Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological and anatomical development of the litchi fruit (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv. Brewster)

Introduction. The litchi tree produces fruit in terminal panicles in a develop- ment cycle of approximately 4 months. Data on its morphology and anatomy are scarce, although the fruit is of fundamental importance in the Sapindaceae systematic. This work was carried out to study fruit morphology and pericarp anatomy during the development of the cv. Brewster litchi. Materials and methods. Fruits were collected at different development phases on 12-year-old trees. The fruits were morphologically and anatomically studied. After fixation, the samples were sectioned in several anatomical planes, and mounted in temporary or permanent preparations. Results. The flowers were functionally male and female, with a superior bicarpelar ovary with two ovules, rarely three. Frequently, only a single fruit devel- ops. The fruit is a heart-shaped drupe when ripe, fleshy and indehiscent. The pericarp is thin, leathery, rough, wrinkled and red colored, with aril covering all the seed. The fruit begins dif- ferentiation with the formation of the pericarp which consists of epicarp, mesocarp and endo- carp. Discussion. The litchi fruit is elongated when young, becoming heart-shaped as it devel- ops. It contains one or two seeds and each one is attached to the internal angle of the marginal sutures. When ripe, the litchi has a leathery and broken pericarp because of the presence of brachisclereides immediately below the epidermis, whose function may be protection against mechanical and physiological stresses and herbivorous action. Brazil / Litchi chinensis / plant reproductive organs / fruit / plant anatomy / pericarp
Declining Business Dynamism and the Diagnostics of Its Causes through Growth Theory

This paper reviews the literature on declining business dynamism and its implications in the United States and proposes a unifying theory to analyze its symptoms and the potential causes. We first highlight 10 pronounced stylized facts in relation to declining business dynamism documented in the literature. We then describe a theoretical framework of endogenous markups, innovation, and competition that can potentially speak to all of these facts jointly. We explore theoretical predictions of this framework, which are jointly determined by two interacting forces: a composition effect that determines the market concentration and an incentive effect that determines how firms respond to a given concentration in the economy. The results highlight that a decline in knowledge diffusion between frontier and laggard firms could be a significant driver of empirical trends observed in the data. This study emphasizes the potential of growth theory for the analysis of factors behind declining business dynamism and the need for a deeper investigation in this direction.
Two-dimensional resonances in Alpine valleys identified from ambient vibration wavefields

SUMMARY Although numerical simulations have for long shown the importance of 2-D resonances in site effect estimations of sediment-filled valleys, this phenomenon is usually not taken into account by current hazard assessment techniques. We present an approach to identify the resonance behaviour of a typical Alpine valley by analysis of ambient noise recorded simultaneously on a dense array. The applicability of the method is evaluated further using synthetic ambient noise acquired with current 3-D numerical simulation techniques. Resonance frequencies of the fundamental mode SV and the fundamental and first higher mode of SH are identified from measured data with the reference station method, verifying results of previous studies. Patterns of spectral amplitude and phase behaviour obtained from observed and synthetic noise correlate well with properties expected for 2-D resonance. Application of a frequencywavenumber technique shows that the noise wavefield is dominated by standing waves at low frequencies (0.25 to 0.50 Hz). The different 2-D resonance modes are creating prominent peaks in horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios, which can not be interpreted in terms of 1-D resonance. We conclude that ambient noise records measured simultaneously on a linear array perpendicular to the valley axis may be used for identification of resonance modes in sediment-filled valleys.
Meta-analysis of status and trends in breeding populations of black-fronted terns (Chlidonias albostriatus) 1962−2008

Black-fronted tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) breeding populations on braided rivers in the South Island, New Zealand, are assumed to be in decline as their habitat comes under increasing pressure from exotic pests, hydroelectric power development and water abstraction. We collated 326 index counts of black-fronted terns from 2313 km of surveys on 84 rivers throughout their breeding range to test this assumption. Black- fronted terns were observed on 73% (n = 61) of rivers surveyed, and the sum of the most recent counts was 8325 birds. However, >200 black-fronted terns were counted on only 14% of rivers. We used generalised linear modelling to assess whether population trends could be detected using data from 29 rivers where counts were repeated 4-18 times between 1962 and 2008. We detected significant declines on eight rivers (range 5.5-15.8% p.a.), a significant increase on one river (Eglinton; 16.3% p.a.) and no trends on the remaining 20 rivers. The Eglinton River is the only site at which sustained predator control (aimed at mustelids) occurred throughout the monitoring period. Rivers on which declines have occurred are characterised by having relatively low flows (<30 m 3 s -1 ). At such rates, populations on low-flow rivers (64% of rivers surveyed, representing 51.4% of black-fronted terns counted on the oldest counts) would decline by a further c. 90% within 25 years. Based on these results we predict that if flows were reduced significantly on higher-flow rivers, rates of population decline would accelerate. We conclude that the IUCN status of 'Endangered' is appropriate for black-fronted terns, based on a predicted population reduction of around 50% over the next three generations (c. 30 years). This conclusion is supported by previous studies that described significant loss of habitat, low breeding success and vulnerability to predation by introduced mammals, and population models that predict continued declines towards extinction if management aimed at recovering populations is not instigated with some urgency.
Two-Way Characterization of Beekeepers’ Honey According to Botanical Origin on the Basis of Mineral Content Analysis Using ICP-OES Implemented with Multiple Chemometric Tools

