Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ciclagem de nutrientes em dois trechos de floresta estacional semidecidual na reserva florestal mata do paraíso em Viçosa, MG, Brasil

A Semideciduous Seasonal Forest in different successional stages (initial forest and mature forest), in Vicosa, Minas Gerais State, in the southeast region of Brazil, was studied aiming at quantifying litter annual production, decomposition, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg contents and use efficiency. The annual litter production was 6,310 kg.ha-1 for the initial forest and 8,819 kg.ha-1 for the mature forest. Nutrient annual deposition in the litter was estimated at 137 and 180 kg.ha-1 N, 5 and 8 kg.ha-1 P, 17 and 45 kg.ha-1 K, 89 and 179 kg.ha-1 Ca, 21 and 26 kg.ha-1 Mg for the initial forest and mature forest, respectively. The average forest floor biomass was 4,647 kg.ha-1 for the initial forest and 7,006 kg.ha-1 for the mature forest. The instantaneous decomposition rate (k) was estimated at 1,36 for the initial forest and 1,26 for the mature forest, with a turn over time of 270 and 288 days, respectively. The smallest litter production in the initial forest reflects the less developed structure in the site of forest in initial successional stage, with litter production of lower quality compared to the mature forest, but with faster renovation and efficient use of the nutrients.
HEK-293 cells possess a carbachol- and thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ store that is responsive to stop-flow medium changes and insensitive to caffeine and ryanodine

Because HEK-293 cells are widely used for the functional expression of channels, exchangers and transporters involved in Ca(2+) homoeostasis, the properties of intracellular Ca(2+) stores and the methods used for measuring intracellular Ca(2+) release in HEK-293 cells were evaluated. Ca(2+) imaging was used to show caffeine-, carbachol- and thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) release in HEK-293 cells transfected with ryanodine receptor (RyR) cDNA, but only carbachol- and thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) release in untransfected HEK-293 cells. Intracellular Ca(2+) release in untransfected HEK-293 cells was also observed if medium changes were performed by aspirating and replacing fresh medium (stop-flow), but not if medium changes were performed by a continuous over-flow procedure. Stop-flow medium-change-induced Ca(2+) release in HEK-293 cells was independent of caffeine and ryanodine, demonstrating that it did not occur through RyR channels. Consistent with these observations was the observation that the level of expression of endogenous RyR proteins was below the limits of detection by Western blotting or [(3)H]ryanodine binding. Thus the level of endogenous expression of RyR is so low in HEK-293 cells as to provide a negligible background in relation to functional analysis of recombinant RyR molecules. These results are inconsistent with those of Querfurth et al. [Querfurth, Haughey, Greenway, Yacono, Golan and Geiger (1998) Biochem. J. 334, 79-86], who reported higher levels of endogenous RyR expression in untransfected HEK-293 cells.
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. X Banding patterns in cancerous effusions

Cells from five cancer effusions (two ovarian carcinomas, two lung cancers, and one carcinoma of the breast) were analyzed by G‐, C‐, and Q‐banding techniques. The following observations were made: 1) The origin of some marker chromosomes could be traced accurately by these banding techniques. 2) Several chromosomes, which appeared normal with conventional staining techniques, were found to be re‐arranged ones and, hence, abnormal. 3) Chromosomes #1, #3, and #11 were the most frequently involved in aberrations, whereas #12, #13, #17–20, and #22 were least frequently involved. Only in one case each was the X chromosome or the Y chromosome involved in aberrations. The Y chromosome was found to be missing in all cancer cells of one lung cancer. 4) Each effusion had characteristic markers, invariably present in each cell, whether the cells were near diploid, diploid, or polyploid. 5) No common markers were observed in the two ovarian carcinomas studied, whereas the two lung cancers had a few common markers.
Radiation reliability of rare earth doped optical fibers for laser communication systems (LT)

