Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Masseter moment arm as a dietary proxy in herbivorous ungulates

The moment arms of jaw muscles and the hypsodonty index (HI) have been widely used to infer diet preferences in extinct species. Here, we intend to evaluate the use of the masseter moment arm and HI as dietary proxies in herbivorous ungulates and analyse its relations to diet preference, habitat selection and two continuous variables: percentage of grass in natural diet (%Grass) and annual precipitation (PREC). Masseter moment arm (Mm) showed a strong correlation to diet preference and %Grass but not for habitat selection and PREC. Contrarily, HI showed similar correlation with diet preference and %Grass but also with habitat selection and PREC. The results show that Mm predominately reflects adaptation to tougher, rich in grass diets, while HI, as previously found, indicates adaptation to the wear effect of both diet and environment. This approach has been useful in identifying the habits of two extinct very large Pleistocene South American ungulates. Macrauchenia patachonica, an extinct litoptern, is interpreted as an open-habitat high browser and Toxodon platensis, an extinct notoungulate, as a grazer.
Simple and low cost nanostructured plasmonic biosensor for sensitive and multiplexed biodetection

La creciente demanda de plataformas de analisis que sean fiables y, al mismo tiempo, faciles de usar y compactas, que requieran un bajo consumo de muestras y proporcionen una alta sensibilidad y una respuesta en tiempo real, ha proporcionado una considerable innovacion en el diseno de los biosensores. Entre todos ellos, aquellos basados ​​en fenomenos de resonancia de plasmon superficial (SPR) han sido objeto de un gran interes cientifico en las ultimas decadas porque aportan una alta sensibilidad y simplicidad en los esquemas de deteccion. Con el avance en las tecnicas de nanofabricacion, el desarrollo de sensores opticos basados en nanoestructuras plasmonicas ha representado una excelente via para su integracion en dispositivos Lab-on-a-chip con un reducido tamano, con la capacidad de resolver algunos de los retos actuales relacionados con los tiempos de analisis, el volumen de muestra requerido y la viabilidad de detectar varios analitos a la vez de forma multiplexada. Con el proposito de ofrecer herramientas biosensoras simples y de bajo costo, la presente Tesis Doctoral presenta el desarrollo de biosensores nanoplasmonicos integrados en plataformas Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) para la biodeteccion multiplexada de diferentes analitos en tiempo real. El sensor desarrollado se basa en el empleo de soportes comerciales de discos Blu-Ray como un sustrato que contiene nano-rejillas para general el fenomeno de resonancia de plasmon al recubrirlos con diferentes capas metalicas a escala nanometrica. Los nanobiosensores desarrollados constituyen una alternativa muy prometedora que podrian sustituir a las tecnicas de analisis convencionales, simplificando los procesos y superando los principales retos actuales relacionados con la sensibilidad, el coste y el tiempo requerido para el diagnostico clinico.
A novel porcine gene, USP7, differentially expressed in the musculus longissimus from Wujin and Large White pigs

The mRNA differential display technique was performed to investigate differences in the gene expression in the musculus longissimus from Wujin and Large White pigs. A fragment of one differentially expressed gene was isolated and sequenced. A complete cDNA sequence was obtained using the rapid ampli - fication of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The sequence prediction analysis revealed that the open reading frame of this gene encodes a protein of 1 103 amino acids, which is homologous with the ubiquitin specific peptidase 7 (USP7) of four species, rat (identity 98%), human (98%), mouse (98%) and chicken (95%), so it can be defined as the porcine USP7 gene. The differences in the USP7 gene expression in muscles from Wujin and Large White pigs were confirmed using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The gene expression analysis in eight tissues of a Wujin × Large White cross showed that USP7 was expressed in all the tissues, except for fat.
A notch above bowl: Specification of niche cells in the Drosophila testis

Niche cells exercise elaborate control over the behavior of many tissue-specific stem cells. However, in no system do we fully understand how niche cells are specified, develop and then begin producing the signals necessary to properly regulate stem cells. Here, we take advantage of the paradigmatic stem cell-niche system of the Drosophila testis to address these fundamental questions. We first find that the Notch signaling pathway is necessary for niche cell specification and that its activity in precursor cells prevents those cells from adopting the alternative somatic cyst cell fate. We also discover that the Notch-activating ligand, Delta, is presented from the neighboring endoderm, rather than from within the gonad “proper. ” Moreover, we show that niche specification occurs very early during gonadogenesis, before the expression of extant niche cell markers. We also uncover a role for the bowl pathway in influencing niche cell specification, where bowl promotes niche cell fate, while its antagonist, lines, promotes cyst cell fate. Additionally, we present data suggesting that bowl functions as a transcriptional repressor to restrict cyst cell gene expression in precursor cells, thereby inducing niche cell specification. Ultimately since niche cells influence stem cell behavior, understanding how niche cells develop and dissecting the interactions between niches and their resident stem cells is paramount if we seek to use stem cells as tools in regenerative medicine. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Cell & Molecular Biology First Advisor Stephen DiNardo
The Comparison of Plasma IL-6 Level after Increasing Speed and Inclination Gradually Treadmill Exercise

