Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ROOTS OF MINI-CUTTING OF CLONES OF SEQUOIA SEMPERVIRENS IN DIFFERENT SEASONS OF THE YEAR

We analyzed the rooting of sequoia mini-cuttings from different clones in the four seasons of the year and the use of the logistic model to estimate the time of maximization of rooting in each factor of analysis. Mini-cuttings of fi ve clones grown in clonal mini-garden were placed to root in mini-tunnel in four seasons of the year. Weekly evaluations were performed (from 30 to 93 days) of these variables: survival (%), rooted mini-cuttings (%) and a number of emitted roots. These data were used to adjust the original logistic function. The experiment was set in completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme of 5 (clones) x 4 (seasons), using fi ve replicates of 50 mini-cuttings per experimental unit. During the winter the lowest rooting of mini-cuttings was achieved (85%), with rates higher than 90% in other seasons. In winter, slower rooting also occurred, around 6070 days, while in other seasons it was between 50-60 days after mini-cutting planting. The rooting process is dependent on the clones. Our data showed that four clones presented rooting greater than 90% and one less than 70%. In general, mini-cuttings can be performed at any time of the year, recommending the period of 90 days in mini-tunnel. v.24 n.4 2018
Ex-vivo cow rumen fluid fermentation: changes in microbial populations and fermentation products with different forages

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of three forage treatments [herbal plantain (PL), ryegrass-white clover pasture (RW) and root crop fodder beet (FB)] on ex-vivo rumen fluid fermentations. Quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and PCR-single-stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analyses were undertaken for aliquots collected from the fermentations. The FB treatment had the highest volatile fatty acid (VFA) and lowest pH compared with other treatments. The RW culture that had a higher fibre content, had higher Fibrobacter succinogenes(F. succinogenes) and anaerobic fungi levels when compared with the FB and PL. Protozoans were however the most abundant microorganisms in the FB cultures, and they had the highest water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content. The abundance of F. succinogenes increased in the RW fermentation up to 12 h, and the abundance of anaerobic fungi increased in the RW fermentation up to 24 h. In all the treatments, no effect was found on the overall abundance of bacteria. The findings confirmed that changes in rumen microbial community and fermentation products are partly related to the WSC and fibre content of two novel forages (i.e. PL and FB) increasingly used in animal production.
The effects of age at menarche and first sexual intercourse on reproductive and behavioural outcomes: A Mendelian randomization study

There is substantial variation in the timing of significant reproductive life events such as menarche and first sexual intercourse. Life history theory explains this variation as an adaptive response to the developmental environment. In environments characterized by harsh conditions, adopting a fast life history strategy may increase fitness. In line with this, there is evidence demonstrating that greater childhood adversity is associated with earlier age at menarche. Here we applied Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to investigate whether there is a causal effect of variation in age at menarche and age at first sexual intercourse on outcomes related to reproduction, education and risky behaviour in UK Biobank (N = 114883–181,255). Our results suggest that earlier age at menarche affects some traits that characterize life history strategies including earlier age at first and last birth, decreased educational attainment, and decreased age at leaving education (for example, we found evidence for a 0.26 year decrease in age at first birth per year decrease in age at menarche, 95% confidence interval: −0.34 to −0.17; p < 0.0001). We find no clear evidence of effects of age at menarche on other outcomes, such as risk taking behaviour. Age at first sexual intercourse was also related to many life history outcomes, although there was evidence of horizontal pleiotropy which violates an assumption of MR and results should be treated with caution. Taken together, these results highlight how MR can be applied to test predictions of life history theory and to better understand determinants of health and social behaviour.
Race modifies default mode network connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease

