Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of p21 activated kinase in zebrafish lateral line development.

Migration of the posterior lateral line primordium is a process of directed response to a chemotactic signal. We have observed directional protrusions of the cells at the leading edge of migrating primordia. The p21 activated kinase (Pak) family of proteins are downstream effectors of the small GTPases Rac and Cdc42 and have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of cell adhesion and migration in many organisms. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying directed cell migration in zebrafish we have identified and characterised two zebrafish pak2 genes {lcub}pak2a and pak2b) and found that their functions are important for migration of the lateral line primordium. Pak2a and Pak2b have similar protein sequences suggesting similar functions in development. Knock down of Pak2 using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides resulted in a variety of defects in zebrafish development including retarded migration of the posterior lateral line primordium and aberrant migration of primordial germ cells. Zebrafish pak2 genes may function by dynamically regulating the F-actin reorganisation and focal adhesion formation required for directed migration. Differences in the phenotypes generated by knock down of Pak2a and Pak2b may be explained in part by the observation that Pak2a can bind to the adaptor protein Nek while Pak2b cannot. Pak2b is required to establish and/or maintain F-actin organisation, cadherin- mediated adhesion and tissue integrity within the migrating lateral line primordium. We show that dynamic regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and cell adhesion is involved in the formation of rosette-like structures within the lateral line primordium which are deposited as a unit and represent the nascent neuromast precursors. We have also identified possible roles for Pak2a and Pak2b in regulating gene expression in early zebrafish development. Pak2 proteins may control the expression of several genes involved in mesoderm formation through regulation of transcriptional activators and repressors.
Experimental alloxan‐induced diabetes model in rats: lack of vascular dysfunction despite oxidative stress

Increased oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability are key features of diabetes mellitus that may result in vascular dysfunctions. We assessed whether an experimental model of alloxan‐diabetic Wistar rats promotes oxidative stress, reduces NO bioavailability and causes vascular dysfunction. After 1 week of alloxan injection (40 mg/Kg), rats with glycemia > 200 mg/dl were considered diabetics (D). The weekly glycemia was significantly higher in D rats compared to control (C) (p < 0.001). After 5 weeks of alloxan injection, plasma levels of malondialdehyde were increased in D compared to C rats (p = 0.002), however, plasma levels of nitrite and nitrate did not differ between the groups; this was accompanied by a significant reduction in endothelial NO synthase (NOS) immunostaining in endothelium (p = 0.001) and by a significant increase in inducible NOS immunostaining in adventitia of thoracic aorta from D rats (p < 0.001). Moreover, the vascular reactivity study, performed in organ chambers, showed that the responsiveness of thoracic aortic rings to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine was similar in both groups. Thus, these findings demonstrated that despite the development of diabetes and the increase in oxidative stress the 5 weeks duration of diabetes did not reduce NO bioavailability nor promoted vascular dysfunction in rats. Support: CAPES; FAEPA‐HC/FMRP.
Laboratory researches on unconventional methods for control of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata L.).

Almost all over the world as in Romania, being Holarctic species, the Colorado potato beetle, (Leptinotarsa decemlineata L.), is by far the biggest pest for potato growers. Given increasing consumer demand of products without pesticides, concept best expressed by the emergence of the term of „ecological farming” is similar terms „organic farming” or „biological farming” used in other EU Member States. There are a few methods, taking into consideration organic or that work well against potato beetle. Some organic gardeners rely on a broad-spectrum of homemade sprays for reject insects, after the Rodale encyclopaedia. From literature is known that wood ash is highly toxic to adult and larval stages of the Colorado potato beetle continuously exposed to wood ash for periods of up to 10 days but remained low in topical applications. To determine the effect of the experimental products (Dust of grinded beetles dried at 105C; decoction from grinded beetles dried at 105C; ash of grinded beetles burned at 250C; decoction from the ashes of burnt bugs to 250C; Chilli pepper powder; decoction of Chilli pepper powder; chopped fresh peppers; decoction of fresh chopped peppers; tobacco decoction; check.), potato leaves were sprayed with decoction for about 3 seconds or powdered with dust or powder, put onto the Petri dishes. In present laboratory experiment defined the effect of the 9 extracts on Colorado potato beetle feeding and survival. Colorado potato beetle put onto the Petri dishes filled with leaves, was provided with 5 Colorado potato beetles adults or 5 larvae in stage L2-L3. The experiment was 24, 48 and 72 h long and involved the replacement and supplementing of feed. The test and control combinations (untreated dry leaves) were set up in 5 replications. After 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours the CPB adults or larvae were counted. Tests have shown that the products tested did not significantly effect in combating CPB nor on adults or larvae, either powdered or decoctions, without any repellent effect. So it have been rejected different opinions, spread among potato growers, concerning the use of different products non insecticides.
Permanent-plot procedures for silvicultural and yield research.

