Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allele variation in loci for adaptive response in Bulgarian wheat cultivars and landraces and its effect on heading date

Allele composition at the major growth habit (Ppd-D1, Vrn-1, Rht-1 and Rht8) loci was determined in 52 Bulgarian bread wheat cultivars and landraces, using recently developed diagnostic molecular markers. The study showed that Bulgarian wheat germplasm varies for photoperiod, vernalization and height-reducing genes. The photoperiod-sensitive allele (Ppd-D1b) was the most frequent one in the old cultivars and landraces (90.9%), while the photoperiod-insensitive allele (Ppd-D1a) showed the highest frequency in the modern cultivars (96.71%). The alleles conferring winter growth habit (vrn-A1, vrn-B1 and vrn-D1) were more common in both the old (72.7%) and the modern (93.3%) wheat genotypes. The spring allele Vrn-A1c was not detected in Bulgarian germplasm, while the spring allele Vrn-B1 was found only in the old genotypes (13.6%). The semi-dwarfing allele Rht-B1b was observed in several modern cultivars. Seven allele variants were found in the microsatellite locus Xgwm261, closely located to the Rht8 gene. Among them, alleles of 164, 212 and 216 bp length were specific for the old genotypes studied, while alleles of 192 and 202 bp length were specific for the modern ones. The allele combination Rht-B1b//192 or 202 bp allele (Xgwm261 locus)//Ppd-D1a//vrn-A1/vrn–B1/vrn-D1 was detected in most of the early-heading modern cultivars. Our study emphasizes on the plasticity of the adaptive response of bread wheat cultivars sown in Bulgaria, as well as on the effect of variation for major growth habit on some yield and reproductive characteristics.
Feeding ecology of a nesting population of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in the Upper Nitra Region, Central Slovakia

Feeding ecology of a nesting population of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in the Upper Nitra Region, Central Slovakia During routine checks of the nests of the Common Buzzard in the Upper Nitra region (Central Slovakia) we collected food remains and recorded all prey given to the nestlings. We present results from the period 2006-2008. 606 food items were determined, comprising mainly mammals (67%). Birds were also frequent (17%), less so amphibians and reptiles (7%) and invertebrates (10%). During the rodent population peak in 2007, Buzzard pairs nesting in the valley preyed mainly on Microtus arvalis, whereas pairs living at the rim of the valley fed on Myodes glareolus and Talpa europaea, and higher in the Vtáčnik Mts birds fed on Apodemus flavicollis. After a massive decline in the rodent population in the following year 2008, the survival rate of the nestlings was very low and the proportion of invertebrates in their diet increased. Birds that were most frequently preyed upon included juvenile Turdus philomelos and Garrulus glandarius, prey identified from amphibian was mainly Bufo bufo, and from reptile prey was largely Anguis fragilis. Potravná ekológia hniezdnej populácie myšiaka hôrneho (Buteo buteo) na hornom Ponitrí, stredné Slovensko Pri kontrolách hniezd myšiaka hôrneho v oblasti horného Ponitria (stredné Slovensko) sme zbierali zvyšky jeho potravy a zaznamenávali korisť, prinesenú mláďatám. Prezentujeme výsledky z rokov 2006-2008. Determinovali sme 606 kusov potravy, v ktorej dominujú cicavce (67 %). Početné sú aj vtáky (17 %), obojživelníky a plazy (7 %) a bezstavovce (10 %). Pri vysokej populačnej hladine hlodavcov v roku 2007 bol u párov, hniezdiacich v kotline, dominantnou korisťou druh Microtus arvalis, na okraji kotliny druhy Myodes glareolus a Talpa europaea a u párov, hniezdiacich vyššie v pohorí Vtáčnik druh Apodemus flavicollis. Po silnom poklese populačnej hladiny hlodavcov v nasledujúcom roku 2008 bola nízka úspešnosť hniezdenia myšiakov a v ich potrave stúpol podiel bezstavovcov. Z vtákov boli najčastejšie lovené mláďatá druhov Turdus philomelos a Garrulus glandarius, z obojživelníkov Bufo bufo a z plazov Anguis fragilis.
IL-1β-converting enzyme (caspase-1) in intestinal inflammation

