Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A taxonomy of iguanodontians (Dinosauria: Ornithopoda) from the lower Wealden Group (Cretaceous: Valanginian) of southern England

This short review discusses current understanding of the history, anatomy and taxonomy of the lower Wealden Groupaged (Valanginian ~141–137Ma) iguanodontian dinosaurs from southern England. English Wealden iguanodontian taxonomy has been the subject of comment and scrutiny since the latter half of the 19 th century. As proposed over two decades ago, iguanodontians recovered from quarries across this geographic region can be subdivided into anatomically and chronologically distinct assemblages. A review of the lower Wealden Group (Valanginian) assemblage (formerly understood to comprise the relatively poorly known and understood taxa Iguanodon dawsoni, Iguanodon fittoni and Iguanodon hollingtoniensis) establishes the presence of two diagnosable taxa: Barilium dawsoni (Lydekker, 1888) comb. nov. and Hypselospinus fittoni (Lydekker, 1889) comb. nov. The upper Wealden Group (Hauterivian–Lower Aptian) assemblage comprises Iguanodon bernissartensis and Mantellisaurus atherfieldensis. Recent suggestions concerning the creation of additional new Wealden Group taxa reflect systemic misunderstandings of the actual skeletal material. A detailed taxonomic review of all Wealden Group iguanodontians is in preparation.
Spatial variation in below‐ground seed germination and divergent mycorrhizal associations correlate with spatial segregation of three co‐occurring orchid species

1. Understanding the many factors that affect community composition and coexistence of species in natural environments is one of the central goals in ecology. As germination and establishment of seedlings in orchids are crucially dependent on mycorrhizal availability, the diversity and spatial distribution of orchid mycorrhizal fungi are likely factors that contribute to orchid coexistence.
Insecticidal activity of twenty plant powders on mortality, adult emergence of Sitophilus oryzae L. and grain weight loss in paddy.

Laboratory studies were conducted to study the effect of twenty plant powders (2 per cent) against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L (Colepotera: Curculionidae) infesting paddy grains. Among them Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae) was found to be significantly the best compared to other treatments. At two days after the treatment highest mortality was registered in Nelumbium speciosum Wild (Verbenaceae) (59.9%) followed by Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae) (49.9%), Azadirachta indica A.Juss (42.2%) and by Glorisa superpa L. (Liliaceae) (30.8%). At 7 days after the treatment, 99.1 per cent mortality was recorded in V. negundo followed by A. officinarum (96.6%), N. speciosum (94.4%) and in untreated control, 46.6 per cent mortality was observed. In another experiment, minimum adult emergence was registered in A. indica (18.00), A. officinarum (18.00), G. superpa (20.00), when compared to 98.00 adult weevils in untreated control. At 45 th day after treatment grain weight loss was minimum (10.58%) in A. indica compared to untreated control (39.21%). At 60 th days after treatment grain weight loss was minimum (13.01%) in A. indica compared to untreated control (49.22 %). At 90 th day after treatment lowest grain weight loss was observed in A. indica (18.55%) and highest grain weight loss was seen in C. halicacabum (40.80%).
Optimal Control Applied to Population and Disease Models

This dissertation considers the use of optimal control theory in population models for the purpose of characterizing strategies of control which minimize an invasive or infected population with the least cost. Three different models and optimal control problems are presented. Each model describes population dynamics via a system of differential equations and includes the effects of one or more control methods. The first model is a system of two ordinary differential equations describing dynamics between a native population and an invasive population. Population growth terms are functions of the control, constructed so that the value of the control may affect each population differently. A novel existence result is presented for the case of quadratic growth functions. With parameters chosen to mimic the competition between cottonwood and salt cedar plants, optimal schedules of controlled flooding are displayed. The second model, a system of six ordinary differential equations, describes the spread of cholera in a human population through ingestion of Vibrio cholerae. Equations track movement of susceptible individuals to either an asymptomatic infected class or a symptomatic infected class through ingestion of bacteria, both in a hyperinfectious state and a less-infectious state. Recovered individuals temporarily move to an immune class before being placed back in the susceptible class. A new result quantifies contributions to the basic reproductive number from multiple infectious classes. Within the model, three control functions represent rehydration and antibiotic treatment, vaccination, and sanitation. The cost-effective balance of multiple cholera intervention methods is compared for two endemic populations. The third model describes the spread of disease in both time and space using a system of
FRACIONAMENTO DE CARBOIDRATO E PROTEÍNA SEGUNDO O SISTEMA CNCPS

