DIVERSITY OF MICROFUNGI ON FAGACEAE IN ULUDAG FORESTS

WOS: 000363091600042Forests ecosystems are sources of oxygen and wood products, also they prevent soil erosion, improve water and air quality, serve as homes for wildlife; and therefore, they preserve and increase biodiversity. Forests can host a diverse community of fungal species with various effects on their host trees. In this research, trees of Fagaceae family of Uludag forests of Bursa province were investigated between the years of 2002 and 2008. By microscopic examination we identified 38 microfungi species in 27 genera belongs to Ascomycota and 1 microfungus species in 1 genus belongs to Basidiomycota. The taxa belong to 15 families: Botryosphaeriaceae, Diaporthaceae, Diatrypaceae, Dothioraceae, Erysiphaceae, Gnomoniaceae, Incertae sedis, Melanconidaceae, Microstromataceae, Nectriaceae, Pseudovalsaceae, Rhytismataceae, Trichosphaeriaceae, Valsaceae and Xylariaceae. The distribution of species by trophic groups revealed a dominance of xylotrophic species. With this study, fungal diversity of Fagaceae family in Uludag forests was identified and included in the mycobiota of Turkey

PDiscoNet: Semantically consistent part discovery for fine-grained recognition

Fine-grained classification often requires recognizing specific object parts, such as beak shape and wing patterns for birds. Encouraging a fine-grained classification model to first detect such parts and then using them to infer the class could help us gauge whether the model is indeed looking at the right details better than with interpretability methods that provide a single attribution map. We propose PDiscoNet to discover object parts by using only image-level class labels along with priors encouraging the parts to be: discriminative, compact, distinct from each other, equivariant to rigid transforms, and active in at least some of the images. In addition to using the appropriate losses to encode these priors, we propose to use part-dropout, where full part feature vectors are dropped at once to prevent a single part from dominating in the classification, and part feature vector modulation, which makes the information coming from each part distinct from the perspective of the classifier. Our results on CUB, CelebA, and PartImageNet show that the proposed method provides substantially better part discovery performance than previous methods while not requiring any additional hyper-parameter tuning and without penalizing the classification performance. The code is available at https://github.com/robertdvdk/part_detection.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, ICC