IL-1β-converting enzyme (ICE; caspase-1) is the intracellular protease that cleaves the precursors of IL-1β and IL-18 into active cytokines. In the present study, the effect of ICE deficiency was evaluated during experimental colitis in mice. In acute dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, ICE-deficient (ICE KO) mice exhibited a greater than 50% decrease of the clinical scores weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and colon length, whereas daily treatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist revealed a modest reduction in colitis severity. To further characterize the function of ICE and its role in intestinal inflammation, chronic colitis was induced over a 30-day time period. During this chronic time course, ICE KO mice exhibited a near complete protection, as reflected by significantly reduced clinical scores and almost absent histological signs of colitis. Consistently, colon shortening occurred only in dextran sulfate sodium-exposed wild-type mice but not in ICE KO mice. Protection was accompanied by reduced spontaneous release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-18, IL-1β, and IFN-γ from total colon cultures. In addition, flow cytometric analysis of isolated mesenteric lymph node cells revealed evidence of reduced cell activation in ICE KO mice as evaluated by surface expression of CD3 CD69 and CD4 CD25. We conclude that inhibition of ICE represents a novel anti-inflammatory strategy for intestinal inflammation.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF FLEXURAL CAPACITY OF FULL SCALE PRECAST CONCRETE SHEETPILE

A flexural capacity test is presented of a long precast concrete sheetpile system, intended as a protection wall for a water storage canal bank in soft-ground conditions, for a nursing college in Penang, Malaysia. The precast concrete sheetpile with a length of 7 m and a maximum exposed corrugated-section height of 1.8 m, was designed at Ultimate Limit State (ULS) bending moment of 175 kNm. A total of 2 specimens of precast concrete sheetpiles were tested in the Heavy Structure Laboratory at School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The test method specified in Malaysian Standard MS 1314 was adopted. The results showed that the capacity of Specimens 1 and 2 were respectively 1.49 and 1.48 times higher than the designed capacity at ULS. The test set-up, to reflect the practical behavior of precast concrete sheetpile, and the test procedures are also described.
Leishmania major Amastigotes Induce p50/c-Rel NF-κΒ Transcription Factor in Human Macrophages: Involvement in Cytokine Synthesis

ABSTRACT Invasion of a host by pathogens is frequently associated with activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which is implicated in various aspects of immune function required for resistance to infection. However, pathogens may also subdue these mechanisms to secure their survival. Here we describe the effect of Leishmania major infection on NF-κB transcription factor activation in both promonocytic human cell line U937 and fresh human monocytes. Infection by L. major amastigotes blocked nuclear translocation of a phorbol-12 myristate-13 acetate (PMA)-induced p50/p65 NF-κB complex in PMA-treated differentiated U937 cells and triggered expression of p50- and c-Rel-containing complexes in both U937 cells and fresh human monocytes. These p50/c-Rel complexes, triggered by direct cell-parasite interactions, were detectable within 30 min after the interaction and were transcriptionally active. The NF-κΒ inhibitor caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibited production of both tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-10 (IL-10) induced by Leishmania amastigotes in differentiated U937 cells. Similar results for IL-10 induction were observed with amastigote-infected human monocytes. Our results indicate that L. major amastigotes activate NF-κB by specifically inducing p50- and c-Rel-containing complexes which are likely involved in the regulation of cytokine synthesis.
Understorey vegetation as an indicator of water content in till soils in Finnish Lapland

Artificial regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) has been applied to a variety of forest site in Lapland. Occasional failures in regeneration have been observed on sites with high soil moisture contents and originally dominated by Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). Understorey vegetation was studied on four naturally pine-dominated and eight spruce-dominated sites to determine suitable indicator plants for assessing soil moisture regimes. Soil moisture contents were estimated using the in situ dielectric measurements with radar surface arrival detection targeted to a depth of 0-50 cm. The abundance and frequence of plant species were analysed using logistic regression. The most reliable indicators were found to be Stereocaulon and Cladonia lichens for the dry regime (θv<25%), and Polytrichum commune Hedw. and Carex globularis L. for the wet regime (θv>25%). It was concluded that the indicator plants found in this study provide an alternative to the traditional Finnish forest site type approach in recognizing high soil moisture regimes.
Anti-arteriosclerotic and Anti-hyperlipidemic Effects of Sea Mustard (Undaria pinnatifida) in Sprague-Dawley rats

