Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lack of correlation between pollen aperture numbers and environmental factors in pansies (

(1) The research conducted including its rationale. The development of different pollen morphs by one specimen – pollen heteromorphism – occurs in ca. one-third species of the genus Viola. Melanium section species (pansies) stand out to produce the widest range of apertures among Viola species. Aperture number decrease with elevation increase and faster germination of 5-aperturate pollen as compared with 3-aperturate were previously postulated. (2) Central methods applied. We re-examined pollen heteromorphism in the context of its viability, and we made correlations with elevation (>1500 m a.s.l. vs <1500 m a.s.l.), soil type (MET metalliferous vs NMET non-metalliferous) and chromosome numbers based on selected study criteria of ca. 20% karyologically and morphologically strongly-differentiated but genetically closely related pansies. (3) Key results. Seventy-nine per cent of analyzed species were heteromorphic, forming 3-6 colp(or)ate pollen per individual flower. The mean aperture number and pollen viability were not affected by soil type (MET vs NMET). The mean aperture number was also neither influenced by the elevation nor by species chromosome number. Positive correlation was established between aperture numbers and pollen viability, negative between pollen viability and elevation (increasing altitude of 100 m, decreased pollen viability by 0.4%), and lack of correlation between chromosome numbers and pollen viability. (4) Main conclusions including key points of discussion. The varied frequencies of different pollen morphs among species are not under the general pressure of ecological conditions as previously postulated for the species of Melanium section. Rather, this trait in pansies, similar to other floral characters (e.g. long, curved nectar spur, ‘landing platform’, A cc ep te d A rt ic le This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. posterior petals with nectar guides) is adaptive but dependent on the breeding system (inbreeding vs. outbreeding) of the individual species.
b-Cell Function Improvements in Grade I/IIObeseSubjectsWith Type2Diabetes 1Month After Biliopancreatic Diversion Results from modeling analyses of oral glucose tolerance tests and hyperglycemic clamp studies

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSdSixty-eight women were divided into the following three groups: 19 lean-control (23.06 2.2 kg/m) and 18 obese-control (35.06 4.8 kg/m) subjects with normal glucose tolerance, and 31 obese patients with type 2 diabetes (36.36 3.7 kg/m). Of the 31 diabetic women, 64% underwent BPD (n = 20, BMI: 36.56 3.7 kg/m) and were reassessed 1 month after surgery. Oral glucose tolerance tests and hyperglycemic clamps were performed. Mathematical modeling was used to analyze basal and stimulated b-cell function, insulin sensitivity (IS), hepatic extraction (HE) of insulin, and delay time of b-cell response to a specific plasma glucose concentration.
The Liability Regime of Insurance Pools and Its Impact on Pricing

This work formally derives fairly priced premiums for the policyholder of an insurance pool and the risk-adequate equity contributions of the pool insurers’ equity holders in a contingent claims approach. The approach distinguishes between two liability regimes: joint liability and several liability. These regimes regulate the pool’s indemnification when one or more of the pool insurers cannot meet their full obligations because of insolvency. Joint liability is deduced to be the preferable regime for the policyholder in cost-savings terms if corporate income taxation is introduced as a market friction. This regime advantage vanishes if the pool insurers’ asset correlation is substantial or if their risk sharing becomes unbalanced. Additionally, we address risk-shifting problems and their regime-dependent effects on both stakeholder groups.
Accumulation and Temperature Measurements on the James Ross Island Ice Cap, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Abstract Basic glaciological measurements from the James Ross Island ice cap are presented, including mean annual accumulation and firn temperature. In addition to the well-known radioactivity levels of January 1955 and 1965 in Antarctic snow, two new radioactivity levels corresponding to January 1969 and January 1974 are used in determining the accumulation values. The measurements reveal certain climatic features of this ice cap.
of Colon Cancer Induced Gene Expression , Invasion and Chemosensitivity − α SDF-1 The Disparate Twins : A Comparative Study of CXCR 4 and CXCR 7 in

Purpose: In colorectal cancer, increased expression of the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been shown to provoke metastatic disease due to the interaction with its ligand stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1). Recently, a second SDF-1 receptor, CXCR7, was found to enhance tumor growth in solid tumors. Albeit signaling cascades via SDF-1/CXCR4 have been intensively studied, the significance of the SDF-1/CXCR7–induced intracellular communication triggering malignancy is still only margin-
Demise of Carnian platforms: large scale geometries and mechanisms of precipitation

