Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complex Preparations for the Protection Potato on the Basis of Tebuconazole

Among the various methods to protect potatoes from common diseases, the most economical and environmentally friendly is tuber dressing. Based on the tebuconazole, thiram and benzimidazole fungicides, protectants (in the form of solid dispersions and suspensions) have been developed for use on potatoes against various diseases. The solid-phase mechanochemical modification of selected fungicides with the help of water-soluble polymers made it possible to obtain supramolecular complexes that possessed high biological activity with a reduced dosage of active substances 10 and more times due to their influence on the properties of cell membranes. An alternative approach—the development of stable suspension forms for these fungicides without the use of traditional formative substances (stabilizers, emulsifiers, film formers, etc.)—allowed for the practical use of innovative products in the form of suspension concentrates. The analysis of the quality indicators of the obtained multicomponent environmentally friendly protectants made it possible to select the most promising of them, the biological tests of which indicated a decrease in the number of tubers of patients with dry rot 1.6-2.0 times in comparison with the control variant, and they were also more effective than the standard preparation (Colfugo Super, SC 60) 1.2-1.3 times. The proposed preparations significantly reduced the development of rhizoctoniosis in the period of sprouting 5.8-7.3 times or the plants were completely healthy, and in the budding-flowering stage 2.7-5.5 times. The preparations provided a reliable yield increase, and also reduced the weight percentage of unsuitable tubers and significantly increased the yield of healthy tubers.
Structural and functional characterization of the endosome-associated deubiquitinating enzyme AMSH

Davies, Christopher W. Ph.D., Purdue University, December 2013. Structural and Functional Characterization of the Endosome-Associated Deubiquitinating Enzyme AMSH. Major Professor: Chittaranjan Das. The endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery is a ubiquitin-dependent molecular mechanism made of up of four individual complexes: ESCRT-0, -I, -II, III, that is necessary for regulating the degradation of cell surface receptors directed towards the lysosome. Not only are the ESCRTs implicated in endosomal sorting and trafficking of proteins, its members also have roles in other important biological processes such as: cytokinesis, HIV budding, transcriptional regulation, and autophagy. As a function of its involvement in several processes throughout the cell, the ESCRT machinery is implicated in a wide variety of diseases including cancer, neurological disease, bacterial infections, cardiovascular disease, and retroviral infection. Proteins marked for lysosomal degradation (cargo) are first ubiquitinated, and then, shuttled in a sequential mechanism through the complexes. In the last step, ubiquitin is removed from the cargo, which is subsequently encapsulated into intralumenal vesicles (ILV) that will ultimately be transported to and fuse with lysosome, degrading and recycling its contents. Deubiquitination is the removal of
Root research for drought tolerance in legumes: Quo vadis?

Among many factors that are associated with drought tolerance in legume crops, root traits have been considered to be the most important attributes enabling the plant to mine water efficiently from deeper soil layer under dry environments. Most of the methods used to evaluate roots are time consuming that provide valuable information about the root morphology but they do not reflect the dynamic characteristics of roots and root systems. Considerable amount of genetic variability with respect to root traits involving length, dry weight and root length density (RLD) has been observed. Apart from the observed morphological variation in roots which has specific significance of adaptation, their functional aspects involving direct water uptake and their related kinetics are equally important. A large lysimetric system has been developed at ICRISAT to make progress in this direction. Compared to other legumes, root traits in chickpea have been thoroughly investigated and consequently, preliminary breeding works have been initiated using root traits. Root measurements in plants grown in cylinders showed almost similar relationship with depth and RLD determined in the field and thus have been used to explore diversity for these traits in chickpea. The possible diversity for root traits has been analysed in wild relatives and transgenics as well. Using this method, root depth and RLD are being phenotyped in several recombinant inbred line populations. A major putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) for RLD was identified in a population involving a profuse rooting parent ICC 4958 and the contrasting Annigeri. These QTLs will be a faster and easier replacement technique against time-consuming phenotyping of roots and will be the way forward to introgress superior root characteristics. Efforts are also being made to use wild relatives of Cicer for inheriting some adaptive traits. In chickpea, a preliminary study is being carried out to test the response to drought stress of DREB1A and P5CSF transgenic events using a lysimetric system. The study demonstrated a modest increased in water uptake but not yield under water stress in one transgenic event of DREB1A and one P5CSF event. In groundnut, DREB1A triggers native genes that might be involved in root development. In this review, the progress made so far on roots in legume crops has been elucidated which might explore possibilities of breeding genotypes to inherit efficient root system in legumes.
The effects of fragmentation and disturbance of rainforest on ground‐dwelling small mammals on the Robertson Plateau, New South Wales, Australia