Objective To determine if resting state functional MRI biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) differ between older African Americans and Caucasians. Methods We analyzed MRI profiles from 78 individuals (31 African Americans, 47 Caucasians) with normal cognition (n=36) or mild cognitive impairment/mild AD dementia (MCI/AD, n=42). We compared AD-associated intra-network functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) according to race, and correlated domain-specific cognitive functions with functional connectivity which differed between the racial groups. Results We identified key differences in DMN functional connectivity associated with AD between the races. Whereas MCI/AD was associated with decreased functional connectivity within the midline core DMN subsystem in older Caucasians, MCI/AD was instead associated with increased functional connectivity within the same subsystem of older African Americans. This is despite decreased functional connectivity in the medial temporal lobe DMN subsystem in both races. Memory function was also positively associated with connectivity between the precuneus and the posterior cingulate/inferior parietal lobule within the midline core subsystem, in keeping with a less amnestic-profile in older African Americans with MCI/AD. Conclusions These findings provide structural support that race modifies the AD phenotypes downstream from cerebral amyloid deposition, and suggests a rsf-MRI correlate of African American’s less amnestic neuropsychological profile in MCI/AD.
Balanced internal hydration discriminates substrate binding to respiratory complex I

Molecular recognition of the amphiphilic electron carrier ubiquinone (Q) by respiratory complexes is a fundamental part of electron transfer chains in mitochondria and bacteria. The primary respiratory complex I binds Q in a long and narrow protein chamber to catalyse its reduction. But, the binding mechanism and the role of chamber hydration in substrate selectivity and stability are unclear. Here, large-scale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and estimated free energy profiles are used to characterize in detail the binding mechanism to complex I of Q with short and with long isoprenoid tails. A highly stable binding site with two different poses near the chamber exit and a secondary reactive site near the N2 iron-sulfur cluster are found which may lead to an alternative Q redox chemistry and help to explain complex I reactivity. The binding energetics depends mainly on polar interactions of the Q-head and on the counterbalanced hydration of Q-tail isoprenoid units and hydrophobic residues inside the protein chamber. Selectivity upon variation of tail length arises by shifting the hydration balance. This internal hydration mechanism may have implications for binding of amphiphilic molecules to cavities in other membrane proteins.
Metodología para el análisis automático de imágenes de sensores remotos de alta resolución basada en líneas

Las imagenes de sensores remotos de muy alta resolucion contienen informacion muy detallada sobre los objetos que se encuentran sobre la superficie de la tierra, lo que permite visibilizar patrones adicionales, pero cuya extraccion eficiente usando tecnicas de procesamiento automatico se torna muy compleja, por lo que se hace necesario desarrollar nuevas tecnicas que permitan detectarlos y clasificarlos. Esta investigacion aborda una nueva aproximacion basada en lineas, que permiten extraer la informacion requerida para determinar de forma automatica la escala de la imagen, el proceso de segmentacion, y finalmente, la clasificacion de los objetos; conformando una metodologia integrada, que utiliza solamente la informacion inherente a la escena bajo estudio, permitiendo determinar los parametros requeridos para las tecnicas utilizadas. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, se propuso como objetivo principal de esta investigacion, proponer una metodologia para el procesamiento automatico de las imagenes de sensores remotos de alta resolucion extrayendo la informacion requerida a partir de la linea seleccionada para la escena bajo estudio. Los resultados alcanzados demuestran que los metodos desarrollados para la determinacion de la escala en la imagen, la segmentacion y la clasificacion, basados en la aproximacion en lineas, logro rendimientos competitivos frente a los metodos vigentes, que usualmente requieren la participacion de un experto o usuario, quien es el encargado de seleccionar los parametros de acuerdo a su conocimiento o experiencia. Se puede concluir que la metodologia basada en lineas desarrollada en esta investigacion, que enlaza secuencialmente tres fases fundamentales en el procesamiento y analisis de imagenes de sensores remotos, ha demostrado un buen rendimiento, lo que permite vislumbrar un alto potencial a futuro.
Multiscale causal network models of Alzheimer’s disease identify VGF as a key regulator of disease