COMBINING ABILITY AND HETEROTIC PATTERN IN WEST AFRICAN SORGHUM LANDRACES

Heterotic grouping based on combining ability for traits of interest, in addition to plant performance and genetic relationship among germplasm, would be useful in planning crosses in breeding programmes. This study aimed at determining the combining abilities of selected landraces for morphological and physiological traits under contrasted environments and identifying the suitable heterotic grouping method for superior hybrid production. For this purpose, nineteen accessions representing different origins and population structure among West African Sorghum Accessions Panel (WASAP) and two female lines, were used in \uab\ua0Line x tester\ua0\ubb mating design to produce thirty-eight (38) hybrids. Analysis of variance showed significant general combining ability and specific combining ability effects for grain weight, plant height, days to flowering, panicle length and chlorophyll content implying existence of heterotic responses for these traits. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were important in controlling the inheritance of the traits. Parents K31.3, K37 and Ni331 were the best combiners for grain weight, providing the opportunity for breeders to improve grain yield under diverse environments. AVG-1 x K31.3 and AVG-1 x Tg148 were the superior hybrids. Combining ability based heterotic grouping methods classified sorghum accessions into four groups. The heterotic group\u2019s specific and general combining ability (HSGCA) method was the suitable in predicting hybrid superiority. This combining abilities based heterotic grouping study is an additional tool that breeders could use to identify the best parents for superior hybrids development in West Africa.La d\ue9termination des groupes h\ue9t\ue9rotiques bas\ue9e sur les aptitudes \ue0 la combinaison des traits d\u2019int\ue9r\ueat en plus des performances et des relations g\ue9n\ue9tiques dans une collection est importante pour planifier les croisements en s\ue9lection. Cette visait la d\ue9termination des aptitudes \ue0 la combinaison des accessions locales pour certains traits morphologiques sous environnements contrast\ue9s et l\u2019identification de la meilleure m\ue9thode dans la pr\ue9diction de la vigueur hybride. Dans cette perspective, dix-neuf accessions repr\ue9sentant diff\ue9rentes origines et la structure de la population d\u2019un panel ouest africain de sorgho (WASAP) et deux m\ue2les st\ue9riles ont \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9s dans un croisement \uab\ua0Line x tester\ua0\ubb pour produire trente-huit hybrides F1, objet de cette \ue9tude. L\u2019analyse de variance a indiqu\ue9 des effets significatifs de l\u2019aptitude g\ue9n\ue9rale et sp\ue9cifique \ue0 la combinaison pour le poids grain, la hauteur plante, la dur\ue9e semis floraison et la concentration en chlorophylle traduisant l\u2019existence des r\ue9ponses h\ue9t\ue9rotiques pour ces traits. Les effets g\ue9niques additif et non-additif ont \ue9t\ue9 importants dans le contr\uf4le de ces caract\ue8res. K31.3, K37 et Ni331 pr\ue9sentent les meilleures aptitudes g\ue9n\ue9rales \ue0 la combinaison puis AVG-1 x K31.3 et AVG-1 x Tg148 ont \ue9t\ue9 les meilleurs hybrides pour le poids grains. Ils constituent une opportunit\ue9 pour l\u2019am\ue9lioration dans divers environnements. Les diff\ue9rentes m\ue9thodes ont class\ue9 les accessions de sorgho en quatre groupes. Le groupage bas\ue9 sur la m\ue9thode HSGCA accroit l\u2019efficience en s\ue9lection de 15 %. Cette \ue9tude offre un outil d\u2019aide pour les s\ue9lectionneurs dans le choix des meilleurs parents \ue0 croiser pour la production des hybrides sup\ue9rieurs en Afrique de l\u2019Ouest

Multi-Target Prediction: A Unifying View on Problems and Methods

Multi-target prediction (MTP) is concerned with the simultaneous prediction of multiple target variables of diverse type. Due to its enormous application potential, it has developed into an active and rapidly expanding research field that combines several subfields of machine learning, including multivariate regression, multi-label classification, multi-task learning, dyadic prediction, zero-shot learning, network inference, and matrix completion. In this paper, we present a unifying view on MTP problems and methods. First, we formally discuss commonalities and differences between existing MTP problems. To this end, we introduce a general framework that covers the above subfields as special cases. As a second contribution, we provide a structured overview of MTP methods. This is accomplished by identifying a number of key properties, which distinguish such methods and determine their suitability for different types of problems. Finally, we also discuss a few challenges for future research

MRI of the lung (3/3)-current applications and future perspectives

BACKGROUND: MRI of the lung is recommended in a number of clinical indications. Having a non-radiation alternative is particularly attractive in children and young subjects, or pregnant women. METHODS: Provided there is sufficient expertise, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be considered as the preferential modality in specific clinical conditions such as cystic fibrosis and acute pulmonary embolism, since additional functional information on respiratory mechanics and regional lung perfusion is provided. In other cases, such as tumours and pneumonia in children, lung MRI may be considered an alternative or adjunct to other modalities with at least similar diagnostic value. RESULTS: In interstitial lung disease, the clinical utility of MRI remains to be proven, but it could provide additional information that will be beneficial in research, or at some stage in clinical practice. Customised protocols for chest imaging combine fast breath-hold acquisitions from a "buffet" of sequences. Having introduced details of imaging protocols in previous articles, the aim of this manuscript is to discuss the advantages and limitations of lung MRI in current clinical practice. CONCLUSION: New developments and future perspectives such as motion-compensated imaging with self-navigated sequences or fast Fourier decomposition MRI for non-contrast enhanced ventilation- and perfusion-weighted imaging of the lung are discussed. Main Messages • MRI evolves as a third lung imaging modality, combining morphological and functional information. • It may be considered first choice in cystic fibrosis and pulmonary embolism of young and pregnant patients. • In other cases (tumours, pneumonia in children), it is an alternative or adjunct to X-ray and CT. • In interstitial lung disease, it serves for research, but the clinical value remains to be proven. • New users are advised to make themselves familiar with the particular advantages and limitations