A bioclimatic model based on physiological constraints to plant growth and regeneration is used here in an empirical way to describe the present natural distributions of northern Europe's major trees. Bioclimatic variables were computed from monthly means of temperature, precipitation and sunshine (%) interpolated to a 10' grid taking into account elevation. Minimum values of mean coldest-month temperature (T c ) and 'effective' growing degree days (GDD*) were fitted to species' range limits. GDD* is total annual growing degree days (GDD) minus GDD to budburst (GDD°). Each species was assigned to one of the chilling-response categories identified by Murray, Cannell & Smith (1989) to calculate GDD°. Maximum T c values were fitted to continental species' mild-winter limits and other deciduous species' warm-winter limits. Minimum values of relative growing-season moisture availability (α*) were estimated from silvics. Growth indices were calculated based on potential net assimilation (a quadratic in daily temperature) and α*. Growth can be rapid near a range limit, e.g. Picea abies (L.) Karsten in southern Sweden. Climate changes expected for CO 2 doubling were projected on to the grid. Simulated distribution changes reflected interspecific differences in response to changing seasonality. Chilling responses proved important, e.g. the predicted range limit of Fagus sylvatica L. contracts in the west while expanding northwards as winters warm more than summers. Transient responses to climate change can be modelled using the same information provided that fundamental and realized niche limitations are distinguished-a caveat that underlines the dearth of experimental information on the climatic requirements for growth, and especially regeneration, of many important trees.
Mammalian-wide interspersed repeats (MIRs) and their role in mammalian gene function and evolution

Transposable elements (TEs) are ubiquitous components of plant and animal genomes and constitute more than ~45% of the human genome. Though originally considered as 'parasitic' or 'junk' DNA, TEs are now thought to have played a role in shaping genomes during evolution, contributing to genome plasticity and diversity. All classes of retrotransposons accumulate in the genome via a process termed retrotransposition, wherein the elements are reverse transcribed into RNA and inserted into the genome as DNA. Exaptation of these elements can provide additional or novel function for endogenous genes. Mammalian-wide interspersed repeats (MIRs) are short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), belonging to the non-autonomous class of retroelements and are found in all mammals. The recruitment of an MIR element by a gene may provide insight into mammalian evolution and gene function.
A widespread contaminant enhances invasion success of a marine invader

Summary 1. The global transfer of species by human vectors is continuing despite the use of managerial controls such as antifouling biocides and pesticide applications. The process of introduction now exposes species to novel conditions which may select for tolerance to a contaminant. Invader establishment success is influenced by both the supply of invasive propagules and disturbance. Therefore, it is important to understand whether tolerance to an anthropogenic disturbance, such as contamination, can change the parameters of supply in a way that inadvertently augments the invasion process. 2. To test whether the invasion process is influenced by a widespread contaminant, we investigated how recruitment of the invasive hull-fouling bryozoan Watersipora subtorquata is affected by exposure to copper-based antifouling paint. We quantified settlement patterns in control and copper environments and then assessed post-settlement survival and fitness components. 3. Copper significantly increased total recruitment success despite greater post-settlement mortality. Surviving recruits differed morphologically, with shorter ancestrulae and smaller colonies in high copper treatments. These results show a strong positive affiliation between larval W. subtorquata and high levels of copper although there are associated fitness costs. 4. Syntheses and applications. We found a direct positive effect of contamination on recruitment of a common invasive species. This process is likely to be relevant to other non-indigenous species (NIS) that exhibit a positive affiliation with metal contamination. Copper can potentially enhance success at multiple stages of the invasion process, including facilitating transport and establishment, by increasing the supply and retention of individuals into anthropogenically disturbed environments. Identification of tolerance to contamination as a species trait may also aid in predicting a species invasiveness and spread. Management of metal pollution through remediation and alternative copper-free antifouling techniques would help prevent the spread and establishment of many marine NIS.
Molecular Cloning and Transcriptional Regulation of the Aspergillus nidulans xlnD Gene Encoding a β-Xylosidase

ABSTRACT The xlnD gene encoding the 85-kDa β-xylosidase was cloned from Aspergillus nidulans. The deduced primary structure of the protein exhibits considerable similarity to the primary structures of the Aspergillus niger andTrichoderma reesei β-xylosidases and some similarity to the primary structures of the class 3 β-glucosidases.xlnD is regulated at the transcriptional level; it is induced by xylan and d-xylose and is repressed byd-glucose. Glucose repression is mediated by the product of the creA gene. Although several binding sites for the pH regulatory protein PacC were found in the upstream regulatory region, it was not clear from a Northern analysis whether PacC is involved in transcriptional regulation of xlnD.
PRELIMINARY BIOASSAY OF BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF OILS FROM OREGANO AND CLOVES ON CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS

Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), this beetle infests mainly Vigna unguiculata. There are several strategies to control of CW, by synthetic pesticides and physical means. The chemical applications are cheaper and easier to be applied but cause obvious consequences, which lead to a number of problems, The Essential oils (EOs) are widely applied in the traditional practices and in organic plant protection as insecticides repellents and antifeedant compounds. This study was carried out on 3 bioassay. The bioassay 1, carried out on artificial seeds, showed that the oily solutions could affect the oviposition. The average number of eggs laid by CW,was the highest on the oregano oil treatment at the dose of 2.0% followed by the control and the oregano oil treatment at the dose of 0.5%. The clove oil treatments induced the lowest egg laying. The bioassay 2, carried out on chickpea seeds in a completely randomized pattern, demonstrated that the average number of eggs laid on the chickpeas , was the highest on the control treatment followed by the oregano oil treatments at the doses of 0.5% and of 2.0%. The clove oil treatments induced the lowest egg- laying. The bioassay 3 treating directly the chickpea seeds. The average number of eggs laid on the chickpeas by the females within their life span was the highest on the oregano oil treatment at the dose of 2.0% followed by the oregano oil treatment at the dose of 0.5% and control. The clove oil treatments induced the lowest egg laying.
Revision and phylogeny of Syrphetodes (Coleoptera: Ulodidae): implications for biogeography, alpinization and conservation

The genus Syrphetodes Broun is revised to include a total of 13 species. Most of the species are restricted in their distributions, are rarely collected and have been attributed conservation status in New Zealand. Eleven species are described as new: three from Northland (S. relictus sp.n., Te Paki; S. insularis sp.n., Three Kings Islands; S. magnus sp.n., Hokianga), one from the central North Island (S. obtusus sp.n.), one from Central Otago (S. nunni sp.n., Waikaia Bush), and seven from the southern Alps (S. cirrhopogon sp.n., Aspiring National Park; S. occiduus sp.n., Westland; S. melanopogon sp.n., Mt Dewar, Paparoa Range; S. defectus sp.n., northern Paparoa Range; S. marrisi sp.n., Mt Domett, Northwest Nelson; S. carinatus sp.n., Victoria Range). Eleven synonymies are proposed: S. crenatus Broun (= S. dorsalis Broun, syn.n.), S. marginatus Pascoe (= S. bullatus Sharp, syn.n.; S. sylvius Broun, syn.n.; S. cordipennis Broun, syn.n.; S. punctatus Broun, syn.n.; S. simplex Broun, syn.n.; S. nodosalis Broun, syn.n.; S. truncatus Broun, syn.n.; S. variegatus Broun, syn.n.; S. pensus Broun, syn.n.; S. thoracicus Broun, syn.n.). The phylogenetic relationships among the species were reconstructed using morphological (25 adult characters) and DNA sequence (nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) data. A morphological analysis rooted with Trachyderastes resulted in a split between lowland and high‐altitude species and a well‐supported group from Northland. Molecular trees rooted with representatives of Trachyderastes Kaszab (New Caledonia), Meryx Latrielle (Australia), Ulodes Erichson (Australia) and three New Zealand genera (Arthopus Sharp, Brouniphylax Strand, Exohadrus Broun) resulted in the following tree: ((Ulodes, Brouniphylax) (Exohadrus, Arthopus)) (Syrphetodes (Meryx, Trachyderastes)). Species relationships within Syrphetodes included a strongly supported northern North Island clade and an alpine clade either as sister taxon to S. crenatus and S. marginatus or sister remaining lowland lineages. Combined phylogenetic analyses also showed paritial congruence with separate partitions. The distributions of the lowland species, in particular those from the North Island, correspond to islands that existed in the Pliocene. The alpine, black‐coloured lineage, found above the treeline, is monophyletic based on several characters (e.g. lack of abdominal flanges and reduced scalation) and, in some reconstructions, the tan‐coloured S. cirrhopogon is sister taxon to the remaining black‐coloured species.
Tracking migratory songbirds: accuracy of light‐level loggers (geolocators) in forest habitats

1. Tracking return migrations in songbirds has been impossible until recently when miniaturization of light‐level loggers enabled observation of the first complete round trip. Although geolocators are extensively used on animals at sea, little is known about how accurate geolocators are for tracking terrestrial or forest‐dwelling migrants.
Does Early Introduction of Algebra in Schools Make any Difference? A Causal-Comparative Study of Algebra Skills of Upper Secondary School Students in Norway and Nepal.

