Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brachypodium: A Model Temperate Grass

Brachypodium distachyon – Purple False Brome – is a model grass species that is being exploited to provide new information on cereals and biofuel crops. B. distachyon is a small, erect, annual, self-fertile grass with undemanding growth requirements and a rapid life cycle. B. distachyon has a small genome (∼350 Mbp) and the genomes of several accessions have been sequenced. It has no economic value but comparative genomic approaches have used the smaller B. distachyon genome to identify key cereal genes, which have been difficult to pin down in larger genomes. B. distachyon is readily transformable using Agrobacterium tumefaciens; mutated populations have been developed and genome editing has been demonstrated so that it will be possible to assess the function of any gene. As genome sequencing and assembly becomes ever easier, more scientists will work directly on crops rather than models but B. distachyon is likely to remain useful for functional genomics approaches because of its small size and rapid life cycle. Key Concepts Brachypodium distachyon is a model for grass and temperate grass species. B. distachyon has one of the smallest genomes in the Gramineae and it has been sequenced and annotated. The genome sequence has been used in comparative genomic approaches to help map key trait in larger genome cereal crops. Several genetic resources have been developed to aid elucidating gene function including mutagenised populations. B. distachyon has been used to give insights into cell wall construction, seed development and responses to environmental stress. Keywords: Brachypodium distachyon ; grass model; comparative genomics; functional genomics; stress tolerance and seed development
Developing OpenCV applications on Google Glass 2

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possibility to combine , the device Google Glass 2, with one of the most used libraries for vision based implementation OpenCV for application development. This paper presents and examines the main problems encountered during application development in Google Glass 2 and how to surpass them. The paper also presents a working application called "Room color helper", to proof the concept for the feasibility of such an application. Finally, the paper reviews the possible limitations of such devices.
Foraging and hoarding efficiency in buckfast purebreds and Norwegian black bee [A.m.mellifera] hybrids. Part.1. Annual honey yield versus results of field flying cage and laboratory tests

Honey yield measured throughout the entire season was compared with the foraging and hoarding efficiency (sugar syrup/candy) in Buckfast (Bcf) and in Norwegian Black Bee queens x Caucasian drone hybrids (Nor x Cau) using both field and laboratory cage tests. During the field tests artificially made nucleus colonies were tested under flying cages. Nor x Cau do not seem to be overly sensitive to adverse weather conditions. Bcf bees were efficient both in good and in worse weather and they represent more efficient foraging/hoarding behaviour. Nor x Cau, which may be encountered in the Lublin region did not prove to be a good combination. Results of the cage tests correspond to the honey yield measured in the full size colonies. The amount of syrup foraged in the test under the flying cages corresponded to the amount of the stored syrup supplies. Therefore combining these two tests results in the proper assessment of the hoarding behaviour.
The 'IRIS Diaphragm' - Principle of Centriole and Basal Body Formation

Abstract : The paper suggests that the formation and the structure of the microtubular skeleton of centrioles and basal bodies can be derived from the following simple geometric principle. A closed ring of 9 microtubular initiation sites defines: 1) a template for the densest packing of 18 additional microtubular initiation sites; and 2) the shape of 9 rigid arms. Upon swivelling of each arm around a point which is located 4 initiation sites away on the initial ring the array unfolds in a manner similar to the opening of an iris- diaphragm. As a consequence, the curved shape of the microtubular triplet blades arises together with the clockwise rotational sense of the slanted blades of the centriole or basal body. The final diameter of the centriole (basal body) self- adjusts. Furthermore, the pitch of the triplet blades, the taper of the centrioles and basal bodies and the change of slant of the blades towards the distal end can be derived. In addition, a method of replication of pro- centrioles (pro-basal bodies) is implied. The hypothesis is supported by the fitting of electron microscopical cross-sections of centrioles of 3T3 cells to the geometric shapes predicted by the model. Cell structure.
Clasificación de los pastizales halófilos del noreste de México asociados con perrito de las praderas (Cynomys mexicanus): diversidad y endemismo de especies

