological products to control sediment and water quality and to treat and prevent disease outbreaks. The use of chemicals in aquaculture farms has raised environmental concerns owing to their potential impacts on downstream aquatic ecosystems. Currently little is known about the environmental fate and effects of the chemicals used in Asian aquaculture. Consequently, we reviewed recent information on the use of chemical and biological products in the most important Asian aquaculture producing countries and briefly summarize their main potential environmental impacts. We provide an overview of the main factors controlling the use of these chemicals and describe the international risk assessment guidelines available for aquaculture chemicals. Finally, data gaps and research needs for their implementation in Asian countries are discussed. Our review aims to form a basis for developing environmental risk assessment studies of the chemicals used in Asian aquaculture.
Urinary allantoin excretion and digestible dry-matter intake in cattle and buffalo

Summary A linear relationship between the amount of allantoin excreted in the urine of cattle and the digestible dry-matter intake, has been found for cattle fed different roughage diets. The relation was also linear for buffalo although they excreted less urinary allantoin than cattle at the same level of digestible dry matter intake. It is postulated that the relationship arises because of the contribution that degraded microbial nucleic acids make to the excreted allantoin in the urine of cattle.