Asfaka, fir, flower, forest flowers and orange blossom honeys harvested in the wider area of Hellas by professional beekeepers, were subjected to mineral content analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The main purpose of this study was to characterize the mineral profile and content of toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium, and investigate whether specific minerals could assist accurately in the botanical origin discrimination with implementation of chemometrics. Twenty-five minerals were identified (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Ti, Tl, V, Zn) and quantified. Results showed that the mineral content varied significantly (p < 0.05) according to honey botanical origin, whereas lead, cadmium, and chromium contents ranged between 0.05–0.33 mg kg−1, <0.05 mg kg−1, and in the range of <0.12 to 0.39 mg kg−1, respectively. Fir honeys from Aitoloakarnania region showed the highest mineral content (182.13 ± 71.34 mg kg−1), while flower honeys from Samos Island recorded the highest silicon content (16.08 ± 2.94 mg kg−1). Implementation of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), factor analysis (FA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) led to the perfect classification (100%) of these honeys according to botanical origin with the use of Al, As, Ca, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Si, Zn and total mineral content. However, the higher lead content in the majority of samples than the regulated upper limit (0.10 mg kg−1), sets the need for further improvements of the beekeepers’ practices/strategies for honey production.
Small-molecule allosteric activators of PDE4 long form cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases

Significance Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a universal second messenger found in cells of all biological systems. In mammalian cells, it controls critical actions as diverse as cardiac function, cell proliferation, learning, and memory, for example. Even within a cell, it can differentially control distinct processes by virtue of compartmentalization, where targeted degradation by cAMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs) forms and shapes gradients that underpin this spatiotemporal organization. Here, we describe a small-molecule allosteric activator of PDE4 long isoforms. This discovery is poised to have considerable impact for both developing therapeutics and as a probe for gaining insight into the impact of PDE4 long isoforms upon the fundamental cellular processes that cAMP controls in health and disease. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) enzymes degrade cAMP and underpin the compartmentalization of cAMP signaling through their targeting to particular protein complexes and intracellular locales. We describe the discovery and characterization of a small-molecule compound that allosterically activates PDE4 long isoforms. This PDE4-specific activator displays reversible, noncompetitive kinetics of activation (increased Vmax with unchanged Km), phenocopies the ability of protein kinase A (PKA) to activate PDE4 long isoforms endogenously, and requires a dimeric enzyme assembly, as adopted by long, but not by short (monomeric), PDE4 isoforms. Abnormally elevated levels of cAMP provide a critical driver of the underpinning molecular pathology of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) by promoting cyst formation that, ultimately, culminates in renal failure. Using both animal and human cell models of ADPKD, including ADPKD patient-derived primary cell cultures, we demonstrate that treatment with the prototypical PDE4 activator compound lowers intracellular cAMP levels, restrains cAMP-mediated signaling events, and profoundly inhibits cyst formation. PDE4 activator compounds thus have potential as therapeutics for treating disease driven by elevated cAMP signaling as well as providing a tool for evaluating the action of long PDE4 isoforms in regulating cAMP-mediated cellular processes.
Effects of Pre-chiller Temperature on the Microbial Ecology of Whole Bird Carcass Rinses

Upon entering a poultry processing facility, birds are already contaminated with a variety of microorganisms. It is the responsibility of the processor to reduce these numbers to deliver a wholesome product to customers. This is not an easy task as there are ample opportunities for further microbial contamination. Some of these opportunities are obvious. For example, any areas where contaminants could be washed off one bird and onto another are always an area for concern, i.e. the scalder or the chiller. There are numerous opportunities for contamination that are not so obvious. These incidents of contamination are not necessarily due to the process itself, but could possibly be more related to the management of the process or a lack of understanding of how each part of the process affects the entire system. This includes practices related to water usage, water content, temperature management, and chemical usage. This review will describe common practices from live hang to post chill that could possibly be contributing to elevated microbial counts on whole bird carcasses (WBCR) at post chill. This will give a better understanding of environmental factors, practices, and situations within the processing facility that could be fostering or encouraging increased levels of bacterial contamination. Identifying these areas will enable processors to take a more informed examination of each facility with the intention of reducing microbial populations on broiler carcasses. List of Published Papers Literature Review Blevins, R. , S.A. Kim, S.H. Park, R. Rivera, and S.C. Ricke. Chap. 18. Historical, current and future prospects for food safety in poultry product processing systems. In: S.C. Ricke, G.G. Atungulu, S.H. Park, and C.E. Rainwater (Eds.) Food and Feed Safety Systems and Analysis. Elsevier Inc., San Diego, CA pp. 323-345. Published.
Could the Measurements Trying to Detect Absolute Motion of Earth Allow to Test Sub-Manifold Gravity?