The use of an optical communication system in a radiation environment poses unique reliability issues. These issues include the effects of radiation dose rate and total radiation exposure on optical fiber performance. For a radiation reliability study, one must investigate these effects along with mitigating effects such as thermal and optical annealing. We present results from an ongoing reliability investigation of the effects of ionizing radiation on rare earth doped optical fiber designed for use in optical fiber amplifier systems.
Television Vs Web 2.0 in the New Media Age: The effects of information upon university students 1

Information mechanisms tend to adopt new forms in order to adjust their functions in the overwhelming power of the Web. The Television Vs Web 'competition' brings ahead several effects, especially when it comes to youngsters. The paper examines these effects and, through them, the differences in the information mechanisms (promoting and enhancing information gaining and opinions development) exploited by the two dominant mass media of the 21st century. The results indicate that the source of information (TV - Web) plays a minor role in the formation of critical arguments and highlight the importance to integrate the use of the two media.
Efeito da salinidade na germinação de sementes e no crescimento inicial de mudas de pinhão-manso

The physic nut (jatropha curcas l.) Shrub is found in almost all the intertropical regions, and is adaptable to climatic conditions from the brazilian northeast to sao paulo and parana. We evaluated the effects of salt stress on j. Curcas seeds and seedlings grown under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory experiments, two lots of physic nut seeds were submitted to different concentrations of sodium chloride dissolved in distilled water to produce electrical conductivities (ds m-1) of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. For the field experiments, plants were grown in pots watered with sodium chloride dissolved in distilled water to produce electrical conductivities of 2 ds m-1, 4 ds m-1 and 6 ds m-1. A distilled water control was used for both sets of experiments. Our results indicate that j. Curcas seeds suffer a delay in germination under saline conditions and that reduced seedling growth and development occur when they are subjected to sodium chloride solution with an electrical conductivity of 6 ds m-1. It thus appears that salt stress interferes with the physiological processes occurring in jatropha seeds.
Effects of Feeding Elevated Levels of Monounsaturated Fats to Growing‐finishing Swine on Acceptability of Boneless Hams

Sixty barrows and gilts were given one of five diets consisting of a control (corn and soybean meal), and four similar diets with a 10% replacement of animal fat, safflower oil, sunflower oil or canola oil. Pork trimmings, from carcasses of animals fed the five diets were used to formulate sausages at fat levels of 25 and 35% and water levels [4(% protein)+ 3% and 4(% protein)+ 11%]. Sensory panelists reported control sausages were springier than those from animal fat diets which were springier than those from all high oleate treatments. Sausages from high oleate treatments were more tender and less cohesive than the others. Sausage from canola oil treatment scored lowest flavor and palatability.
The Opioid μ Agonist/δ Antagonist DIPP-NH2[Ψ] Produces a Potent Analgesic Effect, No Physical Dependence, and Less Tolerance than Morphine in Rats

Opioid compounds with mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist properties are expected to be analgesics with low propensity to produce tolerance and dependence. In an effort to strengthen the μ agonist component of the mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist H-Tyr-Tic-Phe-Phe-NH2 (TIPP-NH2), analogues containing structurally modified tyrosine residues in place of Tyr1 were synthesized. Among the prepared compounds, H-Dmt-Tic-Phe-Phe-NH2 (DIPP-NH2; Dmt = 2‘,6‘-dimethyltyrosine) and H-Dmt-TicΨ[CH2NH]Phe-Phe-NH2 (DIPP-NH2[Ψ]) retained a mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist profile, as determined in the guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens assays, whereas H-Tmt-Tic-Phe-Phe-NH2 (Tmt = N,2‘,6‘-trimethyltyrosine) was a partial μ agonist/δ antagonist and H-Tmt-TicΨ[CH2NH]Phe-Phe-NH2 was a μ antagonist/δ antagonist. DIPP-NH2[Ψ] showed binding affinities in the subnanomolar range for both μ and δ receptors in the rat brain membrane binding assays, thus representing the first example of a balanced μ agonist/δ antagonist with high potency. In t.
Cultivating Preservice Secondary Teachers for Project-Based Learning: A Four-Step Model.