The objective of this study was to classify the vegetation, to quantify the plant diversity, currently occupied surface and the impact in vegetal diversity in the 39 halophytic grassland areas in northeastern Mexico due to management activities. Canopy cover, density, frequency, and species diversity was quantified in at least 200 1 m2 quadrats in each of the 39 grassland areas. Information and field data were analyzed by means of Sorensen Similarity Index, cophenetic correlation coeficient, cluster analysis, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, product moment correlation coefficient, and Kruskall-Wallis test. Grazing-agriculture areas have the highest plant diversity, higher weeds density, lower endemic species abundance. Grazing areas have lower plant diversity, lower weed abundance and higher endemic plants abundance. Mechanized agriculture is the main cause of loss of halophytic grasslands and prairie dog habitat. In this study 53 families, 174 genera and 284 species of vascular plants were recorded. Total lost of halophytic grassland in northeastern Mexico is about 75% of its surface until the year 2007.
Safety of Plant Products and Conventional Pesticides to Distatrix papilionis (Vireck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), A Parasitoid of Citrus Butterfly

Distatrix (=Apanteles) papailionis (Vireck) is a potential braconid larval parasitiod of citrus butterflies (Papilio spp.) causing up to 73% parasitism in India. The response of D. papilionis to different chemicals was studied with a view to select safer ones for integration into citrus pest management programmes. Adult parasitoids were exposed to citrus leaves treat with 11 plant products and 11 conventional pesticides besides Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) and streptomycin sulphate at recomended doses. Dicofol (0.05%), copper oxychloride (0.20%), streptomycin sulphate (200 ppm) and plant products except Neemark were found to be non-toxic to the adult parasitoids. Ten other chemicals which showed initial toxicity were further examined for their residual toxic effect on D. papilionis. The results indicated that Neemark (2%) was found to be non-toxic one day after application, while phoslone (0.07%), chlorpyrifos (0.05%) and dimethoate (0.05%) did not cause any mortality on the 14th day of treatment. The toxicity of cypermethrin to D. papilionis lasted beyond one month after application. The safer and less persistant chemicals found in the present studies can be utilised in developing the pest management programme in citrus.
Robust Adaptive Filtering With $q$ -Gaussian Kernel Mean $p$-Power Error

In this letter, a novel information theoretic measure, namely $\boldsymbol {q}$ -Gaussian kernel mean $\boldsymbol {p}$ -power error (QKMPE), is proposed by defining the mean $\boldsymbol {p}$ -power error in the $\boldsymbol {q}$ -Gaussian kernel space, which is a generalization of the kernel mean $\boldsymbol {p}$ -power error measure. Furthermore, a recursive kernel adaptive filter algorithm, named as recursive least $\boldsymbol {q}$ -Gaussian kernel mean $\boldsymbol {p}$ -power, is derived under the least QKMPE criterion for robust learning in noisy environment. This new proposed algorithm reveals superior performance against Gaussian-type noise as well as the non-Gaussian perturbation, especially when the data contain large outliers. Experimental results in the context of Mackey–Glass time series prediction confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Mechanical forces and tumor cells: Insight into the biophysical aspects of cancer progression

The process of metastasis requires a metastatic cancer cell to invade a variety of micro-environments of variable stiffnesses. Unlike metastatic cells, normal cell function and viability is dependent on the stiffness of the environment and used as a cue to maintain cell health and proper tissue organization. In this study we have asked if metastatic cells can ignore the parameter of stiffness and if this ability is gradually acquired and if so, through what mechanism. Using a panel of mouse mammary tumor cells derived from the same parental tumor, but possessing different metastatic abilities, we cultured the cells on hard and soft substrates conjugated with collagen or fibronectin. Normal and non-metastatic tumor cells responded to changes in stiffness on fibronectin, but not collagen. However the more metastatic cells ignored the change in stiffness on fibronectin coated substrates. This lack of response on fibronectin correlated with a change in the expression level of the α3 integrin subunit, activation of the β1 subunit and phosphorylation of FAK at Y397. We conclude that through fibronectin, changes in the activation and tethering of the beta-1 integrin provides a mechanism for metastatic cells to disregard changes in compliance to survive and navigate in environments of different stiffness.
Tumor-stroma derived gene expression patterns as prognosticators in breast cancer