The history of the modern measurements of absolute motion has a long - more than century beginning from Michelson-Morley 1887. The earliest measurements assumed aether hypothesis. Cahill identifies the velocity as a velocity with respect to some preferred rest frame and uses relativistic kinematics although he misleadingly uses the terms absolute velocity and aether. The preferred frame could galaxy, or the system defining rest system in cosmology. It would be easy to dismiss this kind of experiments as attempts to return to the days before Einstein but this is not the case. It might be possible to gain unexpected information by this kind of measurements. Already the analysis of CMB spectrum demonstrated that Earth is not at rest in the Robertson-Walker coordinate system used to analysis CMB data and similar motion with respect to galaxy is quite possible and might serve as a rich source of information also in GRT based theory. In TGD framework the situation is especially interesting since sub-manifold gravity implies that maximal signal velocity depends on the space-time sheet and this effect might show itself in Mickelson-Morley type experiments. Also the motion of space-time sheets with respect to each other might be detectable.
A Priori Assessment of Scalar Dissipation Rate Closure for Large Eddy Simulations of Turbulent Premixed Combustion Using a Detailed Chemistry Direct Numerical Simulation Database

ABSTRACT Algebraic and transport equation-based closures of Favre-filtered scalar dissipation rate (SDR) of the reaction progress variable, in the context of large eddy simulations, have been assessed using detailed chemistry direct numerical simulation (DNS) data of a stoichiometric H2-air turbulent V flame. The Favre-filtered SDR and the unclosed terms of its transport equation have been extracted by explicitly filtering the DNS data for different choices of the reaction progress variable. An algebraic closure of SDR, which was proposed previously using simple chemistry DNS data, has been found to predict the Favre-filtered SDR satisfactorily for detailed chemistry DNS data for different choices of the reaction progress variable. Similarly, the models of the unclosed sub-grid convection, density variation, scalar-turbulence interaction, reaction rate gradient, molecular dissipation, and diffusivity gradient terms of the Favre-filtered SDR transport equation, which have previously been proposed based on simple chemistry DNS data, have been found to satisfactorily predict both the qualitative and quantitative behaviors of these unclosed terms for a range of filter widths , for two different choices of reaction progress variable in the case of the detailed chemistry DNS dataset considered in this analysis.
A New Object-Oriented Simulation Tool for Modeling Preisach-Based Magnetic Hysteresis Nonlinearities

The Preisach theory of hysteresis is regarded by many experts to be the most accurate physical description of hysteresis behavior, especially in ferromagnetism. Unfortunately, its practical applications and accessibility to students and researchers are limited due to its complex formulation and numerical implementation. Instead, simpler and less accurate hysteresis models or anhysteretic single-value nonlinear models are often employed. This paper proposes a new and relatively simple object-oriented model representation for Preisach theory in MATLAB-Simulink. The developed hysteresis block is highly customizable for modeling complex dynamical systems and is also ideal for use in educational courses to allow students to simulate and further their understanding of ferromagnetism and hysteresis behavior in nonlinear systems.
Laminar-turbulent transition prediction for helicopter rotorsin hover and forward flight – a RANS based investigation oftransition mechanisms using empirical criteria

The present paper deals with the laminar-turbulent transition prediction on helicopter rotors in hover and forward flight for RANS based rotor performance prediction. The investigation employs empirical criteria and covers transition mechanisms due to Tollmien-Schlichting and crossflow instabilities, laminar separation, bypass transition and attachment line contamination. An integral method and a family of chord- and spanwise velocity profiles are used for an approximate calculation of the laminar boundary layer quantities. The predicted transition positions are compared to the experimental data of a BO 105 in hover (DLR flight test) and of the 7AD rotor in forward flight (GOAHEAD wind tunnel test). The effect of the laminar flow on the predicted rotor performance is studied by comparison to fully turbulent results.
Rodent population dynamics affect seedling recruitment in alpine habitats