Curtis, Robert O. ; Marshall, David D. 2005. Permanent-plot procedures for silvicultural and yield research. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-634. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 86 p. This paper reviews purposes and procedures for establishing and maintaining permanent plots for silvicultural and yield research, sampling and plot design, common errors, and procedures for measuring and recording data. It is a revision and update of a 1983 publication. Although some details are specific to coastal Pacific Northwest conditions, most of the material is widely applicable.
A Project-Based Model for Implementing BPR

Business process reengineering (BPR) is an outstanding management theory but with a high failure rates of 70%. One of the major problems in many BPR efforts is lacking of a disciplined method to model business process. In addition, the implementation methodologies in past literature and famous consulting firms were incomplete, and lack of practical experience or academic foundation. After analyzing and comparing the pros and cons of several representative BPR implementation methodologies, this study proposes a new methodology which combines previous academic outcomes and practical experience in consulting firms. Based on a hands on project, the detailed approaches, targets, needful materials, and expected results of each stage are elaborated as well as the commonly used BPR techniques and tools. Furthermore, the innovative methods and steps in this methodology which ensure the success of the project are discussed.
Structure and Permeability of the Chorion in the Silkworm Egg

1) 家蚕卵殼の構造は7層に分けられる。 外卵殼は2層からなり,内卵殼は5層からなる。 2) 内卵殼の一部(第2図のc層)にきわめて明瞭な多数の垂直線状のものが認められ,これが孔管(pore canals)であると考えられる。 3) 色素液の蚕卵内に透入する程度は色素の種類,蚕品種および同一の蚕品種でも卵内胚子の活性化の程度によってかなり異なる。 スーダン黒は比較的容易に卵内に透入するが,メチレン青は透入しにくい。 また越冬前の不活性卵では色素が透入しにくいが,越冬後の活性卵や塩酸による人工孵化卵では比較的透入しやすい。 4) 卵殼における色素の透入は主として卵殼最内面に位置する蝋層と考えられる薄層により妨げられる。 5) 卵殼の透過性は外卵殼の厚さに密接な関連を示す。 6) 卵殼は不均斉透過性の現象を示し,外面から内面に向う透過がその反対方向の透過よりも困難である。 7) 卵殼の外面から内面に向う方向の透過性は卵殼の内面をクロロホルムでぬぐったものが無処理のそれよりも著しく大きいが,卵殼の外面をぬぐったものでは無処理のそれと大差ない。 他方,卵殼の内面から外面への透過性は卵殼の内面および外面のいずれを処理したものでも無処理のそれに比較的近似している。 これらの事実から蝋層は卵殼の内面から外面に向う透過には大した役割を演じていないようであるが,その反対の外面から内面に向う透過には重要な障壁となっているように考えられる。
Relative virulence of Botrytis cinerea and B. mali in apple lesions.