Though discovered over 100 years ago, the molecular foundation of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains elusive. To elucidate its complex nature, we constructed multiscale causal network models on a large human AD multi-omics dataset, integrating clinical features of AD, DNA variation, and gene and protein expression into probabilistic causal models that enabled detection and prioritization of high-confidence key drivers of AD, including the top predicted key driver VGF. Overexpression of neuropeptide precursor VGF in 5xFAD mice partially rescued beta-amyloid-mediated memory impairment and neuropathology. Molecular validation of network predictions downstream of VGF was achieved, with significant enrichment for homologous genes identified as differentially expressed in 5xFAD brains overexpressing VGF versus controls. Our findings support a causal and/or protective role for VGF in AD pathogenesis and progression. One sentence summary VGF protects against Alzheimer’s disease
Vertebrate consumption and dispersal of the Nothofagaceae associated ascomycete Cyttaria

Fungi are an important food source for a diversity of vertebrates and invertebrates around the world and in turn, these animals play a key part in the dispersal of many fungi. These associations have been most thoroughly studied between mammals and truffles. In this natural history note, we provide the first report of mycophagy by the Australian King‐Parrot (Alisterus scapularis) and the first documentation of wildlife consumption of the genus Cyttaria in Australia. We also review the literature regarding use of this southern hemisphere endemic genus Cyttaria for food by vertebrates and how these associations may impact its dispersal.
Including protein yield and mastitis resistance in dairy cattle breeding goal optimizes response to selection

Selection response from a two-tier nucleus breeding scheme using the current Kenyan breeding goal was compared with an alternative that also accounts for protein yield (PY) and mastitis resistance (MR). The economic value for PY was estimated using a bio-economic model. For mastitis resistance, like other disease resistance traits, the economic value cannot be estimated with profit equations because they have multi-fold effects on input and output, which affects profitability. Therefore, selection index methodology was used. Somatic cell count (SCC) was used as an indicator trait for MR. The ZPAN computer program was used to model the breeding schemes and evaluate response to selection. The alternative breeding goal, which included PY and MR, realized additional KES358.48, 613.55, and 613.65 in annual genetic gain, returns and profit per cow per year, respectively, compared with the current breeding goal. Economic values for PY and MR were KES778.99 and -2364, respectively. Relative economic values for milk yield (MY, kg), fat yield (FY, kg), protein yield (PY, kg), MR, calving interval (CI, days), preweaning daily gain (DG, g/day), postweaning daily gain (PDG, g/day), live weight (LW, kg), preweaning survival (SR1, %), postweaning survival (SR2, %), and length of productive life (PLT, days) were 23 689.80, 4 146.77, 34 665.50, -992.88, 33.66, 62.40, 159.80, 391.94, 987.04, 4 474.37, and 7.56, respectively. This implies that including milk quality traits such as PY in the breeding goal would optimize response to selection in dairy cattle production. Keywords: breeding objective, economic values, genetic evaluation, milk quality, traits, udder health
Impacts of rapeseed meal, canola meal and their mixture substitute for soybean meal on performance of lactating sows and their offspring

The present study was to evaluate the impact of rapeseed meal (RSM), canola meal (CM), and their mixture substitute for soybean meal on performance of lactating sows and their offspring. In total, 16 Yorkshire×Landrace sows with initial BW 258.87±5.36 kg were used in this trial. The experimental period lasted 30 days. The sows were allotted to one of four dietary treatments (4 sows per treatment): 1) corn-soybean meal (SBM) basal diets; 2) basal diets containing 8% RSM; 3) basal diets containing 8% CM; 4) basal diets containing RSM (4%) and CM (4%) mixture (RSCM). Sows fed with RSM and RSCM diets had a higher (P less than 0.05) body weight loss than sows fed SBM diet. The parity, litter number, piglet survival rate, weaning pig number, backfat, ADFI and estrus interval were not influenced by dietary treatments (P greater than 0.05). The ADG of piglets from sows fed SBM was higher (P less than 0.05) than sows fed RSM at 1 week. After farrowing, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter in sows fed with SBM diet was higher (P less than 0.05) than the RSCM group. The ATTD of energy in SBM and CM treatments was higher (P less than 0.05) than that in RSM and RSCM treatments. On the weaning day, the ATTD of nitrogen and energy in SBM treatment was highest (P less than 0.05) than other treatments. In conclusion, inclusion of 8% rapeseed meal, canola meal, and their mixture substitute for soybean meal had negative effects on reproductive performance of lactating sows and their offspring.
Live Performance and Post-Cinematic Filmmaking