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of sea mustard on high-fat diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia in Sprague-Dawley rats. Sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida) powder, sea mustard ethanol extract, and sea mustard ethanol-extracted residue were tested. The ethanol extracted residue had the most beneficial anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Alginate in the sea mustard was considered to be the key component. The ethanol-extracted residue of sea mustard also had antioxidant activity, which may be effective in preventing hyperlipidemia by increasing the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, which can remove active oxygen from the bloodstream.
Inverse scattering for a dielectric cylinder

The problem of reconstructing both the shape and the relative permittivity of a homogeneous dielectric cylinder in free space from the measurement of the scattered field around a circle is investigated. In simulation, the Newton-Kantorovitch algorithm, the moment method, and the singular value decomposition technique are used to solve a set of nonlinear integral equations. Numerical results show that, with multiple incident directions, good reconstruction is obtained. This algorithm can be applied at a single frequency without limitation on the permittivity value. The shape and the permittivity of the object can be successfully reconstructed even when the permittivity is fairly large and the Born approximation is no longer valid. <<ETX>>
Response of pancreatic secretions to feeding diets with low and high levels of soybean trypsin inhibitors in growing pigs

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of soybean trypsin inhibitors (SBTI) on exocrine pancreatic secretions in growing pigs. Six barrows with an average initial body weight (BW) of 27.1 ± 1.4 kg were fitted with permanent pancreatic re-entrant cannulas and fed two diets according to a crossover design. Two maize starch-based diets were formulated to contain 200 g kg -1 crude protein from either Nutrisoy (food grade defatted soy flour) or autoclaved Nutrisoy. The concentrations of SBTI in Nutrisoy and autoclaved Nutrisoy diets were 13.4 and 3.0 g kg -1 , respectively. The experiment consisted of two periods of 9 days each. The average BW at the start of the first and second experimental periods was 33.5 ± 2.7 and 37.2 ± 3.7 kg, respectively. The average BW at the conclusion of the experiment was 41.8 ± 3.9 kg. The volume of pancreatic secretion was higher (P 0.05) in the total secretions of nitrogen (g (24 h) -1 ) and total activities (units (24 h) -1 of amylase, lipase, chymotrypsin and trypsin in pancreatic juice of pigs fed the Nutrisoy and autoclaved Nutrisoy diets. However, the total secretion of protein was slightly higher (25.7 vs 22.8 g (24 h) -1 ; P < 0.05) in pancreatic juice of pigs fed the autoclaved Nutrisoy diet, which corresponded with the increase in the secretion of protein-bound amino acids. There was also an increase in the total secretion of free amino acids in pancreatic juice. These studies show no effect of SBTI on the total enzyme activities in pancreatic juice of growing pigs.
Mitochondrial DNA reveals different phylogeographic structures in the water shrews Neomys anomalus and N. fodiens (Insectivora: Soricidae) in Europe