Botrytis cinerea and recently B. mali have been identified as important postharvest pathogens of apples in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Three isolates of both B. cinerea and B. mali were studied alone and in combination by inoculating mature ‘Gala’ apple fruit to compare their potential for causing decay. The fruit were incubated at 20°C for 6 and 8 days when lesion areas were calculated from lesion diameters. The lesion areas in apples inoculated with B. cinerea ranged from 1020 to 1514 mm² compared to 130 to 293 mm² for B. mali after 6 days. Primers developed to specifically amplify B. mali or B. cinerea were used in a PCR test to determine which Botrytis spp. was present in a particular lesion and estimate the quantity of each species. Relative fluorescent intensity of DNA extracted from apple tissue co-inoculated with B. cinerea + B. mali and amplified with the B. cinerea specific primer averaged 102.3%. On the other hand, the fluorescence produced by the B. mali primer averaged only 11.6% from the same DNA samples. These results confirmed that when both B. cinerea and B. mali are mixed together, B. cinerea becomes the dominant pathogen.
Biological Leaching of Cu, Al, Zn, Ni, Co, Sn and Pb from Waste Electronic Scrap using Thiobacillus Ferrooxidans

In order to recover valuable metals from the waste electronic scrap, bioleaching of Cu, Zn, Al, Co, Ni, Sn and Pb was carried out using Thiobacillus ferrooxidans as a leaching microorganism in a shaking flask. In a preliminary study, to obtain the data on the leaching of Cu, Zn, Al, Co and Ni, the metal leaching was accomplished using metal powers instead of electronic scrap. The leaching percentaga of Cu, Zn, Co, Al and Ni powers was reduced with the increase of metal power concentration in solution. Below the metal concentration of 0.5 g/L, more than 85% of Cu, Co and Zn powers was leached out. At the electronic scrap concentration of 100 g/L, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans were able to leach more than 90% of the available Cu and Co while Al, Zn and Ni were able to leach less than 40%. Pb and Sn were not detected in the leachate. Pb was precipitated as PbSO, whereas Sn precipitated probably as SnO.
Improved overwintering ability in Dalbulus maidis (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) vectors infected with Spiroplasma kunkelii (Mycoplasmatales: Spiroplasmataceae)

Available evidence suggests that Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott), the major vector of the corn stunt spiroplasma, Spiro plasma kunkelii , overwinters as an adult and has no breeding hosts other than the Zea species (maize and teosintes). Over the dry season, these breeding hosts are often absent, and, although feeding hosts may be available in some habitats, the vector may migrate mid-winter, or both, we argue that D. maidis can spend part or all of the dry and often cold Mexican winter feeding only sporadically, if at all. Because the corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS) apparently overwinters in D. maidis , we investigated its effect on the ability of D. maidis to survive these winter conditions (low temperatures and loss of host plants). We used two types of tests: exposing leafhoppers to either −5°C over 24 h or to less severe low temperatures (10 to 20°C) and starvation over several months. We used leafhoppers reared under fall conditions, previously shown to be more cold hardy, and varied food and water sources to simulate loss of host plants. We compared survival of males and females from laboratory colonies established from three field populations in Mexico. Our results do not support previous findings that CSS infection protects D. maidis from below zero temperatures. However, CSS improved survival at 10 to 20°C when D. maidis was provided only moist sand or maintained on oats (a feeding host), and preferentially benefitted females; for example, over all treatments, survival of infected individuals was 1.1 times that of un infected leafhoppers, but on moist sand, survival of CSS infected females averaged 2.2 times that of uninfected females. We conclude that, under certain conditions, CSS infection can benefit its vector and may play an important role in D. maidis overwintering strategies.
Chemical seed treatment for the control of seedling disease of water-sown rice

The most effective fungicide formulations, rates, and method of application for reducing seed rot and seedling disease of water-sown rice were determined in greenhouse and field studies. The efficacy of over 30 chemical formulations that had shown biological activity against Achlya klebsiana and Pythium sp. in laboratory and greenhouse trials were tested. Difolatan® and captan treatments have consistently been the most effective in improving total stand establishment. Treatment by either slurry or spray mist with flowable formulations and allowing the fungicide to dry on the seed prior to the soaking process proved to be more effective in preventing seed rot and seedling disease than application made after soaking or by adding the chemicals to the soak water. Seed treated prior to soaking showed no detrimental effects from the chemicals after storage up to four months. Analysis of chemically treated seed before and after soaking and of the soak water revealed that substantial portions of the fungicide were lost during the soaking process. The benefits from fungicide seed treatment in water-sown rice are most obvious during the early planting season, when environmental conditions are often unfavorable for germination and seedling growth.
INFLUENCE OF RAISING METHOD ON THE QUALITY OF HEN EGGS