The main goal of this causal-comparative study is to investigate if the introduction of algebra in an early stage in schools enhance students’ understanding of basic high school algebra. Algebra with variables appears in fourth-grade in Nepal, while in Norway, it is not part of the curriculum before seventh-grade. Findings of this study are based on students’ performance on an open-ended algebra test conducted among 813 students from different grades in schools in Norway and Nepal. Results indicate that the Norwegian students achieved significantly lower than their Nepalese counterparts. Norwegian students’ achievement is also significantly lower than the tenth-graders in Nepal, while there was no significant difference between Norwegian eleventh-graders and Nepalese ninth-graders. Thus, the results of this study suggest that an early introduction of algebra in Nepal has a significant role in students’ achievement. These findings agree with the past studies that suggest weak achievement of Norwegian students in algebra. Based on the findings, the study concludes that it is reasonable to argue for early introduction of algebra in Norwegian schools, but further research is needed to explore its pedagogical implications and how effectively it can be incorporated in current teaching-learning environment in Norway.
Neuropsychological Diagnostic Accuracy: Factors That Might Lead to a Wrong Diagnosis and How to Avoid Them

False positives and false negatives in neuropsychological assessment can occur due to different reasons and they could have serious consequences such as the administration of an unnecessary treatment that may cause adverse effects and failure to provide timely treatment to patients. Therefore, it is important to know how confident we can be in the diagnosis. Tests scores are insufficient to this end. As a starting point, we need to establish hypotheses about the patient’s condition using the information we have collected from several sources. We also need to use information about the psychometric properties of the tests, predictive values and base rates of neurocognitive disorders and low scores. Whenever this information is lacking the interpretation of performance should be cautious. Several strategies are discussed that may contribute to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Changes in Blood Metabolites, Endoerines and Milk Yield of Crossbred Cows Treated with Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin

Abstract Mishra, A. , Mahapatra, R.K. and Shukla, D.C. 2006. Changes in blood metabolites, endoerines and milk yield of crossbred cows treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 33–36. In order to investigate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST; Boostin-250) on blood metabolites, certain endoerines and milk yield oflactating crossbred cows, 30 lactating cows were divided into 2 groups as control (n=10) and experimental (n=20). Experimental animals were injected 250 mg of rbST on 0, 14 and 28 day subcutaneously at ischiorectal fosse and control animals were given placebo of 2 ml normal saline. Blood metabolites (glucose, BUN, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, globulin, sodium and potassium) and hormones T4 and insulin were not altered by rbST injection. Serum growth hormone (GH) increased significantly (P<0.001) due to rbST injection but not milk GH. However, there was a significant (P<O.001) decrease in T3 level in rbST treated group over control group. The weekly average milk yield showed a significant (P<0.001) increase of 33% in rbST treated group over the control group. It is concluded that 250 mg rbST can be used for short duration to increase the milk yield of crossbred cows.
Metacognitive Illusion in Category Learning: Contributions of Processing Fluency and Beliefs

Interleaving with other categories of stimuli has been shown to enhance category learning. However, learners, tend to believe that blocking enhances learning, even after their own performance had showed the opposite. The present study explored the contributions of processing fluency (Experiment 1) and beliefs (Experiment 2) to the illusion that blocking enhances category learning. We found that: (a) learners’ performance benefited from interleaving, but their metacognitive judgments were not in conformity with it, (b) the perceived tendency of metacognitive illusion was reduced by inserting an unrelated cartoon image in the blocked presentation condition to decrease fluency, and (c) learners came to the experimental task with a pre-existing belief that the instruction of blocking by topic was superior to intermixing topics. This belief disappeared when learners were offered the theoretical explanation of why interleaving exemplars is more effective. In conclusion, this study revealed that processing fluency and held beliefs were two factors that cause this metacognitive illusion.
Bibliometrics, Time Series Analysis and SAO-based Approach for Technology Roadmapping of Emerging Technologies

Introduction This work proposes an approach that combines a set of quantitative methods to generate technology roadmaps, which draw on Science, Technology & Innovation data. The roadmap is designed to show the whole evolution of the core concepts of the technology, from initial researches to current issues which are being approached by scholars and practitioners. Additionally, short-term forecasting information is also integrated, based on the observed evolution. The approach is designed to be applied to emerging technologies and its outcomes can be considered as inputs for competitive technical intelligence activities. It facilitates the identification of the fields that have had more importance in the development of the technology, as well as those that may have it in the future. The approach was applied to the combined field of additive manufacturing in aeronautics; the results allow to obtain a clear idea of which are the main subfields of work and research of the technology, both the already developed ones as well as those that are currently on the cutting edge.
Unlocking NatureÃ¢ÂÂs Mystery

Entomology is insect research and its connection to humans, the climate, and other species. The Greek word entomon which means "notched" refers to the insect's segmented body plan. Within this area of study are included the zoological divisions genetics, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and ecology. The applied elements of economic entomology, which include the harmful and beneficial effect of insects on humans and their activities, are also included. Entomology also plays a major role in the biodiversity research and environmental quality assessment.