Questions How do rodents with cyclic population dynamics affect seedling recruitment in alpine habitats? Does disturbance from rodents have larger implications on seedling recruitment in some plant communities than in others? Location Snowbeds and sheltered heaths in the low-alpine zone in areas of Borgefjell and Dovrefjell, Norway. Methods We recorded seedling emergence, rodent activity and cover of mosses, lichens, litter and bare ground in 270 plots in snowbeds and sheltered heaths in a rodent population peak year and in the following low-density year. Results Seedling recruitment was positively correlated with disturbances from lemmings and voles in both years. More seedlings emerged in the low-density year than in the year of the population peak. Snowbeds had higher seedling recruitment than the sheltered heaths, but both habitats were equally affected by disturbances from rodents. Conclusions Rodent activity created gaps and increased seedling emergence in these alpine plant communities, particularly in the year after the rodent peak, both in snowbeds and sheltered heath habitats. Our study therefore suggests that regeneration patterns in alpine vegetation are tightly linked to the population cycles of lemmings and voles, which peak in density at 3- to 5-yr intervals.
Numerical simulations of kinetic formation mechanism of Tangjiashan landslide

Tangjiashan landslide is a typical high-speed landslide hosted on consequent bedding rock. The landslide was induced by Wenchuan earthquake at a medium-steep hill slope. The occurrence of Tangjiashan landslide was basically controlled by the tectonic structure, topography, stratum lithology, slope structure, seismic waves, and strike of river. Among various factors, the seismic loading with great intensity and long duration was dominant. The landslide initiation exhibited the local amplification effect of seismic waves at the rear of the slope, the dislocation effect on the fault, and the shear failure differentiating effect on the regions between the soft and the hard layers. Based on field investigations and with the employment of the distinct element numerical simulation program UDEC (universal distinct element code), the whole kinetic sliding process of Tangjiashan landslide was represented and the formation mechanism of the consequent rock landslide under seismic loading was studied. The results are helpful for understanding seismic dynamic responses of consequent bedding rock slopes, where the slope stability could be governed by earthquakes.
Variations in the occurrence of SuperDARN F region echoes

Abstract. The occurrence of F region ionospheric echoes observed by a number of SuperDARN HF radars is analyzed statistically in order to infer solar cycle, seasonal, and diurnal trends. The major focus is on Saskatoon radar data for 1994–2012. The distribution of the echo occurrence rate is presented in terms of month of observation and magnetic local time. Clear repetitive patterns are identified during periods of solar maximum and solar minimum. For years near solar maximum, echoes are most frequent near midnight during winter. For years near solar minimum, echoes occur more frequently near noon during winter, near dusk and dawn during equinoxes and near midnight during summer. Similar features are identified for the Hankasalmi and Prince George radars in the northern hemisphere and the Bruny Island TIGER radar in the southern hemisphere. Echo occurrence for the entire SuperDARN network demonstrates patterns similar to patterns in the echo occurrence for the Saskatoon radar and for other radars considered individually. In terms of the solar cycle, the occurrence rate of nightside echoes is shown to increase by a factor of at least 3 toward solar maximum while occurrence of the near-noon echoes does not significantly change with the exception of a clear depression during the declining phase of the solar cycle.
KARST DEVELOPMENT ON TINIAN, COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS: CONTROLS ON DISSOLUTION IN RELATION TO THE CARBONATE ISLAND KARST MODEL

Tinian, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is an Eocene volcanic edifice mantled by younger algal and coralline limestones. Carbonate rocks are eogenetic, producing an island karst terrane as predicted by the Carbonate Island Karst Model. Surface karst features include epikarst, closed depressions, and freshwater discharge sites. Subsurface karst features include three morphologically distinct cave types: mixing zone, fissure, and contact. Controls on cave development inferred from morphology are supported by non-parametric statistical analyses. Mixing zone cave development is controlled by freshwater lens position, fissure cave development is controlled by structural deformation, and contact cave development is controlled by lithologic boundaries. Horizons of mixing zone caves preserve at least three previous sea level positions, but differential rates of uplift between fault blocks prevent correlation of horizons across the entire island. Tinian karst development demonstrates the functionality of the Carbonate Island Karst Model and illustrates how portions of individual islands may exhibit each of the ideal island categories to some extent.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF FORCE PRODUCTION ASYMMETRY AND PERFORMANCE IN ATHLETES OF DIFFERENT STRENGTH LEVELS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between force production asymmetry and performance of athletes with differing strength levels in males and females. Collegiate athletes (n=129) from various sports were ranked according to isometric mid-thigh pull peak force and the top (‘strong’) and bottom (‘weak’) 25% were used for analysis. Symmetry index (SI) scores were calculated and correlated with their respective force-time characteristics using bivariate correlations. For the weaker males, several negative moderate correlations were observed; however, no statistically significant correlations were observed for the females in either group. These findings indicate that force production asymmetry is inversely related to performance in weaker male athletes during isometric strength testing; however, similar to previous findings, this relationship is not apparent in stronger males.