The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of hen eggs available on the Tri-City market, coming from conventional and organic raising. The parameters required by the regulation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of December 29 th , 2003 concerning analytical methods of hen eggs were determined, along with weight proportion of egg components, their pH, condition and index of egg white dense, flattening and index of yolk. Of the examined eggs originated from conventional raising, 38% were classified as class A eggs, 60% as class B eggs and 2% as class C eggs. An opposite proportion was observed for organic eggs, i.e. class A eggs dominated (64%), whereas 32% of the examined eggs were class B eggs and 4% class C eggs. The size of air cell in organic eggs ranged from 2 to 5 mm, while in the conventional eggs the average was 4.3 mm. In this case, a statistically significant correlation was detected between both types of eggs. The examined eggs differed in weight and percent distribution of specific components. Mean acidity of yolk and white of the examined eggs coming from hen-run raising accounted for pH = 6.8 and pH = 9.1, respectively, whereas for eggs from the conventional raising - for pH = 6.6 and pH = 9.25, respectively. Mean dense white index was 0.38 for organic eggs and 0.11 for conventional eggs, whereas yolk index was 0.46 and 0.41, respectively. Hen raising method had a statistically significant influence on white index, yolk index and pH of yolk.
Dynamic Enterprise Architecture: How to Make It Work

Preface. Introduction. Target Audience. The Structure of This Book. Chapter 1: Agility and Coherence: A Conflict of Interests? Potential of Information Technology. Using IT: A Problem in the Making? Agility and Coherence. Increasing Tension. The Challenge. Chapter 2: Agility and Coherence Considered Separately. Different Answers to Different Questions. Increasing Agility: New Development Methods. Increasing Coherence: Architectural Awareness. One Answer to Both Questions: Dynamic Architecture. Chapter 3: Dynamic Architecture. Wanted: Agile Architecture. Architecture: A Multifaceted Concept. Dynamic Architecture: Architecture Aimed at Agility. Enabling Change. Quickly Achieving Business Objectives: DYA. Chapter 4: The DYA Model. Making It Work. Ten Principles of DYA. DYA: A Theoretical and Working Model. The Model and the Principles. How to Use the Model. Filling in the Model. Chapter 5: Strategic Dialogue. Crisis at WWW--TeleBel. Strategic Dialogue: Doing the Right Things. Determining Business Cases. Elaborating Business Cases. Strategic Dialogue: Coherence and Agility. Intermezzo: The Business Case for WWW--TeleBel. Chapter 6: Architectural Services. Architectural Ups and Downs at TeleBel. Architectural Services: Doing Things Properly. Maintaining an Overview with the Architectural Framework. Architectural Services Supports the Strategic Dialogue. Architectural Services Supports the Development. Architectural Team. Architectural Services: Coherence and Agility. Intermezzo: WWW--TeleBel's Project--Start Architecture. Chapter 7: Development with(out) Architecture. WWW--TeleBel One Year Later. Development with(out) Architecture: Doing the Right Things the Right Way. Three Development Strategies. Anticipative Strategy. Offensive Strategy and Defensive Strategy. Project Team. Maintenance with(out) Architecture. Development with(out) Architecture: Coherence and Agility. Intermezzo I: A Building Permit for WWW--TeleBel. Intermezzo II: A Management Letter for WWW--TeleBel. Chapter 8: Governance. Deadlock for TeleBel. Successful Processes Do Not Just Happen. Responsibilities and Authorities. Coordination of Developments. Monitoring. Processes Also Require Maintenance. Governance: Coherence and Agility. Intermezzo: Embedding Dynamic Architecture at TeleBel. Conclusion. Appendices. Appendix A: Technique for Interactive Process Design. Appendix B: Information Economics. Appendix C: Architecture Maturity Model and Dynamic Architecture. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.
Pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal reduces flowering of red sorrel (Rumex acetosella L.) in wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.)