Through the lens of recent artistic works by the authors and their collaborators, this paper explores opportunities cinema’s evolving materiality presents for filmmaking structures, within the context of narrative live performance. In particular, we examine how the integrated authorship of cinematic media, software, and live experiences can drive shifts in definitions and approaches, and spark new theatrical conventions incorporating new media structures. Selected projects by the authors’ research center are used as case studies, concluding with Entropy Bound, an experimental theatre piece that uses machine learning to learn from and influence the dialogue and actions of the lead character through media, progressively evolving as it is rehearsed and performed. The conceptualizations of cinematic media within these research projects were developed in conjunction with their software code and narrative structures. Tracing the evolution of media authorship within these processes, the paper concludes with a discussion of how the progression from digital manipulation focused primarily on media’s formal qualities, to manipulation rooted in its sequencing and semantics, could impact the use of cinema within live experiences and new dramaturgy with potential relationships to contemporary artificial intelligence.
Reinstatement of the Genus Piofontia: A Phylogenomic-Based Study Reveals the Biphyletic Nature of Diplostephium (Asteraceae: Astereae)

Abstract A recent phylogenomic study has shown that Diplostephium in its broad sense is biphyletic. While one of the clades comprises 60 species distributed mainly in the Northern Andes, the clade that contains the generic type, Diplostephium ericoides, contains 48 species, and primarily inhabits the Central Andes. Here, I propose to reinstate the generic name Piofontia and transfer to it the species of Diplostephium in the Northern Andean clade. Piofontia consists, then, of 60 species of woody subshrubs, shrubs, and small trees inhabiting high Andean forests and páramos of Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. A morphological description is provided for the genus Piofontia along with a species list with 60 new combinations. Dysaster cajamarcensis is shown to be a synonym of Diplostephium serratifolium. Finally, a brief discussion about themorphological evolution of South American Astereae is provided.
Lithium-ion batteries : solid-electrolyte interphase

SEI on Lithium, Graphite, Disordered Carbons and Tin-Based Alloys (E Peled & D Golodnitsky) Identification of Surface Films on Electrodes in Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions: Spectroscopic, Electronic and Morphological Studies (D Aurbach & Y S Cohen) Spectroscopy Studies of Solid-Electrolyte Interphase on Positive and Negative Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries (Z-X Wang et al.) Scanning Probe Microscopy Analysis of the SEI Formation on Graphite Anodes (M Inaba & Z Ogumi) Theoretical Insights into the SEI Components and Formation Mechanism: Density Functional Theory Studies (Y-X Wang & P B Balbuena) Continuum and Statistical Mechanics-Based Models for Solid-Electrolyte Interphases in Lithium-Ion Batteries (H J Ploehn et al.) Development of New Anodes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Their SEI Characterization by Raman and NEXAFS Spectroscopy (G Sandi) The Cathode-Electrolyte Interface in a Li-Ion Battery (K Edstrom et al.) Theoretical Studies on the Structure, Association of Solvent, and Solvation of Li Ion: Implications to SEI Layer Phenomena (Y-X Wang & P B Balbuena).
Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium Species in Domestic Ducks Sold for Food in Nigerian Live Bird Markets