The stroma, which embeds epithelial cells, plays a major role in the shaping and physiological regulation of animal organs such as the breast. Aberrant functioning of the stroma was found to support tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Among many crucial aspects of breast cancer biology two issues focused our attention; (I) the impact of mutual interactions between the cancer cells and the stroma, specifically the endothelial cells and (II) the impact of insulin like growth factor one (IGF-I) on the gene expression profiles of stromal fibroblasts, as an example of the influence of a growth factor on the stroma. To address tumor-endothelial interaction we took advantage of an in vitro system mimicking the interaction of tumor and endothelial cells and explored gene expression changes using DNA microarrays. Our results suggest the interaction of endothelial cells and tumor cells that express the CD44+/CD24- signature indicative of stem cell-like cells, which are thought to have a low proliferative potential, might explain the unexpected and paradoxical association of the CD44+/CD24- signature with highly proliferative tumors that have an unfavorable prognosis. Furthermore, the gene expression signature induced in this system is of prognostic value in early stage and metastatic breast cancer. Since malignant epithelial cells and tumor-associated stromal cells are under the influence of hormones and growth factors, we examined the effects of IGF-I on cancer cells and primary fibroblasts in parallel to assess concordant and discordant gene expression changes. Our results show that primary breast fibroblasts, breast carcinoma associated fibroblasts and primary lung fibroblasts respond to IGF-I stimulation with increased expression of genes related with proliferation, which is phenotypically followed by an increased growth rate. Comparing in vitro gene expression data with available in vivo data, we have shown that the evoked gene expression signatures are able to stratify patients into groups with significantly different outcome. We propose that this prognostic gene expression signature might also serve as a predictor for the effectiveness of an anti-IGF-I therapy, a new therapeutic strategy that is currently in phase III development. Concluding, the data presented in this thesis underline the importance of the stroma, specifically the interaction between tumor and endothelial cells and the response of the stroma to stimulation with growth factors such as IGF-I. The gene expression changes in response to these interactions and stimulations carry prognostic information and might potentially be useful in clinical decision making.
Direct trade‐off between cyanogenesis and resistance to a fungal pathogen in lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.)

1. Plants are simultaneously attacked by multiple herbivores and pathogens. While some plant defences act synergistically, others trade‐off against each other. Such trade‐offs among resistances to herbivores and pathogens are usually explained by the costs of resistance, i.e. resource limitations compromising a plant’s overall defence.
Isolation and Characterization of a Thermophilic Oil-Degrading Bacterial Consortium

In this study, a thermophilic oil-degrading bacterial consortium KO8-2 growing within the temperature range of 45—65 ℃ (with 55 ℃ being the optimum temperature) was isolated from oil-contaminated soil of Karamay in Xinjiang, China. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) showed that there were nine strains included in KO8-2, which originated from the genera of Bacillus, Geobacillus and Clostridium. They all belonged to thermophilic bacteria, and had been previously proved as degraders of at least one petroleum fraction. The crude oil degraded by KO8-2 was analyzed by infrared spectrophotometry, hydrocarbon group type analysis and gas chromatography. The results indicated that the bacterial consortium KO8-2 was able to utilize 64.33% of saturates, 27.06% of aromatics, 13.24% of resins and the oil removal efficiency reached up to 58.73% at 55 ℃ when the oil concentration was 10 g/L. Detailed analysis showed that KO8-2 was able to utilize the hydrocarbon components before C19, and the n-alkanes ranging from C20—C33 were signifi- cantly degraded. The ratios of nC17/Pr and nC18/Ph were 3.12 and 3.87, respectively, before degradation, whereas after degradation the ratios reduced to 0.21 and 0.38, respectively. Compared with the control sample, the oil removal efficiency in KO8-2 composting reactor reached 50.12% after a degradation duration of 60 days.
Resistência de porta-enxertos e híbridos de tomateiro à Ralstonia solanacearum