Objetivou-se com esse estudo descrever o sistema nutricional CNCPS bem como discutir sobre como ocorre a degradacao ruminal das fracoes de proteina e carboidratos e como se da o crescimento microbiano em funcao da disponibilidade desses nutrientes. O The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) foi criado na Universidade de Cornell, nos EUA. Nesse sistema e possivel simular os efeitos de ingestao do alimento, fermentacao ruminal, digestao intestinal, absorcao e metabolismo sobre a utilizacao do nutriente, e subsequente o desempenho animal. De acordo esse sistema, a proteina e os carboidratos utilizados na alimentacao dos ruminantes sao fracionados em relacao a sua composicao quimica, caracteristicas fisicas, degradacao ruminal e digestibilidade intestinal. Com a estimativa dos parâmetros cineticos dessas fracoes no trato gastrintestinal, e possivel adequar o fornecimento de racoes, visando a maxima eficiencia de sintese de proteina microbiana. Ademais, e possivel reduzir perdas energeticas e nitrogenadas decorrentes da fermentacao ruminal pela melhor formulacao de dietas visando maximizar a sincronizacao da degradacao entre nitrogenio e carboidratos no rumen.
Identification of predation by spiders on the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella.

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera Plutellidae), is one of the most destructive cosmopolitan pests of brassicaceous crops, and spiders (Araneae) are important predators to control DBM in the fields. A specific DNA marker was developed for detecting predation on DBM by four species of spiders, Ebrechtella tricuspidata (F.), Pardosa astrigena Koch, Pardosa laura Karsch, and Pardosa pseudoannulata (Boesenberg et Strand). A distinct 275-bp product was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) of the ribosomal gene of P. xylostella. This 275-bp sequence was not found in 16 other species of arthropods collected from crucifer fields. When the spiders were analyzed after they were fed a single fourth-instar P. xylostella, 50% of E. tricuspidata individuals were positive for the 275-bp PCR product up to 36 h after feeding. Likewise, the 275-bp PCR product was present in 60% of the individuals of P. astrigena, 70% of P. laura, and 70% of P. pseudoannulata up to 72 h after feeding on a single fourth-instar P. xylostella. A study in a cabbage and a rape field found that P. astrigena showed the highest incidence of positivity for the 275-bp PCR product, assayed by using primers of DBMITSF3/DBMITSR3; and the species of spiders and the two different fields were correlated with the positivity incidences of these spiders.
Building non-coding RNA families

Homology detection is critical to genomics. Identifying homologous sequence allows us to transfer information gathered in one organism to another quickly and with a high degree of confidence. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) presents a challenge for homology detection, as the primary sequence is often poorly conserved and de novo structure prediction remains difficult. This chapter introduces methods developed by the Rfam database for identifying "families" of homologous ncRNAs from single "seed" sequences using manually curated alignments to build powerful statistical models known as covariance models (CMs). We provide a brief overview of the state of alignment and secondary structure prediction algorithms. This is followed by a step-by-step iterative protocol for identifying homologs, then constructing an alignment and corresponding CM. We also work through an example, building an alignment and CM for the bacterial small RNA MicA, discovering a previously unreported family of divergent MicA homologs in Xenorhabdus in the process. This chapter will provide readers with the background necessary to begin defining their own ncRNA families suitable for use in comparative, functional, and evolutionary studies of structured RNA elements.
PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTION AND COARSE GRAINED SIMULATION STUDY OF GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME REVEALS NOVEL PATHWAYS OF GPR17