This study aimed to observe the effect of treadmill exercise with increasing speed and inclination gradually to plasma IL-6 levels. Twenty adult men divided into speed (SG) and inclination groups (IG) running on a treadmill EN_Mill 2007 for 30 minutes, three times per week in 2 weeks. SG started 5 km/h and increased 1 km/h every minute without inclination until the target heart rate is reached (70% MHR). IG started 3 km/h with increasing of inclination 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, 15%, 20%, 22% every minute until target heart rate is reached (70% MHR). Blood samples taken 30 minutes before and after exercise in first and last training. Significantly decreased of plasma IL-6 levels in both groups before and after exercise at first training (p=0.001) and before-after exercise at the last training (p=0,004) in SG, while in inclination group plasma IL-6 levels before-after exercise showed no significant decreasing (p=0,107) at the last training. In both groups, there is significant delta (Δ) of plasma IL-6 levels between before exercise at the first and last training (p=0.001), between after exercise at the first and the last training (p=0.001). Plasma IL-6 levels decrease with exercise either by increasing inclination or speed gradually.
Uso de biomarcadores en la evaluación ambiental de ecosistemas marinos en América

The use of biomarkers in the assessment of the marine environmental status offers an integrated approach to the effects caused by diverse pollutants. This article compiles and analyzes the original research on the study of possible biomarkers in wild coastal-marine organisms from America. One of the outcomes of this review research is the need for a continuous evaluation of organisms in conjunction with the assessment of environmental vari-ables and the levels of pollutants that may be found in any ecosystem. It is well stated that the use of biomarkers is a practical tool for the environmental management; however, some limitations apply and there are several questions in regards to specificity, sensibility, usability, replicability, and interpretation to be solved, yet. Along the American continent, multiple biomarkers have been used to evaluate specific pollutants or highly impacted zones at marine-coastal environments. The most commonly used organisms are fishes and bivalves and they have been also extensively used in marine turtles. In regards of the type of biomarkers, plenty of authors integrate biomarkers from different groups, sorted in this review as biometric biomarkers (morphologic and corporal in-dexes), histological biomarkers (for tissues), molecular biomarkers (genetic) and biochemical and physiological biomarkers (both at the cellular and molecular levels). Following this classification, the most used biomarkers were biochemical and physiological biomarkers, due to the great advantages and information that they provide. It is of utmost importance to set guidelines and referenced threshold values for each biomarker to allow the early environmental diagnosis and integrated evaluation of harmful pollutants effects. Keywords: Biomarkers, environmental assessment, America.
El gran reto social y mediático de la participación de la mujer en la política

La presencia de mujeres dentro de una sociedad, como líderes o precursoras del desarrollo de las comunidades, es una situación que no se logró de la noche a la mañana. Fue la lucha constante de las mismas mujeres para el reconocimiento de sus derechos, lo que permitió que pese a los obstáculos culturales e ideológicos de su entorno, lograran gradualmente involucrarse en espacios importantes a nivel político y social; lamentablemente su posición sigue estando en desventaja con respecto a la del hombre debido a que aún existe la resistencia a su incorporación por la conservación de roles de género que posicionan a la mujer en desigualdad y por los estereotipos de género que se mantienen en la mentalidad de las personas. En esta problemática de desigualdad entre hombres y mujeres, parecen participar los medios masivos de comunicación con su impacto social, especialmente la televisión, que ha influido de manera sorprendente en el reforzamiento del machismo mexicano al no reflejar la diversidad, aportes y transformaciones del papel de las mujeres en la sociedad. Este trabajo es una ampliación del resumen publicado en el Libro de Actas del Congreso CIVINEDU 2019 y pretende, desde la comunicación, orientar el debate sobre la representación y construcción de las mujeres en los medios, que están impactando en la opinión pública. Por lo que la razón principal para llevar a cabo este escrito radica en la necesidad de conocer a través de revisión de la literatura, el grado de influencia que tienen la televisión y los spots políticos, en la opinión pública respecto a la percepción de la participación política de la mujer.
Available phosphorus in poultry. 2. Effect of phosphorus in diet on performance of chicks, bone composition and strength, and calcium and inorganic phosphorus in blood plasma1

