Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pdx1 restores β cell function in Irs2 knockout mice

The homeodomain transcription factor Pdx1 is required for pancreas development, including the differentiation and function of beta cells. Mutations in Pdx1 or upstream hepatocyte nuclear factors cause autosomal forms of early-onset diabetes (maturity-onset diabetes of the young [MODY]). In mice, the Irs2 branch of the insulin/Igf signaling system mediates peripheral insulin action and pancreatic beta cell growth and function. To investigate whether beta cell failure in Irs2(-/-) mice might be related to dysfunction of MODY-related transcription factors, we measured the expression of Pdx1 in islets from young Irs2(-/-) mice. Before the onset of diabetes, Pdx1 was reduced in islets from Irs2(-/-) mice, whereas it was expressed normally in islets from wild-type or Irs1(-/-) mice, which do not develop diabetes. Whereas male Irs2(-/-)Pdx1(+/+) mice developed diabetes between 8 and 10 weeks of age, haploinsufficiency for Pdx1 caused diabetes in newborn Irs2(-/-) mice. By contrast, transgenic expression of Pdx1 restored beta cell mass and function in Irs2(-/-) mice and promoted glucose tolerance throughout life, as these mice survived for at least 20 months without diabetes. Our results suggest that dysregulation of Pdx1 might represent a common link between ordinary type 2 diabetes and MODY.
Detection of Escherichia coli O104 in the Feces of Feedlot Cattle by a

Detection of Escherichia coli O104 in the Feces of Feedlot Cattle by a 3 Multiplex PCR Assay Designed to Target Major Genetic Traits of the 4 Virulent Hybrid Strain Responsible for the 2011 German Outbreak 5 6 7 Z. D. Paddock, J. Bai , X. Shi, D. G. Renter, and T. G. Nagaraja 8 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 9 Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506-5606 10
Chief Financial Officers as Inside Directors

Considerable prior research investigates whether the extent of insider presence on corporate boards is detrimental. However, the majority of past research treats all inside directors as a homogenous group. This study considers that issue in the context of chief financial officers (CFO) serving on their own company's board. Our research is important because individuals in different executive roles bring different skills and knowledge to board interactions, highlighting the potential for differential contributions. As prior research does not specifically distinguish CFOs from other board insiders, the potential benefits of knowledge sharing due to increased communication with other board members may have been masked. Specifically, the CFO is directly responsible for the quality of the financial reporting process and can therefore be associated with specific outcome measures. Our results show that the percentage of CFOs serving on their own boards is not large, likely due to the perspective (consistent with agency theory and reflected in independence guidelines) that company insiders on boards could promote their own best interest at the expense of shareholders. Contrary to this perception, we find that companies whose CFO has a seat on the board are associated with higher financial reporting quality (i.e., a lower likelihood of reporting a material weaknesses in internal controls or having a financial restatement, and better accruals quality). Yet, we also find potential drawbacks in that CFOs with a board seat tend to have higher excess compensation and lower likelihood of termination following poor performance, signaling greater entrenchment. While our results provide information to companies considering appointing the CFO to the board, both costs and benefits are demonstrated, and thus we conclude that each board should consider this decision based on its own circumstances and composition.
A Methodology for Comparing the Surface Urban Heat Island in Selected Urban Agglomerations Around the World from Sentinel-3 SLSTR Data