During the Late Triassic, a climate change known as the Carnian Pluvial Event (CPE) resulted in a major crisis for carbonate producers. In the western Tethys, the change in carbonate production led to a dramatic modification of depositional geometries. The steep clinoforms of the high relief pre-crisis carbonate platforms were replaced by low angle ramp geometries. A quantitative three dimensional modeling of the geometry of sedimentary bodies in the Cortina d'Ampezzo area (North-eastern Italy) formed before, during and after the Carnian crisis, coupled with facies analysis, was performed in order to investigate in detail how the changes in shallow water carbonate precipitation influenced the depositional geometries of carbonate platforms. Facies and depositional geometries suggest that after the demise of high-relief, microbial dominated carbonate platforms, a phase of intermediate sedimentation took place, in which microbial carbonate mounds and loose carbonate and terrigenous sediments coexisted. The subsequent evolution to a ramp is characterized by the onset of a tide-dominated environment. In the study area, the sedimentary succession developed in a marine strait connecting two small basins. Both ebb and flood paleocurrents are documented and their directions are in agreement with the strait orientation, as inferred from the paleogeographic position of relict high-relief carbonate platforms. Facies and sedimentary structures related to variations in the hydraulic regime have been observed, including planar cross stratification, herringbone cross stratification, flaser to wavy to lenticular bedding and cyclical alternations of mainly oolitic-siliciclastic vs. mainly bioclastic-muddy laminae. The peculiarity of this tidal system is that, differently from all other known cases, it did not develop in a tectonically confined submarine graben or canyon, but in a marine passage between relict high-relief carbonate platforms. Sedimentary facies analysis, coupled with geological three dimensional modeling, led also to constrain the sequence stratigraphy of this complex stratigraphic interval, in which the eustatic and climatic signals can be disentangled. The climate change predates the sea-level drop and caused the demise of the microbial-dominated high-relief carbonate platforms. A surface similar to a drowning unconformity was thus generated, even though a transgression was not taking place. Only small isolated microbial carbonate mounds survived the crisis of high-relief platforms. The complete disappearance of microbial carbonates (i.e. mounds) and the definitive switch of the shallow water carbonates to loose-sediment dominated ramps coincides with a subsequent sea-level drop. Thus the demise of the Upper Triassic microbial dominated high-relief platforms of the Dolomites can be interpreted as a two step process: at first a climatic event killed the km-scale high-relief platforms; later a drop in sea level led to the definitive disappearance of the microbial carbonates.
The Impact of a Sericea Lespedeza Diet on Bifidobacteria in Goat Rumen

Gastrointestinal nematodes in goats have developed resistance to chemical anthelmintics resulting in the need for alternative control strategies. One approach to this problem is the incorporation of condensed tannin- rich (CT) forages that suppress gastrointestinal parasites in goats. In this study, the effect of supplementing goat diets with sericea lespedeza (SL), a high-quality CT-rich forage, on rumen microorganisms was evaluated in goats. A diverse collection of microorganisms is found in the goat rumen. Bifidobacteria are important organisms involved in gastrointestinal tract immunity, however, their presence and modulation in the goat rumen has not been fully investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a diet containing SL on rumen microorganisms, especially Bifidobacteria, in goats. Isolated microbial DNA from rumen samples of goats receiving a diet with SL (n=5) and goats receiving an SL free diet (n=6) were used for detection of Bifidobacteria. The isolated microbial DNA was amplified using 16S rDNA universal bacterial primers. Amplified DNA from goats receiving SL in the diet and control groups by Polymerase chain reaction were used for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis of total microbial profile. Genus-specific primers of 16S rDNA for Bifidobacterium were used to amplify the specific DNA sequence. The results of the DGGE analysis showed similar band patterns in the control group compared to the groups receiving the SL diet. A 580-bp Bifidobacterium-specific band was observed in samples from goats fed the SL free diet (P<0.002). Bifidobacterium DNA was not detected in goats fed a diet containing SL. This suggests that dietary tannins may affect the goat's rumen microbial profile. Further, studies are needed to determine the significance of changes in Bifidobacteria on goat health.
Perspectives in clinical imaging The value of novel MRI techniques in Parkinson-plus syndromes : Diffusion tensor imaging and anatomical connectivity studies Intérêt des nouvelles techniques en IRM dans les syndromes parkinsoniens plus : imagerie du tenseur de diffusion