Abstract Cryptosporidium infections has been reported in several avian species including chickens, pigeons and game birds where these infections had been identified to cause either enteric or respiratory diseases. However, little data exists on the molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species in ducks, especially those in frequent contact with humans. The aim of this study was to detect the Cryptosporidium species infecting domestic ducks in two major live bird markets. A total of 109 fresh faecal samples were collected from all the ducks available on sale in the two markets. The detection of Cryptosporidium species was conducted by microscopy. All positive samples were confirmed by the nested PCR amplification and the nucleotide sequencing of the 18S rRNA genes. The results demonstrated that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in ducks using microscopy was 11.0 % (12/109). There was a higher prevalence 14.0 % (7/50) in ducks from Ibadan compared with those 8.5 % (5/59) obtained from Oyo town. All positive samples by microscopy were also positive using the nested PCR and the DNA sequencing of the secondary PCR products from the 18S rRNA genes which revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum. This study revealed that natural infections of C. parvum may occur in ducks in close contact with humans and other domestic animals and therefore suggests that cryptosporidiosis in ducks may be of public health importance.
Detection of Aflatoxigenic Moulds and Aflatoxins in Maize and Millet's Grains Marketed in Zaria Metropolis

Aims: The present study was aimed at detecting of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxins in maize and millet grains commonly marketed in Zaria Metropolis. Study Design: The study was a laboratory-based research aimed at Detecting aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxins in the grains samples marketed in Zaria Metropolis Place and Duration of Study: The samples were purchased from six different markets in Zaria metropolis between July and August 2016. Methodology: Representative samples were subjected to proximate analysis and cultural isolation by grounding of each sample of (maize and millet) and separately added to 90 ml of sterile distilled water to form a stock suspension. An aliquot of 0.5 ml was spread on already prepared sweet potato yeast extract agar plate and the inoculated plates were incubated at room temperature. The Original Research Article Shitu et al.; JAMB, 13(4): 1-9, 2018; Article no.JAMB. 40075 2 suspected aflatoxigenic moulds were sub cultured and incubated at room temperature to obtain a pure culture and subjected to slide culture technique for microscopic identification of the moulds from the entire samples. The main objective of this study was to detect aflatoxin-producing moulds in maize and millet grains commonly sold in Zaria metropolis markets. The isolates were then screened for aflatoxin production using desiccated coconut agar and viewed under UV light (365 nm). Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique was used to determine total aflatoxin concentration of the samples. Results: The results revealed that the maize (Zea) and millet samples analyzed contain organic and inorganic nutrients that can support the growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and production of aflatoxin. Sixteen (25) isolates from the 60 samples were contaminated which account for 41.7%. The percentage of A. flavus isolates in maize was 26.7% and that of A. parasiticus was 15%. In maize, the occurrence of A. flavus was 23.3% and A. parasiticus 13.3% and the millet had 30% A. flavus and 16.7% A. parasiticus. The isolates demonstrated ability in aflatoxin production by emitting very bright fluorescent colouration under UV light (365nm). Total aflatoxin concentration in maize sample obtained from Samaru Market was found to be 18.10 μg/Kg while millets obtained from Zaria recorded 52.0 μg/Kg. The contamination levels within the grains were found to be statistically significant (p value< 0.05) using analysis of variance (ANOVA) Conclusion: This study, therefore, revealed that the contamination level in millet samples analyzed calls for concern as it exceeded the standard limit set by NAFDAC and SON.
Effects of Cinnamomum cassia extract on oxidative stress, immunreactivity of iNOS and impaired thoracic aortic reactivity induced by type II diabetes in rats

Type II diabetes is known to cause neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. However, cardiovascular disorders associated with diabetes have been ignored. In traditional medicine, cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) bark has been used for its abilities to relieve fever, inflammation and chronic bronchitis. In the present study, the effect of Cinnamomum cassia extract (CN) on the thoracic aorta in an experimental type II diabetes model was investigated. In rats administered with nicotinamide + streptozotocin, significant endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress were characterised by increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and decreased insulin/proinsulin levels. This impairment was prevented by administering 1000 mg/kg metformin or 500-1000-1500 mg/kg CN. CN administration attenuated the inflammatory response by decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO) and increasing Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH). In addition, CN administration was shown to cause down-regulating effects on iNOS in thoracic aorta. These findings reveal that CN could prevent chronic complications of experimentally induced type II diabetes by attenuating inflammation, oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, and normalised contraction and relaxion responses in the thoracic aorta.