Retrieval of land surface temperature (LST) from satellite data allows to estimate the surface urban heat island (SUHI) as the difference between the LST obtained in the urban area and the LST of its surroundings. However, this definition depends on the selection of the urban and surroundings references, which translates into greater difficulty in comparing SUHI values in different urban agglomerations across the world. In order to avoid this problem, a methodology is proposed that allows reliable quantification of the SUHI. The urban reference is obtained from the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative Land Cover and three surroundings references are considered; that is, the urban adjacent (Su), the future adjacent (Sf), and the peri-urban (Sp), which are obtained from mathematical expressions that depend exclusively on the urban area. In addition, two formulations of SUHI are considered: SUHIMAX and SUHIMEAN, which evaluate the maximum and average SUHI of the urban area for each of the three surrounding references. As the urban population growth phenomenon is a world-scale problem, this methodology has been applied to 71 urban agglomerations around the world using LST data obtained from the sea and land surface temperature radiometer (SLSTR) on board Sentinel-3A. The results show average values of SUHIMEAN of (1.8 ± 0.9) °C, (2.6 ± 1.3) °C, and (3.1 ± 1.7) °C for Su, Sf, and Sp, respectively, and an average difference between SUHIMAX and SUHIMEAN of (3.1 ± 1.1) °C. To complete the study, two additional indices have been considered: the Urban Thermal Field Variation Index (UFTVI) and the Discomfort Index (DI), which proved to be essential for understanding the SUHI phenomenon and its consequences on the quality of life of the inhabitants.
Influence of Light on Grape Berry Growth and Composition Varies during Fruit Development

Potted 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and 'Pinot noir' grapevines ( Vitis vinifera L.) grown in a sunlit phytotron were used to study the influence of cluster light exposure during various stages of fruit development on berry growth and composition. Clusters grown without light during berry development stages I and II, stage III, or stages I, II, and III, were compared to clusters exposed to light throughout fruit development (control). The temperature of light-exposed and nonexposed fruit was similar. The weights and diameters of berries grown without light during stages I and II, or stages I, II, and III, were similar and significantly lower than those of the control. Fruit softening in both cultivars, as well as the initiation of berry coloration, was delayed when berries were grown without light during stages I and II. Following fruit softening, berries grown without light during stages I, II, and III were lower in sugar than the control. On the final sample date, 'Cabernet Sauvignon' berries grown without light during stages I, II, and III were higher in malate compared to the control. 'Pinot noir' berries grown without light during stages I and II, or stages I, II, and III, were lower in malate before fruit softening, and higher in malate following fruit softening, than the control. Control berries had greater skin anthocyanins and phenolics compared to the remaining treatments. Berries grown without light during stages I and II, or stage III, were greater in anthocyanins and phenolics than fruit grown without light during stages I, II, and III. Light had no effect on fruit tartrate concentration or juice pH. Light had its greatest impact on fruit development during the initial stages of berry growth. Berry growth was reduced and ripening delayed when fruit were grown without light during stages I and II. Normal fruit development was not fully restored when these fruit were exposed to light during stage III.
Entering the blue: conflict resolution and prevention at sea off the coast of East Africa

Scholarly work on maritime peacekeeping and responses to maritime insecurity increased notably in the early twenty-first century with much attention turning to Africa's maritime landscape. Africa's offshore security governance became particularly salient as a result of threats to good order at sea as well as how actors in the international system responded. One way of describing the responses to Africa's maritime domain is to view it as part of the response continuum depicting conflict prevention and conflict resolution. Security arrangements at sea depict a growing recognition of the importance of Africa's oceans to the extent that the landward focus of many leaders and security actors has gained a parallel domain – that of maritime security. Thrust upon the wider African security agenda by piracy off East Africa, the importance of the African maritime landscape dawned not only upon the international community and the UN in particular, but the African leadership as well. Threats at sea around Africa have an umbilical connection to what transpires on land and are equally complex to deal with. In a certain way, as suggested in this piece, reactions to promote maritime security governance off eastern Africa have become part of the wider conflict resolution agendas of actors as displayed off the Horn of Africa and in waters of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) further to the south.
The Evolution of Wide-Area DInSAR: From Regional and National Services to the European Ground Motion Service

This study is focused on wide-area deformation monitoring initiatives based on the differential interferometric SAR technique (DInSAR). In particular, it addresses the use of advanced DInSAR (A-DInSAR) techniques, which are based on large sets of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and Copernicus Sentinel-1 images. Such techniques have undergone a dramatic development in the last twenty years: they are now capable to process big sets of SAR images and can be exploited to realize a wide-area A-DInSAR monitoring. The study describes several initiatives to establish wide-area ground motion services (GMS), both at county- and region-level. In the second part of the study, some of the key technical aspects related to wide-area A-DInSAR monitoring are discussed. Finally, the last part of the study is devoted to the European ground motion service (EGMS), which is part of the Copernicus land monitoring service. It represents the most important wide-area A-DInSAR deformation monitoring system ever developed. The study describes its main characteristics and its main products. The end of the production of the first EGMS baseline product is foreseen for the last quarter of 2021.
alpha-Galactosidase from the yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii IFO 1255.

The yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii IFO 1255 was selected as the strain fermenting melibiose from 35 strains of Torulaspora species. The strain IFO 1255 produced extracellular and cell-associated forms of α-galactosidase when grown on either melibiose or galactose as the sole carbon source. Most of the enzyme was located outside of the cell membrane: the periplasmic space, or cell walls, or both. α-Galactosidase was purified to homogeneity from the cell-free extract of the strain IFO 1255 by acid treatment and column chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl 650M and Butyl-Toyopearl 650M. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 88 000 by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 530 000 by gel filtration. The enzyme contained 50% of its molecular weight as carbohydrate. Optimum pH and temperature were 4.5–5.5 and 55°C, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited strongly by Ag2+, Hg2+ and Cu2+ each at 1 mmol 1-1. The Km (μmol 1-1) for p-, o-, m-nitrophenyl α-D-galactopyranoside, melibiose, raffinose and stachyose were 2.8, 1.3, 2.8, 4.2, 170 and 230, respectively, and Vmax (μmol min-1 mg protein-1) for those substrates were 310, 140, 21, 22, 30 and 44, respectively. The properties of α-galactosidase from T. delbrueckii IFO 1255 were similar to those from the related species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Biclique coverings, rectifier networks and the cost of $\varepsilon$-removal.

We relate two complexity notions of bipartite graphs: the minimal weight biclique covering number $\mathrm{Cov}(G)$ and the minimal rectifier network size $\mathrm{Rect}(G)$ of a bipartite graph $G$. We show that there exist graphs with $\mathrm{Cov}(G)\geq \mathrm{Rect}(G)^{3/2-\epsilon}$. As a corollary, we establish that there exist nondeterministic finite automata (NFAs) with $\varepsilon$-transitions, having $n$ transitions total such that the smallest equivalent $\varepsilon$-free NFA has $\Omega(n^{3/2-\epsilon})$ transitions. We also formulate a version of previous bounds for the weighted set cover problem and discuss its connections to giving upper bounds for the possible blow-up.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, ADULTICIDAL AND REPELLENT ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM Mentha longifolia L. AND Lavandula dentata L. AGAINST Culex pipiens L.

The essential oils from Mentha longifolia L. , and Lavandula dentata L. were evaluated for their insecticidal and repellent activity against adult females of Culex pipiens L. The two oils showed LC50 values of 0.215 and 0.217 μl / l, respectively. Lavandula dentata oil showed higher repellent activity than Mentha longifolia oil against adults of Culex pipiens; paraffin oil significantly prolonged the time of protection for the two oils. The longest time of protection was 165 min for L dentata oil, at 1 μl/cm 2 , when the tested oils were applied in paraffin oil. The principle compounds in the two oils were pulegone, l-menthone, 1-8-cineole, eucarvone and borneol for (M. longifolia); and camphor, fenchone, linalool and fenchol for (L. dentata). The two oils were effective as repellent substances when compared with commercial materials. Further studies are needed to isolate the most effective mosquito control agents from these oils.
Descriptions of the Tadpoles of Scinax alter and Scinax cuspidatus (Anura: Hylidae)