Conventional MRI is a well-described, highly useful tool for the differential diagnosis of degenerative parkinsonian syndromes. Nevertheless, the observed abnormalities may only appear in late-stage disease. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can identify microstructural changes in brain tissue integrity and connectivity. The technique has proven value in the differential diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we performed a systematic review of the literature on the main corticosubcortical DTI abnormalities identified to date in the context of the diagnosis of MSA and PSP with diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and anatomical connectivity studies. In good agreement with the histological data, increased diffusivity in the putamen (in MSA and PSP), in the middle cerebellar peduncles (in MSA) and in the upper cerebellar peduncles (in PSP) has been reported. Motor pathway involvement is characterized by low fraction anisotropy (FA) in the primary motor cortex in MSA-P and PSP, a high apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and low FA in the supplementary motor area in PSP. We then outline the value of these techniques in differential diagnosis (especially with respect to PD). Anatomical connectivity studies have revealed a lower number of fibers in the corticospinal tract in MSA and PSP (relative to PD and controls) and fewer tracked cortical projection fibers in patients with PSP or late-stage MSA (relative to patients with early MSA Available online at
Page 1 of 18 The influence of motivation and prior learning on response selection in a go/no-go task

We make decisions everyday which involve us either producing a specific behaviour or withholding certain behaviours, based upon the desired goal. These decisions are strongly influenced by motivation and the learned associations between stimuli and their predicted value. Here, we measured the response times and error rates for stimuli assigned either a ‘go’ or ‘no-go’ status, after being seen in a value learning task involving the win or loss of points. We found that low gain associated stimuli significantly enhanced response times compared to low loss associated stimuli, and that high loss associated stimuli elicited significantly more errors from participants, compared to low loss associated stimuli. It was concluded that arousal is the key factor in motivating behaviour, and when we are aroused, we have less control over our actions.
IN SEARCH OF DRIVER EVENTS FOR MEDULLOBLASTOMA : WHICH CAME FIRST , THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG ?

After more than a decade of genomic studies in medulloblastoma, the time has come to capitalize on the knowledge gained and use it to directly improve patient care. Although metastatic and relapsed disease remain poorly understood, much has changed in how we define medulloblastoma, and it has become evident that with conventional therapies, specific groups of patients are currently underor overtreated. In this review, we summarize the latest insights into medulloblastoma biology, focusing on how genomics is affecting patient stratification, informing preclinical studies of targeted therapies, and shaping the new generation of clinical trials. 14.1 Review in Advance first posted online on May 5, 2017. (Changes may still occur before final publication online and in print.) Changes may still occur before final publication online and in print A nn u. R ev . G en om . H um . G en et . 2 01 7. 18 . D ow nl oa de d fr om w w w . a nn ua lr ev ie w s. or g A cc es s pr ov id ed b y U ni ve rs ity o f C al if or ni a Sa n D ie go o n 05 /0 9/ 17 . F or p er so na l u se o nl y. GG18CH14-Taylor ARI 27 April 2017 11:30
Cloning and Expression of Aquaporin in the Antennal Gland of Crayfish, Procambarus Clarkii

Aquaporins (AQPs) , water transport proteins, have been cloned from a wide variety of species, however, little is known in crustaceans. The objective of this study is to clone the AQP from crayfish and examine the mRNA expression, both temporally (molting cycle) and spatially (tissue‐specific). A pair of degenerate primers was used in amplifying a 367bp fragment of cDNA from crayfish antennal gland. The deduced amino acid sequence showed homology with AQPs from mosquito (54%), drosophila (52%), rat (42%) and human (43%). The AQP mRNA expression in the antennal gland was compared with that of other epithelia tissues: gill and hepatopancreas and non‐epithelia tissues: cardiac muscle and tail muscle, by using real‐time PCR. Compared with antennal gland, the expression was lower in gill and higher in cardiac muscle and hepatopancreas respectively. No significant difference was found in tail muscle. Also, the relative mRNA expression of AQP in antennal gland is lower in the premolt when compared to inter‐ and post‐ molt stages. These preliminary observations suggest that crayfish AQP does play an important role in transferring water, regulating nutrients and salt conservation in multiple tissues and the molting stages. Future study will be focused on the expression of this aquaporin in the different tissues of crayfish during molting. (Supported by Grants IBN 0445202 to MGW, YG and CMG).
International Conference on Computing and Control for the Water Industry , CCWI 2013 Integrated mathematical model of a MBR reactor including biopolymer kinetics and membrane fouling

This paper briefly describes an integrated mathematical model of an immersed membrane bioreactor (MBR) with hollow fibre outside-in membranes. The integrated model is composed of three interconnected submodels: the activated sludge model (ASM) extended with soluble and bound biopolymer kinetics, the membrane fouling model, and the interface model relating cake backtransport rate to air-scour intensity and specific cake resistance to concentration of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The integrated model is simulated on the plant layout used in the BSM-MBR benchmark model of Maere et al. (2011) and predicts similar effluent quality to BSM-MBR whilst additionally enabling predictions of the transmembrane pressure (TMP) and of the effects of various operating conditions on membrane fouling. c © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the CCWI2013 Committee.
Influence Marketing in the Fashion and Beauty Industry