We studied the intraspecific genetic variation of 17 Neomys anomalus (Cabrera, 1907) (eight localities) and 24 Neomys fodiens (Pennant, 1771) (nine localities) in Europe. As molecular marker, we used the sequences of the mtDNA gene for cytochrome b (1140 bp from 24 specimens; 272 bp from 15 specimens). The phylogenetic analysis of N. fodiens shows slight divergence among haplotypes, with only one supported clade including two geographically distant haplotypes from Calabria (southern Italy) and Pyrenees (France); these haplotypes diverge from the others by 2.9% and 2.1%, respectively. In N. anomalus, one haplotype from Spain is very different, diverging from all others by 8–10% of the sequence. This level of divergence is similar to that found between N. anomalus and another species, Neomys teres. There are two other supported clades in N. anomalus, an Italian subclade and an eastern subclade comprising haplotypes from Turkey and Slovenia. Moreover, we found a different genetic structure between the two species with greater divergence in N. anomalus than in N. fodiens. The phylogeographic patterns are discussed in a temporal framework and considering the different ecological characteristics of these two species. Riassunto E stata studiata la variazione genetica intraspecifica di 17 Neomys anomalus (8 localita) e 24 N. fodiens (9 localita) in Europa. A tal scopo e stato utilizzata, come marcatore molecolare, la sequenza del gene mitocondriale del citocromo b (1140 bp da 24 individui; 272 bp da 15 individui). L'analisi filogenetica dei N. fodiens mostra una bassa divergenza tra aplotipi con un unico clade che include due aplotipi, geograficamente distanti provenienti, dalla Calabria (sud Italia) e dai Pirenei (Francia); questi aplotipi divergono dagli altri rispettivamente per il 2.9% e il 2.1% della sequenza. In N. anomalus, l'aplotipo dalla Spagna e molto divergente differenziandosi per l’8–10% della sequenza. Questo livello di divergenza e simile a quello riscontrato tra N. anomalus e un'altra specie, N. teres. Sono presenti altri due cladi in N. anomalus, uno Italiano e l'altro orientale che comprende aplotipi dalla Turchia e dalla Slovenia. Inoltre, viene rilevata una differenza nella struttura genetica tra le due specie, con una maggiore divergenza in N. anomalus rispetto a N. fodiens. Le strutture filogeografiche sono discusse in un contesto temporale e considerando le differenti caratteristiche ecologiche delle due specie.
OsHT, a Rice Gene Encoding for a Plasma‐Membrane Localized Histidine Transporter

: Using a degenerative probe designed according to the most conservative region of a known Lys- and His-specific amino acid transporter (LHT1) from Arabidopsis, we isolated a full-length cDNA named OxHT(histidine transporter of Oryza sativa L.) by screening the rice cDNA library. The cDNA is 1.3 kb in length and the open reading frame encodes for a 441 amino acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 49 kDa. Multiple sequence alignments showed that OsHT shares a high degree of sequence conservation at the deduced amino acid level with the Arabidopsis LHT1 and six putative lysine and histidine transporters. Computational analysis indicated that OsHT is an integral membrane protein with 11 putative transmembrane helices. This was confirmed by the transient expression assay because the OsHT-GFP fusion protein was, indeed, localized mainly in the plasma membrane of onion epidermal cells. Functional complementation experiments demonstrated that OsHT was able to work as a histidine transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suggesting that OsHT is a gene that encodes for a histidine transporter from rice. This is the first time that an LHT-type amino acid transporter gene has been cloned from higher plants other than Arabidopsis. ( Managing editor: Li-Hui ZHAO)
Recent lake acidification and cladoceran dynamics: surface sediment and core analyses from lakes in Norway, Scotland and Sweden

To interpret the remains of Cladocera in lake sediments in relation to pH history, fish abundance, vegetation change, trophic level change and other historic events, it is necessary to understand the balance of abiotic and biotic forces responsible for their present distribution, population dynamics and morphological types. Once these factors are understood, we can reverse the arguments to infer past lake conditions. Many cladoceran species are influenced by fish and invertebrate predation. Some species, especially in the plankton, also show a clear physiological relation to pH and aluminium levels in lakes. Moreover, several littoral-benthic species have a habitat distribution restricted to rock, sand, mud, vegetation, or a combination of some of these. Remains of littoral and planktonic cladocerans were analysed in surface sediments of 18 Norwegian lakes with pH ranging from 4.5-7.5. In addition, sediment cores from four sites in Norway, four in Scotland and one in Sweden were analysed. The majority of sites showed evidence of recent acidification. In lakes with non-planktivorous fish, analyses of cladoceran remains gave no information on past fish populations, but indicated the pH history of the lakes. In lakes with present or past populations of planktivorous fish, the cladoceran record could be used to assess past fish status as well as past pH. In some lakes changes in the cladoceran communities could be related to changes in macrophyte distribution.
Strategic Option of ICT Driven Development Trajectory in Myanmar