White, S. N. , Boyd, N. S. , Van Acker, R. C. and Swanton, C. J. 2015. Pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal reduces flowering of red sorrel (Rumex acetosella L.) in wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 549-556. Red sorrel is a common, ramet-producing herbaceous creeping perennial species in wild blueberry fields. Flowering and seed production occur primarily in overwintering ramets in Nova Scotia, Canada, and growers may therefore be able to adopt fairly simple management strategies to reduce or prevent flowering and seed production in this species. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal on red sorrel flowering ramet density under both controlled and field conditions. Under controlled conditions in a growth facility, ramet populations were subject to pre- and post-vernalization clipping treatments to simulate late autumn and early spring ramet removal. Under field conditions, pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal was achieved using postemergence applications of paraquat applied at a rate of 1 100 g a.i. ha-1 in early autumn and spring. Under controlled conditions, pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal reduced the density of flowering ramets by >95% and significantly reduced the frequency of pots with flowering ramets. Autumn and spring applications of paraquat under field conditions significantly reduced the survival of overwintering ramets, resulting in a significant reduction in the density of flowering ramets. Pre- and post-vernalization ramet removal has the potential to be a component of an integrated weed management strategy for red sorrel in wild blueberry.
Nitrogen supplying capacity of an ustochrept amended with manures, urea and their combinations

An attempt was made using incubation-leaching method to assess N mineralization potential (N0) and rate of mineralization (k) in soils amended with manures, urea and their combinations. The rate of releaseofN was very slow in the beginning followed by sharp increased reaching a peak rate in 3 to 4 weeks followed by a gradual decline thereafter. Minearlization potential recorded by dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) plus urea was the highest (197.2 mg kg−1) followed by cowpea plus urea (185.3 mg N kg−1) and urea (171.9 mg N kg−1). Amongst the green manure-amended soils the highest release of N was registered by Sesbania followed by cowpea and sunnhemp. Mineralization rate constants ranged from 0.02 to 0.04 per week. It was observed that N0 was influenced by the total N content; C/N ratio and lignin content of the manures, cowpea, sunnhemp.
La alfabetización digital como factor de inclusión social: La experiencia de la Red Conecta

El proyecto Red Conecta, una red de centros de alfabetizacion digital que se dirige a los colectivos menos favorecidos, basa gran parte de su trabajo en el hecho de formar parte de una red que comparte recursos, formacion, metodologia, coordinacion, instrumentos tecnologicos de apoyo y sistemas de evaluacion de resultados. Esta iniciativa esta basada en la colaboracion con ONG? s fuertemente arraigadas al territorio que ya desarrollan proyectos locales y en alianzas con empresas y administraciones publicas para unificar esfuerzos e implicar a todos los sectores de la sociedad en la e-inclusion. Actualmente esta formada por 41 centros repartidos por toda Espana. Los dinamizadores participan en un proceso de formacion comun y hay una corriente de creacion colectiva de conocimiento que repercute en la actividad con las personas que participan en los centros: en el estilo de relacion, las estrategias de motivacion, la organizacion de las actividades, o los instrumentos de apoyo al aprendizaje. Asi mismo, la coordinacion entre todos los centros implica un compromiso colectivo de cada una de las partes para avanzar, mancomunando esfuerzos para buscar recursos, evaluando resultados con una misma sistematica y construyendo un discurso comun, basado en la practica, que pueda incidir en las politicas publicas y en la sociedad en general.
Supermarkets And Consumers In Africa: The Case Of Nairobi, Kenya

Supermarkets are rapidly penetrating urban food retail in Kenya and spreading well beyond their initial tiny market niche into the food markets of lower-income groups. Having penetrated processed and staple food markets much earlier and faster than fresh foods, they have recently begun to make inroads into the fresh fruits and vegetables category. The important changes in their procurement systems bring significant opportunities and challenges for small farmers, and have implications for agricultural diversification and rural development programmes and policies.