In each of two trials, medium heavy layers were crossed with White Cornish (Hybro) males to produce 2160 male chicks, which were kept in batteries. Each group was composed of 90 chicks and in four replicates. Three diets contained 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 % available phosphorus. The low phosphorus basal diet was analysed to contain 0.5 % total phosphorus, of which calculation shows that 0.3. % was available. 1. Body weight of one-day-old chicks did not differ significantly with maternal diet. 2. Body weight, growth and feed consumption of chicks three and seven weeks old were significantly improved with the increasing levels of available phosphorus. 3. Feed conversion did not differ significantly at seven weeks of age, whereas at three weeks of age, there was a significant difference in favour of the 0.7 % level. 4. Calcium and inorganic phosphorus in blood plasma increased significantly with increase in phosphorus level of the diet. There was a clear relation between inorganic phosphorus in plasma and growth until seven weeks of age. 5. Ash, breaking strength and phosphorus of tibia showed a significant increase with the increase in phosphorus level of the diet. 6. There was a relation of ash, breaking strength and in tibia, with phosphorus and inorganic phosphorus in blood plasma.
The influence of mechanical loading on skeletal muscle protein turnover

Skeletal muscle plays a fundamental role in human health and so understanding the biological processes that regulate skeletal muscle mass in health and disease is critical. We know that resistance exercise increases rates of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in a mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent manner. However, the exact molecule(s) that ‘sense’ mechanical loading and translate that signal to a biochemical event leading to upregulation of MPS remains elusive. Similarly, in response to periods of unloading there is a decrease in MPS and potentially a transient increase in muscle protein breakdown MPB, but the relative contribution of MPS and MPB to muscle atrophy remains unknown. The aim of this review is to briefly outline the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle protein mass in response to both mechanical loading and unloading (disuse). We discuss recent developments in the field of molecular exercise biology as well as present a working hypothesis as to the physiological basis for muscle disuse atrophy.
Long-term Research Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Ethics at the Police

I. AI and Ethics at the Police 1. AI at the Police AI has many potentially beneficial applications in law enforcement including predictive policing, automated monitoring, (pre-) processing large amounts of data (e.g., image recognition from confiscated digital devices, police reports or digitized cold cases), finding case-relevant information to aid investigation and prosecution, providing more user-friendly services for civilians (e.g. with interactive forms or chatbots), and generally enhancing productivity and paperless workflows. AI can be used to promote core societal values central to police operations (human dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, democracy, and the rule of law), but values carefully guarded in existing operations and procedures may be challenged by the use of AI. It is impossible to anticipate all the effects of the use of AI in society, and more specifically in the law enforcement domain. Therefore, it is essential that adoption and use of any application be continuously evaluated, in order for the Dutch police to ensure policing practices in line with the values acknowledged by the Dutch state and the European Union. As identified in the whitepaper "AI & Ethics at the Police: Towards Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Dutch Police" (hereafter Whitepaper), treating the introduction of new technologies as a social experiment could be helpful in this respect. [1] This gives the police organization the responsibility to consistently reflect and assess every application of AI from the first pilot phase throughout the life-cycle.
Aportes al conocimiento del manejo del complejo mosca blanca-geminivirus en Costa Rica

Contributions to whitefly-geminivirus management in Costa Rica. The diseases associated with the whitefly-geminivirus complex in different crops are one of the most important problems facing agriculture worldwide. This complex is distributed among tropical and subtropical regions. The control of the disease’s dissemination is complicated due to several intervening factors. Since 1994, the University of Costa Rica research program for the molecular control of geminivirus (PROGEMINI-UCR) has been developing a molecular strategy for the diagnosis and characterization of new geminiviruses, contributing to the management of the whitefly-geminivirus complex. The project’s development, associated with the Regional Action Plan for the management of whitefly and geminivirus, included: identification of new geminiviruses infecting beans, cucurbits, soy, tomatoes, pepper, papaya and wild plants; determination of the inoculum’s sources; translocation and quantification studies associated to crop, severity and yield reduction; and development of management methodologies for the study of the complex. Viral sequences discovered within the Program constitute a gene bank for the development of transgenic plants resistant to these pathogens. These sequences could also be used as specific diagnostic probes. PROGEMINI-UCR has supported the training of new scientists and technicians in Latin America. Interinstitutional cooperation links allow the development of pertinent research projects and the successful transference of technology, helping to increase the competitiveness of Costa Rican agriculture facing the challenge of a globalized economy.
GeForce GTX TITAN

The new GTX Titan X is based on the same Maxwell architecture as its market leading sibling, the GTX 980. In terms of specs the Titan X is basically one and a half GTX 980s with 50% more CUDA cores, 50% more texture units and 50% more transistors. Comparing the performance profiles of the GTX 980 and Titan X shows that the Titan X leads by 36% which is broadly proportional to its improved hardware specs. With performance up by 36% and prices up by nearly 100% the Titan X is a hard sell from a value perspective. Two GTX 980s cost roughly the same as one Titan X and in SLI outperform a single Titan X by around 50%. The Titan X obviously isn't aimed at value conscious buyers but if you are in the market for the fastest single consumer graphics card money can buy, then the Titan X will hit the spot perfectly. [Mar '15 GPUPro]
Sediment and water quality limit mayfly survivorship in an urban lake undergoing remediation