Duellman and Wiens (1992) recognized Scinax Wagler, 1830, as the valid name for Ololygon Fitzinger, 1843. They redefined the genus based on the morphology of adults and larvae, osteology, and reproduction. At present, more than 80 species are grouped in this genus, which occurs from Mexico to Argentina (Duellman, 1993). The tadpoles of Scinax exhibit a rich diversity of external features. Unfortunately, the larval characteristics of several species in this genus are currently unknown (de Sa et al., 1997). Scinax alter (Lutz, 1973) and Scinax cuspidatus (Lutz, 1925) are similar species that occur in open areas of lowlands and "restingas" (sand-dune vegetation) of Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. Herein, their tadpoles are described for the first time. The specific status of S. alter is controversial. Duellman and Wiens (1993) consider this species as a junior synonym of Scinax ruber (Laurenti, 1768). However, there are authors who recognize S. alter as a valid species, even suggesting that a complex of species could be involved (Carvalho e Silva and Peixoto, 1991; Pombal et al., 1995a,b). None of these authors discussed this problem in detail. We assume that treating S. alter as a valid species will cause less confusion at this time, because tadpoles of populations attributed to S. alter are different from those attributed to S. ruber (Kenny, 1969; Duellman, 1970). This paper is part of a study intended to determine the identity of S. alter and S. ruber. We collected adults and tadpoles of S. alter and S. cuspidatus from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Specimens of S. alter were collected from Mage Municipality (22? 39'S; 43'02'W), and those of S. cuspidatus were collected from Rio de Janeiro Municipality (22? 50'S; 43? 29'W). We did not find eggs at the collecting sites. Amplectic pairs of the two species were kept in plastic bags for a few hours after they have been collected to obtain eggs. Some tadpoles were reared from these eggs, whereas others were collected in the field. Tadpoles were reared until advanced stages or methamorphosis. Field collected tadpoles were identified by comparisons with those obtained from eggs. Tadpoles were reared in captivity in plastic boxes
Gale Crater Analogue Geology Studies at Multiple Scales

We give an update on the data analysis relevant to Mars geology at multiple scales from a series of field research campaigns (ILEWG EuroMoonMars) in the extreme environment of the Utah desert and in order to help in the interpretation of Mars missions measurements from orbit (Mars Express, MRO) or from the surface (MSL Curiosity) at Gale crater. ILEWG EuroMoonMars campaigns The goal of this ILEWG EuroMoonMars project (February 23rd March 9th, 2013) was to conduct field studies in order to identify and study environments that are analogous to those that Curiosity has studied and will study at Gale crater. Several field campaigns (EuroGeoMars2009 and DOMMEX/ILEWG EuroMoonMars from November 2009 to March 2010) had been conducted at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) [1-5] near Hanksville, Utah, in the vicinity of the San Rafael swell. Geology traverse planning using sub-m imagery Most of the information we have from Moon and Mars surface, comes from satellite observations. During the selection of landing sites and planning of traverses on unfamiliar planetary sites, satellite images of high resolution is crucial. But what information are we missing from these images? We used remote sensing images and multispectral data to recognize areas of intrest (Figs 1-2). During ILEWG EuroMoonMars 2013 campaign at MDRS Utah we made a comparative study where we looked at satellite images with a spatial resolution of 50-60 cm per pixel, something that is comparable to the resolution of MRO HiRise on Mars. We then planned traverses at MDRS that were as similar to geomorphological features seen at the Gale crater as possible. Following this, we explored these traverses with a rover, drone and walked them in a Mars EVA simulation mode, before taking rocks and soil samples. We also tested the usability of a drone for imaging reconnaissance, and assessed experiences and lessons learnt concerning geological traverse planning based on high resolution satellite images. Figure 1: Map of geological features and inverted riverbeds around MDRS, Utah showing areas explored by traverses and EVAs, and through samples. Figure 2 : Landsat multispectral data show the presence of calcite (pink color) along the inverted channels. 1462.pdf Eighth International Conference on Mars (2014)
Vine vigor and cluster uniformity on Vitis vinifera L. seed procyanidin composition in a warm Mediterranean climate