BUSATO, Laedio Magno. Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, February, 2017. Resistance of rootstocks and tomato hibrids on Ralstonia solanacearum. Advisor: D.Sc. Waldir Cintra de Jesus Junior. Co-advisor: D.Sc. Hélcio Costa, D.Sc. William Bucker Moraes Faced with the great need to develop techniques that potentiate the production of food free of chemicals to meet the great pressure of the world society for healthier foods and due to the increased use of grafting techniques in agricultural production, The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the use of rootstocks in Different tomato hibrids (Solanum lycopersicum L.) on Ralstonia solanacearum, causal agent of tomato bacterial wilt. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with plants grown in 21-liter pots, spaced 0.55m x 1.0m and drip irrigation system. Were used 12 treatments, from the grafting combination of the four rootstocks and the three commercial hybrids, were tested in 7 treatments containing free plants of the genotypes under study, totaling 19 treatments. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design divided into two groups, both with 19 treatments, for evaluations of different characteristics. The first group was inoculated with inoculum suspension containing 6.0x10 7 UFC of R. solanacearum / mL and evaluated the resistance of the treatments to bacterial wilt. The second group isn’t inoculated for evaluated the production potential and the effect of grafting for treatments. All the hibryds testeds was suscetibles of bacterial wilt. Only the rootstock TSV 2261 showed complet resistance of isoled R. solanacearum utilized of testeds. For the rootstocks Defensor and Shincheonggang, There was variation in the resistance level according to the hybrid grafted. Defensor, AV3-1509, Shincheonggang and TSV2261 rootstocks showed lower productivity than hybrids and grafted treatments, the which allows to infer that its use in areas infested with R. solanacearum is feasible when grafted with productive genotypes. All hybrids presented variation in the number of fruits (fruit / plant) and quality (weight and diameter diameter) of the fruits when compared to the free with the grafted treatments, and grains on Shincheonggang showed a higher percentage of fruits of larger diameter for all hybrids tested. Based on the results, it can be concluded that grafting is a viable and efficient alternative for the cultivation of tomato in R. solanacearum-infested soils, but the selection of the genetic materials should be judicious to guarantee the success of the technique and the crop.
The Ladybird Predator Serangium parcesetosum Sicard (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Current Status and Future Perspectives

Whiteflies have been causing extensive damage for almost a century and continue to be destructive pests of several agricultural crops in much of the world. Biological control is recognized as the best alternative to the use of insecticides for controlling insect pests. Serangium parcesetosum Sicard (Col., Coccinellidae) is a specialist, oligophagous and efficient predator that has demonstrated a potential for biological control of many whitefly species. Concomitantly, this paper reviews the morphology, phenology and biology of S. parcesetosum . In addition, studies conducted during the last decade on the predator's predation potential and preferences are summarized. Furthermore, S. parcesetosum releases against some whitefly species are herein presented. Finally, this paper presents the current efforts in biological control of whiteflies using S. parcesetosum in greenhouses and open fields, and highlights research gaps and directions deserving further development to create a better understanding of S. parcesetosum on different agricultural crops to control whiteflies. The available data indicate that long survival of S. parcesetosum adults accomplished by their voracious feeding is a great feature that resulted in successful control of whiteflies. An additional positive feature of S. parcesetosum is that it could establish and disperse throughout citrus fields. In conclusion, S. parcesetosum could develop, survive, reproduce and prey upon whiteflies, and build up its population successfully. Consequently, it is likely that S. parcesetosum could effectively function as a sole biological control agent or in conjunction with other natural enemies to develop new management strategies to provide a great level of suppression of whiteflies worldwide.
Secretion of the β/A4 amyloid precursor protein: Identification of a cleavage site in cultured mammalian cells