Abstract Onondaga Lake is a highly perturbed system undergoing a large-scale remediation effort. The benthic macroinvertebrate community in the lake is degraded and lacks mayfly diversity. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of Onondaga Lake water and sediment on survivorship of indicator mayfly species to determine the potential for colonization before and after remediation. We performed a survivorship experiment in situ by incubating mayfly nymphs, Stenonema femoratum, (n = 20) that were given either Onondaga Lake or reference lake sediment in Onondaga Lake or the reference lake. We repeated this study in the laboratory using burrowing mayflies, Hexagenia spp. (n = 100). S. femoratum that were incubated in Onondaga Lake with Onondaga Lake sediment yielded 0% survival after 24 h. On higher quality substrate, survival after 24 h increased to 80%, indicating that Onondaga Lake's sediment significantly decreased survival and that survivorship probability after sediment remediation may be increased. Water quality also negatively affected survival, however. Even when incubated on higher quality sediment in Onondaga Lake, no mayflies survived for 9 d. Similarly, in the lab, survivorship of Hexagenia nymphs after 15 d was significantly lower (52%) when exposed to both Onondaga Lake sediment and water compared to nymphs given reference sediment and water (88% survival). Results suggest that areas of the lake not included in sediment remediation plans may still be unsuitable for colonization of more sensitive benthic taxa and that areas undergoing sediment remediation may still not be suitable for sensitive species if water quality does not improve.
Analysis of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) ESTs: A Tool for the Discovery of Genes

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the main source of calories for more than 1,000 millions of people around the world and has been consolidated as the fourth most important crop after rice, corn and wheat. Cassava is considered tolerant to abiotic and biotic stress conditions; nevertheless these characteristics are mainly present in non-commercial varieties. Genetic breeding strategies represent an alternative to introduce the desirable characteristics into commercial varieties. A fundamental step for accelerating the genetic breeding process in cassava requires the identification of genes associated to these characteristics. One rapid strategy for the identification of genes is the possibility to have a large collection of ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tag). In this study, a complete analysis of cassava ESTs was done. The cassava ESTs represent 80,459 sequences which were assembled in a set of 29,231 unique genes (unigen), comprising 10,945 contigs and 18,286 singletones. These 29,231 unique genes represent about 80% of the genes of the cassava’s genome. Between 5% and 10% of the unigenes of cassava not show similarity to any sequences present in the NCBI database and could be consider as cassava specific genes. A functional category was assigned to a group of sequences of the unigen set (29%) following the Gene Ontology vocabulary. The molecular function component was the best represented with 43% of the sequences, followed by the biological process component (38%) and finally the cellular component with 19%. In the cassava ESTs collection, 3,709 microsatellites were identified and they could be use as molecular markers. This study represents an important contribution to the knowledge of the functional genomic structure of cassava and constitutes an important tool for the identification of genes associated to agricultural characteristics of interest that could be employed in cassava breeding programs.
Are symbiotic algae in corals in northern parts of the Persian Gulf resistant to thermal stress?

One of the most important factors threatening the ecosystem today is global warming resulting from human-induced climate change. Coral dominated ecosystems sensitive to such stressors are negatively affected by an increase in sea surface temperatures which can lead to the deterioration of coral reef communities. This occurs following the break-down of the symbiosis between corals and their endosymbiotic zooxanthellae which play an important role in the corals’ capacity to thrive in extreme conditions. Various Symbiodinium clades also exhibit differing resistance to such circumstances. The present study aimed to specify the zooxanthella types of coral reefs in northern parts of the Persian Gulf. For this purpose, different coral species were collected from several locations, i.e. from Larak, Farur and Hendourabi Islands. Throughout the study, partial 28S nuclear ribosomal (nr) DNA of Symbiodinium was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the resulting PCR products were analyzed. Results showed that Symbiodinium clade D was the most abundant symbiont in the sampled corals. Clade C was the next most common Symbiodinium at the studied sites, with the exception of Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, where clade C was not found and the rarer clade A occurred. The frequency with which clade D, A and C were found was 70%, 18.3% and 11.7%, respectively. The prevalent abundance of clade D may be due to its physiology which is best adapted to the specific conditions of the Persian Gulf and its bleaching history. Hence, with global temperatures continuously on the rise, the capacity of the host-symbiont combination to mitigate the effects of global warming could result in fewer bleaching events.