Studies of receptor mediated signaling networks in neuronal cells provide a unique opportunity to uncover the basis of many diseases. Receptor signaling cascades proceed from the cell surface, where extra cellular factors interact with their specific receptorse.g. G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPR). Recent studies have shown that the activation or suppression of GPR17 in diseased neuronal cells has potential impact in altering the tumor conditions. We identified many hundred times expressions of GPR17 in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) from the RNA-Seq data. We also observed many other genes having similar expression patterns with GPR17, indicating possible connections of this receptor with diverse gene products. We performed a coarse-grained simulation of � 500 proteins inside a cytoplasm like a box with solvent water molecules. The summarized protein interaction networks resulted from a coarse- grained simulation and large scale protein-protein docking reveals novel molecular connections and pathways.
Explorations in bilingual word recognition : cross-modal, cross-sectional, and cross-language effects

This dissertation explored different aspects of bilingual word recognition. First, bilingual auditory word recognition was examined using interlingual homophones in a cross-modal priming task. Bilinguals were found to activate word candidates in both languages, but were also sensitive to sublexical differences between cross-linguistically phonologically similar words (e.g., LIEF, Dutch, and LEAF, English). Second, the development of cognitive control and automatisation with increasing proficiency was examined in a lexical decision study. Unexpectedly, cognitive control did not vary much with language proficiency. When items of the native language were present in the experiment, different proficiency groups were unable to exclude interference by that language. Proficiency differences were only reflected in slower reactions and more errors in less proficient bilinguals. Automatisation was operationalized using the Coefficient of Variability (CV) by Segalowitz, defined as the mean standard deviation of a participant's RTs divided by the mean RT. However, the observed pattern of CV was not in accordance with Segalowitz's predictions. The only observed differences in automatisation across proficiency groups were in terms of speed and error rates. Third, the effects of the second language on the mother tongue were examined using masked priming with interlingual neighbors. A brief (unconscious) presentation of the prime 'large' slowed down the word recognition response on the following target word 'LARVE', compared to an orthographically unrelated prime. Nonword primes that shared all but one letter with the target (e.g., lorve - larve) also produced interference. However, repeated presentation of the target word led to a diminished interference effect, and ultimately to no effect at all
THE SUITABILITY OF PCR-BASED TECHNIQUES FOR DETECTING Verticillium dahliae IN STRAWBERRY PLANTS AND SOIL

Three sets of primers specific for selected Verticillium dahliae genome fragments were tested for their suitability for detection of this pathogen in infected plants and soil. Using primers VMSP1/VMSP2 and VDS1/VDS2, detection of fungus DNA was possible only for single samples derived from leaves of inoculated plants. Primers possessing targeted sites internal to a sequence of product obtained in reaction with DV1/DV2 primers allowed generating specific products on the DNA templates isolated from all inoculated plants. Application of the same nested-PCR primers was partially successful in detecting pathogen in the soil. PCR product with size of 320 bp was obtained for 7 of 10 soil samples, for which the presence of fungus was confirmed earlier with biological method.
Life history influences the vulnerability of New Zealand galaxiids to invasive salmonids