This research aims to identify the importance that influence marketing today plays in fashion and beauty blogs, thus grasping whether these blogs influence the consumer/follower, and simultaneously analysing the motivations that lead followers to consult blogs as well as understanding whether the influence wielded through blogs generates impacts on the attitudes and behaviours in the purchase. A descriptive and quantitative study was developed, with the objective of identifying the importance that influence marketing assumes within the scope of fashion and beauty blogs. To this end, a questionnaire survey was carried out with the target audience com posed of the followers of the various fashion and beauty blogs. Results point that influence marketing does impact on purchasing intentions as regards the products presented as well as on attitudes and behaviours towards fashion and beauty. Consumers hold favourable opinions towards blogs, irrespective of the age group, with the majority openly accepting that they identify and relate to the bloggers and their blogs. There is a higher frequency of accessing blogs among the older respondents and their motivations to follow these blogs stem from wishing to keep up with the trends and seeking out information.
LEVELS OF TUMOR HETEROGENEITY DRIVERS OF TUMOR HETEROGENEITY or GENETIC EPIGENETIC ENVIRONMENTAL

Ann Zeuner,1,* Matilde Todaro,2 Giorgio Stassi,2 and Ruggero De Maria3,* 1Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy 2Department of Surgical and Oncological Sciences, Via del Vespro 131, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy 3Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy *Correspondence: a.zeuner@iss.it (A.Z.), demaria@ifo.it (R.D.M.) http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.stem. 2014.11. 012
Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) in High-Speed VCSELs for Short Reach Communication

Lasers in the steady state condition do not provide constant carrier and photon densities even without any current modulation. These optical power variations provide an intensity noise. Since optical transmission systems have a critical impairment due to this noise source, it is quite important to know how it can be defined and measured. Relative intensity noise (RIN) is a measure in order to quantify and determine how noisy the laser, as the transmitter of transmission line, is. The work of this Master degree project has been both experimental and analytical. In the first experimental part of the project, relative intensity noise (RIN) was measured on state-of-art high-speed multi-mode 850-nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) intended for next generation short reach data communication standards. Measurements have been performed on devices with different current aperture diameters, at different bias currents, and at both room temperature (RT) and 85°C. The RIN values obtained are shown to be in most cases below the requirements, for example, in the future 32 Gb/s Fibre Channel (32GFC) standard. The second analysis part of the project dealt with extracting values of intrinsic dynamic laser parameters from RIN measurements and comparing to those extracted from corresponding S21 measurements, which is the conventional method. Good agreement was found, and the pros and cons for the two extraction techniques are discussed.
Extraction of the normal component of the particle velocity from marine pressure data

The authors present a general wave theoretical method for extracting the normal component of the particle velocity from marine pressure data. A possible use of the normal component of the particle velocity and the pressure is the separation of upgoing and downgoing waves at the receivers. For one special acquisition geometry, the source wavelet can also be estimated. The method in principle is exact. No information about the properties of the elastic earth is required. When the pressure data are recorded on a single surface, it is necessary to known the source signatures if the source array location is above the receiver surface. If the sources are located below, the signatures need not be known. The locations of the individual receivers must be specified, and the reflecting properties of the sea surface must be known. When the receiver surface is plane and horizontal, the extraction process can be performed in the frequency-horizontal wavenumber domain. The normal component of the particle velocity can furthermore be extracted from pressure data recorded at two surfaces at different depths. In this case the reflectivity of the sea surface does not come into play; it is only the medium properties between the two receiver surfacesmore » that enter the problem. The actual depths of the receivers need not be known, only their relative distances. If the sources are located above the uppermost receiver surface, the source signatures can also be estimated. A simple synthetic data example demonstrates the extraction of the normal component of the pressure from the pressure field recorded along a dipping receiver line below a free surface. « less
An enigmatic group of arctic island caribou and the potential implications for conservation of biodiversity

We investigated the status of caribou classified as Rangifer tarandus pearyi by DNA analyses, with an emphasis on those large-bodied caribou identified as ultra pearyi that were collected in summer 1958 on Prince of Wales Island, south-central Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Our comparative assessment reveals that the ultra pearyi from Prince of Wales Island belong to a group of pearyi and are not hybrids of pearyi x groenlandicus, as we found for the caribou occurring on nearby Banks Island and northwest Victoria Island. The ultra pearyi from Prince of Wales Island cluster with high arctic pearyi and are separated genetically from the caribou populations that we sampled on the low Canadian Arctic Islands and the Canadian mainland. Our findings reveal biodiversity below the level of subspecies or regional designations. These results support the position that to retain the biodiversity present among caribou populations on the Canadian Arctic Islands, conservation efforts should be targeted at the smaller scale level of the geographic population, rather than on a wider regional or subspecific range-wide basis.