Role of potassium and calcium channels in sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation in the foeto-placental circulation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Sevoflurane has been demonstrated to vasodilate the foeto-placental vasculature. We aimed to determine the contribution of modulation of potassium and calcium channel function to the vasodilatory effect of sevoflurane in isolated human chorionic plate arterial rings.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Quadruplicate <it>ex vivo </it>human chorionic plate arterial rings were used in all studies. <b><it>Series 1 and 2 </it></b>examined the role of the K⁺channel in sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation. Separate experiments examined whether tetraethylammonium, which blocks large conductance calcium activated K⁺(K_Ca++) channels (<b><it>Series 1A+B</it></b>) or glibenclamide, which blocks the ATP sensitive K⁺(K_ATP) channel (<b><it>Series 2</it></b>), modulated sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation. <b><it>Series 3 – 5 </it></b>examined the role of the Ca⁺⁺channel in sevoflurane induced vasodilation. Separate experiments examined whether verapamil, which blocks the sarcolemmal voltage-operated Ca⁺⁺channel (<b><it>Series 3</it></b>), SK&F 96365 an inhibitor of sarcolemmal voltage-independent Ca⁺⁺channels (<b><it>Series 4A+B</it></b>), or ryanodine an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca⁺⁺channel (<b><it>Series 5A+B</it></b>), modulated sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Sevoflurane produced dose dependent vasodilatation of chorionic plate arterial rings in all studies. Prior blockade of the K_Ca++and K_ATPchannels augmented the vasodilator effects of sevoflurane. Furthermore, exposure of rings to sevoflurane in advance of TEA occluded the effects of TEA. Taken together, these findings suggest that sevoflurane blocks K⁺channels. Blockade of the voltage-operated Ca⁺⁺channels inhibited the vasodilator effects of sevoflurane. In contrast, blockade of the voltage-independent and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca⁺⁺channels did not alter sevoflurane vasodilation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Sevoflurane appears to block chorionic arterial K_Ca++and K_ATPchannels. Sevoflurane also blocks voltage-operated calcium channels, and exerts a net vasodilatory effect in the <it>in vitro </it>foeto-placental circulation.</p

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic imaging in children—techniques and an overview of non-neoplastic disease entities

Imaging plays a major role in the diagnostic work-up of children with hepatobiliary or pancreatic diseases. It consists mainly of US, CT and MRI, with US and MRI being the preferred imaging modalities because of the lack of ionizing radiation. In this review the technique of US, CT and MRI in children will be addressed, followed by a comprehensive overview of the imaging characteristics of several hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease entities most common in the paediatric age group

Extension of the operational regime of the LHD towards a deuterium experiment

As the finalization of a hydrogen experiment towards the deuterium phase, the exploration of the best performance of hydrogen plasma was intensively performed in the large helical device. High ion and electron temperatures, Ti and Te, of more than 6 keV were simultaneously achieved by superimposing high-power electron cyclotron resonance heating onneutral beam injection (NBI) heated plasma. Although flattening of the ion temperature profile in the core region was observed during the discharges, one could avoid degradation by increasing the electron density. Another key parameter to present plasma performance is an averaged beta value $\left\langle \beta \right\rangle$ . The high $\left\langle \beta \right\rangle$ regime around 4% was extended to an order of magnitude lower than the earlier collisional regime. Impurity behaviour in hydrogen discharges with NBI heating was also classified with a wide range of edge plasma parameters. The existence of a no impurity accumulation regime, where the high performance plasma is maintained with high power heating  >10 MW, was identified. Wide parameter scan experiments suggest that the toroidal rotation and the turbulence are the candidates for expelling impurities from the core region