Summary Invasion biology often focuses on the life-history traits and the physiological tolerance of introduced species, and on assessing the suitability of receiving habitats. Few studies have examined how trait variation in recipient communities affects the responses of native fauna to pressures from invasive species. This study examines how previously identified life-history differences in a species-complex of native New Zealand galaxiid fish influence their spatial interactions with invasive salmonids (mainly Salmo trutta, but also Oncorhynchus mykiss, O. tshawytscha and Salvelinus fontinalis). A combination of a long-term, broad-scale, presence–absence dataset and a more intensive electrofishing survey was used to examine the extent to which galaxiid species distributions overlap with those of salmonids, and to assess demographic effects associated with salmonid presence. A generalised linear modelling approach was used to test the effect of life history on galaxiid–salmonid interactions while taking into account the possible confounding effects of habitat differences between species distributions. Galaxiid species with ‘fast’ life-history traits (e.g. high fecundity, small eggs) regularly co-occurred with salmonids over extensive areas, sometimes over long periods, occasionally where salmonid densities were high. In contrast, galaxiid species with ‘slow’ life-history traits (e.g. low fecundity, large eggs) were almost never found co-occurring with salmonids, and evidence suggested they were most often excluded even where salmonid densities were low. The model outputs indicated that, although habitat played an important role, galaxiid life histories were a dominant factor determining whether species co-occurred with or were excluded by salmonids. The strong influence of interspecific life-history variation on how these closely related galaxiid species interact with salmonids demonstrates the importance of detailed life-history information in predicting how native biota are likely to respond to pressures from invasive species.
Environmental analyses and candidate gene expression of ms9 male-sterility locus and computational identification of candidate genes for male-sterility loci in soybean

Rapid growth rate of the human population is driving the increased demand for cultivated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], a major source of protein and oil in global food, feed, and biofuel production. Increasing yield at a pace faster than traditional breeding methods presently achieve has become a need and future commitment. In soybean, a selfpollinated crop, a possibility to increase yield may result from the development of hybrid cultivars. Researchers have been interested in floral development and pollination, as these factors have a direct impact on maintaining and enhancing crop yields. Soybean breeders also need to understand phenotypic differences in male-sterility loci that could be manipulated for use in hybrid seed production. Among them, the ms9 locus is particularly interesting because it has high insect pollinator attraction, which facilitates its potential use in hybrid seed production. Recent release of multiple genomic tools for soybean, new bioinformatic approaches can be used to identify candidate male-sterility genes and compare their function. This dissertation is organized in chapters dealing with different aspects related to the use of male sterility. In Chapter 2, we determined that ms9 is a thermosensitive male-sterility locus, influenced by day temperature. Bioinformatic analyses in Chapter 3 identified four homeologs of male-sterility genes from Arabidopsis and rice as candidate genes for ms3, msp, and ms2 loci. A total of 23 candidate genes for the ms9, msp, ms3, and ms2 loci were identified. In Chapter 4, utilizing a similar bioinformatic approach targeting the ms9 locus, we prioritized a list of nine candidate genes for analyses using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Two genes, a small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP, Glyma03g30880) and an auxin-indole-3-acetic acid (AUX/IAA) responsive gene
Multi-Level Governance and Institutional Change: The Europeanization of Regional Policy in Italy

The Conceptual Framework: Europeanization - institutionalizing European policy spaces Multi-level governance and regulation - perspectives on change in territorial policies in Europe Europeanization - interpreting modes of change and institutionalization. Stages in the Europeanization of Italian Regional Policy: Regional policy in Italy until the 1990s - a retrospective Stages in Europeanization, 1 - aligning domestic reforms to European regulatory frameworks Stages in Europeanization, 2 - reframing the arena of domestic intergovernmental relations Stages in Europeanization, 3 - building multi-level governance. Opportunities and Challenges in the Europeanization of Italian Regional Policy - Europeanization and institutional change in Italian regional policy - a summary interpretation Contradictions and conflicts in the Europeanization of Italian regional policy - a case study. Conclusion - Europeanization and the "Italian Transition" to a multi-level polity.
A Discriminative Topic Model using Document Network Structure

Document collections often have links between documents—citations, hyperlinks, or revisions—and which links are added is often based on topical similarity. To model these intuitions, we introduce a new topic model for documents situated within a network structure, integrating latent blocks of documents with a max-margin learning criterion for link prediction using topicand word-level features. Experiments on a scientific paper dataset and collection of webpages show that, by more robustly exploiting the rich link structure within a document network, our model improves link prediction, topic quality, and block distributions.
A methodology to evaluate disease severity: a case study of chestnut blight in El Bierzo region (northwestern Spain)