Seed procyanidin composition of Vitis vinifera L. var. ˈCarignanˈ and ˈGrenacheˈ was analyzed to assess the impact of vintage climatology, plant vigor and bunch variability on the quality of grapes. This study was carried out over 2007 and 2008 vintages in Terra Alta denomination of origin (DO). This region is located in northeastern Spain and characterized by a Mediterranean climate with a continental tendency. Procyanidin composition of seeds from four vineyards was analyzed by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC-DAD-TOF/MS). Vintage, vigor and ripeness uniformity had an influence on the procyanidin concentration in seeds. Flavan-3-ol polymerization increased during the warm year, together with a notable dependence on the variety and vine vigor. In warmer years and low vigor, ˈGrenacheˈ seed composition is likely to be more vulnerable than ˈCarignanˈ. High levels of flavan-3-ol monomers and low polymerization characterized the seeds of the temperate year.
Recombinational Repair of DNA Damage inEscherichia coli and Bacteriophage λ

SUMMARY Although homologous recombination and DNA repair phenomena in bacteria were initially extensively studied without regard to any relationship between the two, it is now appreciated that DNA repair and homologous recombination are related through DNA replication. In Escherichia coli, two-strand DNA damage, generated mostly during replication on a template DNA containing one-strand damage, is repaired by recombination with a homologous intact duplex, usually the sister chromosome. The two major types of two-strand DNA lesions are channeled into two distinct pathways of recombinational repair: daughter-strand gaps are closed by the RecF pathway, while disintegrated replication forks are reestablished by the RecBCD pathway. The phage λ recombination system is simpler in that its major reaction is to link two double-stranded DNA ends by using overlapping homologous sequences. The remarkable progress in understanding the mechanisms of recombinational repair in E. coli over the last decade is due to the in vitro characterization of the activities of individual recombination proteins. Putting our knowledge about recombinational repair in the broader context of DNA replication will guide future experimentation.
Morhological And Structural Studies On ERBIUM(ER3+) And YTTERBIUM (YB3+) Doped Yttrium Oxide Nanophosphors Prepared By Combustion Synthesis Method.

The synthesis and characterization of Rare earth (RE) doped yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanophosphors were undertaken in the current work. RE dopants such as Erbium ( Er3+) and ytterbium (Yb3+) were successfully doped. Trivalent rare earth Er3+ ions and ytterbium Yb3+ ion doped Y2O3 nanophosphors were prepared by combustion synthesis method using urea as an oxidizing fuel. The structural and morphological properties of Y2O3: Yb3+(5%) ,Er3+(2%) nanophosphors were characterized with X ray diffraction(XRD), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Integrated Nutrient Management for Cassava Under Rainfed Conditions of Andhra Pradesh

Cassava is an important industrial crop grown under rainfed conditions in Andhra Pradesh. It is grown in 17,000-22,000 hectares (CMIE, 2007) in the upland tracts of East Godavari district of the state. Cassava is a heavy feeder of nutrients and requires large quantities of N, P and K for realization of high yields (Mitra et al., 1990). Continuous cassava cropping without adequate soil fertility management can result in severe reduction in the growth and yield of succeeding crops in addition to deterioration of soil fertility (Nayar, 1994). Green manuring in combination with biofertilizers is one of the most effective and environmentally sound methods that can offer an opportunity to improve soil physicochemical properties and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The effectiveness of green manure is related to its biomass production and ability to accumulate higher amounts of N within short period of time. Application of green manures and biofertilizers in the farming systems can sustain high yields through improvements in water and nutrient use efficiencies, soil biotic activity and soil organic matter levels. Zhongyong et al. (2006) and Lou et al. (2008) reported that organic manure-biofertilizerchemical fertilizer combination promotes cassava yields and starch content. Research work on the effect of green manure crops in combination with biofertilizers on the growth and productivity of cassava is limited in Andhra Pradesh. Hence the present study was taken up to evaluate three green manure crops for their biomass production and to find out their effects in combination with biofertilizers on the growth and tuber yield of cassava under rainfed conditions of Andhra Pradesh.