Abstract Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, affects greater than 10% of the population of individuals greater than 65 years of age. A principal neuropathological feature of this disease is the senile plaque, a fibrillar extracellular deposit primarily composed of a approximately 4-kDa peptide, beta/A4, derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Studies in cultured cells have documented that APP matures through a constitutive secretory pathway and is cleaved at or near the cell surface to release a large ectodomain into the extracellular space. To define the APP cleavage site, we constructed a Chinese hamster ovary cell line, which constitutively overexpresses human APP-770, and analyzed the COOH termini of secreted APP-770-related molecules. Using plasma desorption mass spectrometry and chemical microsequencing, we document that an APP cleavage site in Chinese hamster ovary cells leading to secretion occurs immediately COOH-terminal to lysine residue 687, which lies adjacent to the hydrophobic membrane-spanning domain.
Characterising the role of murine gammaherpesvirus-68 host shutoff protein in mediating cellular mRNA degradation

During lytic infection with a number of pathogenic viruses, host cells have been found to exhibit loss of mRNA culminating in loss of cellular proteins, a phenomenon termed host shutoff. In γ-herpesviruses, the precise mechanism by which host shutoff takes place is yet to be fully determined. Initially, host shutoff in Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) was associated with the viral DNA exonuclease SOX (shutoff and exonuclease), which was followed by the identification of host shutoff in Epstein Barr virus (EBV) linked to the SOX homologue BGLF5. Murine γ-herpesvirus-68 (MHV-68) is a γ-herpesvirus that infects murid rodents including laboratory mice, with extensive viral genome homology to KSHV and EBV. MHV-68 was also found to induce host shutoff via the SOX homologue ORF37. The similarities between MHV-68 and the human γ-herpesviruses make the mouse virus an ideal model for studying host shutoff and consequences of host shutoff in disease pathogenesis. In this study, MHV-68 was used to investigate the role of ORF37 in MHV-68 infection in vitro and in vivo and to examine possible mechanisms of mRNA degradation mediated by ORF37. A stop codon mutant of MHV-68 (ORF37Stop) and its corresponding revertant (ORF37StopRev) were engineered. ORF37Stop virus exhibited highly restrictive phenotype in immunocompetent cells. In contrast, lack of ORF37 was tolerated in cells lacking a functional intereferon- α/β receptor (IFNαβRKO). These in vitro observations were replicated, to some extent, in vivo with the mutant virus establishing lytic infection in the lungs of IFNαβRKO mice. Interestingly, host shutoff was found to proceed even in the absence of ORF37, but only where functional type I IFN-mediated responses were lacking. A poly(A) tail assay was used to investigate the possibility of mRNA degradation at the 3’ mRNA. In contrast to a previously published study, the results suggest that cellular poly(A) tails do not appear to be elongated as a result of MHV-68 lytic infection. Data generated during this project have identified a novel function by which ORF37-mediated host shutoff causes mRNA degradation and that a primary role of this viral protein is to overcome the type I interferon-receptor-mediated responses. The observation that host shutoff can proceed in the absence of ORF37 in cells unable to respond to type I IFNs highlight two important possibilities: other viral proteins may mediate host shutoff; and type I IFN effector mechanisms are a key player in host shutoff. These novel observations together with lack of a mechanism by which ORF37 mediates mRNA degradation warrant further studies in this field.
Effects of Meal Size on the SDA of the Taimen

Specific dynamic action (SDA), the metabolic phenomenon resulting from the digestion and assimilation of a meal, is generally influenced by body mass. The effects of ration level on SDA of taimen (Hucho taimen, Pallas) was evaluated, by measuring the temporal pattern of the oxygen consumption rates of taimen with meal size, 1/3satiation, 2/3 satiation and satiation, after feeding, at 17.5°C. °C With the approximate body mass but different meal size, both Peak VO2 and SDA had a tendency to increase with increased meal size. Factorial scope of peak Vo2 and Duration had a tendency to increase with increased meal size.