Correct knowledge of the incidence and severity of disease is essential for implementation of timely and effective management control strategies. In this article, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) is applied to evaluate the severity of chestnut blight incited by the ascomyceteous fungus Cryphonectria parasitica. This economically important bark disease leads to the loss of an important part of the chestnut production and the progressive death of the tree. A total of 7240 living European chestnut (Castanea sativa) trees across 452 plots were surveyed in El Bierzo, NW Spain. For each tree, the main stem and canopy were visually assessed for signs of the pathogen and/or symptoms of the disease and the extent of the disease was classified on a qualitative ordinal scale consisting of six levels. The statistical procedure is useful because it quickly analyses measurable, discrete observations from assessed individuals to provide a disease severity measure related to tree features and disease extension inside the tree. The results indicated that the penetration of the pathogen is located in the lower part of the crown and spreads to the tips of the branches in the upper part of the crown. Thus, our results suggest that man-made wounds, when the tree was grafted or pruned, are the main channel of pathogen penetration in El Bierzo region. Disease severity estimates and incidence data for C. parasitica across the region were compared. From the perspective of the management and control of the disease, a disease severity value provides a more accurate indication of the scenario of the disease in a region than presence or absence data alone.
Efecto de dos análogos de brasinoesteroides en la inducción y regeneración de callos de Ipomoea batatas

With the purpose of studying, in different clones, the effect of two similar brassinoesteroids in the induction of callus and the regeneration of the same ones, tuberous roots belonging to the clones Cemsa 78-354, Inivit B 90-1, Inivit B 93-1, Yabu-8 and Jewel were gathered and they were placed in flasks with water in the laboratory to induce the sprouting of the buds. Later , explants of the limbo foliar were selected and they were culture in the Murashige and Skoog (1962) culture medium with 2, 4-D (0.1 mg.l -1 ) and 6-BAP (0.2 mg.l -1 ) with the similar brassinoesteroids MH-5 and Biobras-6 at different concentrations (0.001, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg.l -1 ) and the employment independent brassinoesteroids analogues to induce the formation of callus. Starting from the fourth week the callus were transferred, to facilitate the regenerants induction, to the culture medium previously mentioned to which the independent brassinoesteroids analogues MH-5 and Biobras-6 and cocktails with the regulators of the growth AIA (0.05 mg.l -1 ) and Kinetina (0.2 mg.l -1 )were added . The same ones stayed under sun light conditions to temperatures of 25 ± 2 °C, relative humidity of 80-90% and luminous intensity of 3 000-5 000 l. After four weeks, it was evaluated the morphological behavior of the callus and the regenerants. Good results were obtained in the induction of morphogenic callus , when using the regulators of the independent growth in the culture medium and when being combined with 2, 4-D (0.1 mg.l -1 ) and 6-BAP (0.2 mg.l -1 ) to the concentration of 0.01 mg.l -1 with both brassinoesteroids analogues. The regenerantes induction was more favored with the employment of the brassinoesteroids analogues Biobras-6 combined with AIA (0.05 mg.l -1 ) and Kinetina (0.2 mg.l -1 ) than when being used independent in the culture medium. Key Words: culture medium, regenerantes, Sweet potato
Evaluating Persuasion Strategies and Deep Reinforcement Learning methods for Negotiation Dialogue agents

In this paper we present a comparative evaluation of various negotiation strategies within an online version of the game “Settlers of Catan”. The comparison is based on human subjects playing games against artificial game-playing agents (‘bots’) which implement different negotiation dialogue strategies, using a chat dialogue interface to negotiate trades. Our results suggest that a negotiation strategy that uses persuasion, as well as a strategy that is trained from data using Deep Reinforcement Learning, both lead to an improved win rate against humans, compared to previous rule-based and supervised learning baseline dialogue negotiators.