This article describes four different mechanisms for preparing teacher candidates from a liberal arts institution to teach in project based learning (PBL) classrooms: Observe it, Experience it, Create it, and Become it. For each of the four mechanisms, the authors also provide concrete examples of candidates’ PBL experiences and candidates’ feedback about the process. From observation to miniteaches in schools to field placements, the authors suggest a variety of methods for engaging both undergraduate and graduate students in learning about PBL instruction. The four-step mechanism could also provide suggestions for how to implement PBL in similar liberal arts institutions.
Microsatellite analysis of natterjack toad Bufo calamita Laurenti populations: consequences of dispersal from a Pleistocene refugium

Abstract Populations of the amphibian Bufo calamita were sampled for genetic analysis in eleven areas distributed across its biogeographical range in Europe. Genetic diversity estimates across eight microsatellite loci showed a decline in polymorphism, numbers of alleles and heterozygosity as a function of distance from the presumed ice-age refugium in Iberia. Trials with a selection of tree-building algorithms indicated that UPGMA of Cavalli-Sforza chord distances ( D c ) generated the tree topology most easily reconciled with other biogeographical information. Genetic distance measures were also calibrated against a postglacial event from which the separation of extant populations could be estimated in real time. D c again outperformed two other measures (Nei's standard distance, D s , and δμ 2 ) in producing realistic correlations with minimal variance. The genetic analysis was consistent with the hypothesis that B. calamita survived in a single refugium (Iberia) during the Pleistocene glaciation and indicated that it spread north and east from there during the last interstadial which commenced about 14 000 years before present (BP). Microsatellites should provide useful tools for biogeographical investigations of other species, especially with respect to patterns of population dispersal.
Soil electrical conductivity and topography related to yield for three contrasting soil-crop systems

Many producers who map yield want to know how soil and landscape information can be used to help account for yield variability and provide insight into improving production. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of profile apparent soil electrical conductivity (EC a ) and topographic measures to grain yield for three contrasting soil-crop systems. Yield data were collected with combine yield-monitoring systems on three fields [Colorado (Ustic Haplargids), Kansas (Cumuic Haplustoll), and Missouri (Aeric Vertic Epiaqualfs)] during 1997-1999. Crops included four site-years of corn (Zea mays L.), three site-years of soybean (Glycine max L.), and one site-year each of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Apparent soil electrical conductivity was obtained using a Veris model 3100 sensor cart system. Elevation, obtained by either conventional surveying techniques or real-time kinematic global positioning system, was used to determine slope, curvature, and aspect. Four analysis procedures were employed to investigate the relationship of these variables to yield: correlation, forward stepwise regression, nonlinear neural networks (NNs), and boundary-line analysis. Correlation results, while often statistically significant, were generally not very useful in explaining yield. Using either regression or NN analysis, EC, alone explained yield variability (averaged over sites and years R 2 = 0.21) better than topographic variables (averaged over sites and years R 2 = 0.17). In six of the nine site-years, the model R 2 was better with EC a than with topography. Combining EC, and topography measures together usually improved model R 2 values (averaged over sites and years R 2 = 0.32). Boundary lines generally showed yield decreasing with increasing EC, for Kansas and Missouri fields. Results of this study can benefit formers and consultants by helping them understand the degree to which sensor-based soil and topography information can be related to yield variation for planning site-specific management.
Soil Electrical Conductivity Map Variability in Limestone Soils Overlain by Loess