While Myanmar shared one of the richest lands in South Asia with affluent natural resources and qualified human resources, it has suffered long lasting economic stagnation since 1962. However, conspicuous economic growth, after the take off strategy 1997 (1999-2007), was highest among 10 member countries of ASEAN, China and India, and has demonstrated their potential ability to transform their constraints into a springboard for innovation. This reminds us of Information Communication Technology (ICT) driven development trajectory demonstrated by the world ICT top leaders, Finland and Singapore. Both transformed their indigenous constraints into India, and has springboard for ICT advancement and prompts us a hypothetical view that such a trajectory could be a promising strategic option for Myanmar in awaking its latent competitive power. This paper presents an empirical analysis considering ICT driven developing trajectory in 146 countries. The analysis involved four major steps. Firstly, Myanmar’s possible development trajectory was estimated, based on innovation diffusion theory, by identifying its current position in the global ICT versus per capita income development trajectory. Secondly, Myanmar’s current position in the global ICT driven economic development trajectory was identified based on the theories of timing of emergence of functionality development and CHASM (deep trench compelling new ventures start-up). Thirdly, given Myanmar’s position in anticipating support from ICT advanced countries for its ICT advancement, effects of support were analyzed by decomposing the governing factors to ICT advancement. In addition, Myanmar’s institutional identity supportive to effective utilization of ICT support was analyzed. Fourthly, based on the foregoing analyses together with the analysis of the similarity and disparity between world ICT top leaders, Finland and Singapore, possible scenarios for Myanmar’s ICT driven development trajectories, growth oriented or welfare and happiness seeking were compared.
EVALUATION OF S-WAVE AMPLIFICATION SPECTRUM USING MICROTREMORS

To evaluate the site effects above the engineering base rock with an S-wave velocity of 300m/s, microtremor measurements on the ground surface were conducted in Maizuru, Japan. An estimation method of S-wave amplification spectrum using the microtremor H/V spectral ratio was applied at the ground surface, estimating S-wave amplification spectrum without any ground information based on the microtremor measurement results. It was found that the evaluation of S-wave amplification spectrum needs a revision on the microtremor H/V spectral ratio, using some coefficients on the microtopography classification and the shape of the microtremor H/V spectral ratio.
The influence of water sorbing geocomposite and pine bark mulching on growth and flowering of some perennial species

Previous research demonstrated positive influence of hydrophilic polymers on plant growth. Their utilization in agriculture is based mainly on mixing with the soil or medium. The aim of the experiment was to asses the influence of new form of supersor- bent application in form of geocomposite consisted of polymer closed inside geotextile on development of Erigeron hybridus hort. , Eupatorium purpureum L. and Silene chal- cedonica (L.) E. Krause. The first factor of the experiment was utilization of geocompo- site, the second one - pine bark mulching. After soaking in water geocomposite was placed in soil and plants were planted above. The growth and flowering of plants were as- sessed in the term of their most abundant flowering. The experiment documented positive influence of geocomposite on vegetative growth, it is: plant diameter and the number of shoots of all species as well as the height of Eupatorium. It also prompted Eupatorium and Erigeron flowering: plants developed more inflorescences of increased diameter. Pine bark positively determined the diameter of Eupatorium, whereas negatively influenced Si- lene diameter and number of shoots.
Nitrogen resorption and protein degradation during leaf senescence in Chenopodium album grown in different light and nitrogen conditions.

The extent of nitrogen (N) resorption and the degradability of different protein pools were examined in senescing leaves of an annual herb, Chenopodium album L. , grown in two light and N conditions. Both N resorption efficiency (REFF; the proportion of green-leaf N resorbed) and proficiency (RPROF; the level to which leaf N content is reduced by resorption) varied among different growth conditions. During leaf senescence, the majority of soluble and membrane proteins was degraded in all growth conditions. Structural proteins were also highly degradable, implying that no particular protein pool constitutes a non-retranslocatable N pool in the leaf. Leaf carbon/N ratio affected the timing and duration of senescing processes, but it did not regulate the extent of protein degradation or N resorption. Sink-source relationships for N in the plant exerted a more direct influence, depressing N resorption when N sink strength was weakened in the low-light and high-N condition. N resorption was, however, not enhanced in high-light and low-N plants with the strongest N sinks, possibly because it reached an upper limit at some point. We conclude that a combination of several physiological factors determines the extent of N resorption in different growth conditions.