Sensors exist that allow rapid mapping of bulk soil electrical conductivity (EC); however, the utility of these sensors for Kentucky producers is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the nature and the causes of soil EC variability and to make a first assessment of its potential utility in Kentucky, particularly for fields containing soils derived from limestone residuum overlain by loess. Various geostatistical, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted at seven locations to examine EC map variability. Sensor drift and errors associated with changes in coulter depth were minimal. Bulk soil EC related fairly well with day content across locations and sample dates (r 2 = 0.40); however, many site- and time-specific correlations were better. Clay (maximum r 2 = 0.75), moisture content (maximum 6 = 0.76), Ca (maximum r 2 = 0.67), and Mg (maximum r 2 = 0.64) were positively correlated with EC, and depth to argillic or cambic horizon (maximum r 2 = 0.62), depth to fragipan (maximum r 2 = 0.81), and depth to bedrock (maximum r 2 = 0.32) were negatively correlated with EC. A multiple-regression model (R 2 = 0.70) was developed to predict EC that included nine factors: day, sand, soil moisture, buffer pH, base saturation, Ca, soil temperature, depth to cambic and argillic horizon, and slope. Soil EC variability was spatially structured, and spatial patterns were stable over time; however, the degree to which these patterns could be observed depended on the mapping procedures used. Our research suggested that EC mapping may have utility for Kentucky farmers.
Phospholipase D1 in Caveolae: Regulation by Protein Kinase Cα and Caveolin-1†

Caveolae are small plasma membrane invaginations that have been implicated in cell signaling, and caveolin is a principal structural component of the caveolar membrane. Previously we have demonstrated that protein kinase Cα (PKCα) directly interacts with phospholipase D1 (PLD1), activating the enzymatic activity of PLD1 in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) [Lee, T. G. , et al. (1997) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1347, 199−204]. In this study, using a detergent-free procedure for the purification of a caveolin-enriched membrane fraction (CEM) and immunoblot analysis, we show that PLD1 is enriched in the CEMs of 3Y1 rat fibroblasts. Purified PLD1 directly bound to a glutathione S-transferase−caveolin-1 fusion protein in in vitro binding assays. The association of PLD1 with caveolin-1 could be completely eliminated by preincubation of PLD1 with an oligopeptide corresponding to the scaffolding domain (amino acids 82−101) of caveolin-1, indicating that caveolin-1 interacts with PLD1 through the sc.
Chinese Reform and Chinese Regional Decentralization ( preliminary and incomplete background paper ) 29 November 2006

The Chinese economic reform has created world-record breaking prolonged fast growth and has reduced poverty at an unparallel scale in world history. However, the Chinese institutions look notoriously weak. The Chinese reforms pose great challenges to economics. This paper explains Chinese reform strategies and outcomes by regional decentralization. Regional governments are major players to the bulk of the Chinese economy. Under the supervision of the central government they initiate, negotiate, implement, divert and resist reforms, policies, rules and laws. Chinese reform trajectories have been shaped by regional decentralization. Spectacular performance on the one hand grave problems on the other hand are all created or closely associated with this governance structure. Empirical evidence is provided to support theoretical arguments. In addition to explain the reforms this paper will also confront the problems and tradeoffs posed by the Chinese regional decentralization.
Efeitos do centeio, do trigo e da suplementação com xilanases sobre o valor nutricional de dietas e o desempenho de frangos corte

Tres experimentos foram realizados para avaliar os efeitos de dietas formuladas com 53% de trigo ou centeio, suplementadas ou nao com a enzima xilanase (0,06%), sobre a digestibilidade de nutrientes e a energia metabolizavel das dietas e sobre o desempenho e desenvolvimento do trato digestivo de frangos de corte. Como testemunha foi usada uma dieta com 53% de milho. No primeiro experimento, as digestibilidades da materia seca, materia orgânica e gordura e energia metabolizavel corrigida para o nitrogenio (EMAn) das dietas com centeio foram menores que daquelas com trigo (2.556 kcal/kg vs 2.842 kcal/kg) e menores no conjunto dessas dietas que na dieta com milho (2.684 kcal/kg vs 3.010 kcal/kg). A digestibilidade da materia orgânica e a EMAn das dietas com centeio tambem foi inferior as da dieta com trigo. A suplementacao com xilanases nao afetou a utilizacao digestiva das dietas com centeio ou com trigo. No segundo experimento, nos frangos alimentados com as dietas com centeio, o menor ganho de peso e consumo de EMAn e a pior conversao alimentar ocorreram entre os 8 e os 35 dias de idade. A conversao alimentar foi de 2,17 para as dietas com centeio e 1,88 para a dieta com milho. A adicao de xilanases as dietas com centeio ou trigo nao melhorou a conversao alimentar. Nos frangos alimentados com as dietas com centeio durante 31 dias, o duodeno-jejuno e ileo foram maiores e o rendimento de carcaca menor que nos frangos alimentados com a dieta testemunha (71,6% vs 74,4%). As dietas com trigo nao afetaram essas caracteristicas. Os pesos do pâncreas e do figado tambem nao foram alterados pelas dietas.
The comparison of methods used for the detection of biofilm formation that cause antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus

Aim: This study was performed to compare microtiter plate method, tube method ve Congo red agar screening methods used for the detection of biofilm formation by Staphylococcus spp. such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidisof which treatment can be impossible and hard, and infections such as host and indwelling device-associated infections can be recurrent. Materials and Methods: In this study 121 isolates were used and microtiter plate method was used as gold standard method. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value parameters were calculated. Results: The sensitivity, specificity of tube methodand Congo red agar methods were 97%, 100% and 87%, 94% respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that tube method is more reliable method than Congo red agarmethod.Tube method can be recognized as themain screening method for the identification of biofilm producer bacteria in the laboratories. By the usage of reliable biofilm detection method, wrong diagnoses and recurrent infections can be prevented.
The price of forced attendance

textabstractWe draw on a discontinuity at a large university, wherein second-year students with a low first-year grade point average are allocated to a full year of forced, frequent, and regular attendance, to estimate the causal effect of additional structure on academic performance. We show that the policy increases student attendance but has no average effect on grades. The effects differ, however, depending on how course instructors handled unforced students, such that we observe significant grade decreases in courses where unforced students were given full discretion over their attendance. Our evidence suggests that grades decrease in these courses because the policy prevented forced students from picking their desired mix of study inputs.
CEO Education and Firm Performance : Evidence from Hong Kong

Purpose The relationship between Chief Executive Officer (CEO) qualities and firm financial performance has gained more and more attention from both academic researchers and practitioners. While the topic “Relationship between CEO education and firm performance” is not completely new in the literature, this study specifically focuses on the education level of the CEO and the performance of the firm and provides Hong Kong evidence. Particularly, we are going to examine whether there is any difference in the result between family owned and non-family owned companies since we find the ownership structure in Hong Kong is unique, in the sense that many of the Hong Kong companies are family-owned instead of publicly held or state-owned. Thus, in this study we take firm’s ownership structure into consideration as well. Methodology – The sample comprises of 123 listed companies in Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the periods 2003-2013. Among them, 77 are family firms and 44 are nonfamily firms. The data extracted from financial database and annual reports are all publicly available. Findings – In contrast with the results from various empirical researches, a significantly negative relationship is found in our study. Interestingly, such correlation is supported for family owned firms but not for non-family owned firms. It implies that a higher educational level for CEOs will not help to improve firm performance but rather worsen it
The Effect of HRM Practices on Managerial Beliefs and Firm Performance in South Asia : A Pragmatic Study between South Asian based Japanese Subsidiaries / Joint Ventures and Indigenous Companies

This paper is to explore differences and similarities of managerial beliefs, HRM practices and firm performance among managers between two manufacturing entitles; 100 South Asian based Japanese subsidiaries and joint ventures (JVCs) (i.e., India= 50; Pakistan = 30 and Bangladesh = 20 companies) and 100 South Asian domestic companies (SACOs) (i.e., India= 50; Pakistan = 30; Bangladesh = 20 companies). In each company five top level managers, five middle level managers and five lower level managers were randomly selected as respondents, providing the total number of usable sample N = 326 for the present research ( response rate = 10.86%). The findings suggest that managers in Japanese subsidiaries and joint ventures in South Asia are the higher levels of firm performance than South Asian domestic companies. Work commitment oriented managerial beliefs lead to effective HRM practices and higher firm performance than work avoidance oriented managerial beliefs. In addition, results indicate a positive relationship between HRM practices (i.e., merit based promotion, extensive training and development, decision decentralization, performance based compensation and) and higher-level firm performance.