Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic architecture of trees: main concepts and results

Since about twenty years, hydraulic architecture (h.a.) is, doubtless, the major trend in the domain of plants (and especially trees) wa- ter relations. This review encompasses the main concepts and results concerning the hydraulic of architecture of trees. After a short paragraph about the definition of the h.a. , the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the h.a. are presented. This is an occasion to discuss the pipe mo- del from the h.a. point of view. The second part starts with the central concept of embolism and give a review of important experimental results and questions concerning summer and winter embolism. The last part deals with the coupling between hydraulic and stomatal conductances. It discusses the theoretical and experimental relationships between transpiration and leaf water potential during a progressive soil drought, the in- crease of soil-root resistance and its consequences in term of xylem vulnerability, the factors controlling the daily maximum transpiration and how stomates can prevent "run away embolism". In conclusion different kinds of unsolved questions of h.a. , which can be a matter of future in- vestigations, are presented in addition with a classification of trees behaviour under drought conditions. To end, an appendix recalls the notions of water potential, pressure and tension. hydraulic architecture / cohesion-tension theory / summer embolism / winter embolism / drought resistance
Role of aldose reductase C-106T polymorphism among diabetic Egyptian patients with different microvascular complications

The aldose reductase pathway proves that elevated blood glucose promotes cellular dysfunction. The polyol pathway converts excess intracellular glucose into alcohols via activity of the aldose reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of glucose to sorbitol which triggers variety of intracellular changes in the tissues. Among diabetes, activity is drastically increased in association with three main consequences inside the cells. The aim of this study was to detect the association of the C-106 T polymorphism of the aldose reductase gene and its frequency among a sample of 150 Egyptian adults with type 2 diabetic patients having diabetic microvascular. The detection of the aldose reductase C-106 T polymorphism gene was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The genotype distribution of the C-106 T polymorphism showed that CC genotype was statistically significantly higher among patients with retinopathy compared to nephropathy. Patients with nephropathy had significant association with the TT genotype when compared with diabetic retinopathy patients. Follow up study after the genotype detection among recently diagnosed diabetic patients in order to give a prophylactic aldose reductase inhibitors; studying the microvascular complications and its relation to the genotype polymorphisms. The study may include multiple gene polymorphisms to make the relation between the gene and the occurrence of these complications more evident.
A Simple Procedure for Comparative GC-MS Analysis of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Mill.) Flower Volatile Composition.

The efficient lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) breeding for essential oil production requires routine and accurate comparison the flower volatile composition of larger number individual plants from genetic resource pools and segregating populations. Here we describe the performance testing of a simple procedure for comparative GC-MS analysis of flower volatile composition of individual lavender plants. It involves collection of fixed number flowers at selected stage of development and direct solvent extraction and GC-MS analysis of the extracts. The summarized data on relative standard deviations for the analyzed compound abundancies determined from three replica analysis of individual plants from Bulgarian lavender varieties are presented. Further application of this comparative GC-MS analysis procedure demonstrates significant changes in the accumulation of certain volatiles during flower development. The comparative analysis also showed no significant daytime variation of the flower volatile composition and minor variations after testing the same plants within five consecutive days. The possibilities for routine applications of the tested procedure for comparative GC-MS analysis of flower volatiles in larger number of plants from lavender segregating populations or genetic resources collections are discussed.
The time course of selected outcome measures in healthy women aged 65‐74 years when varying exercise frequency and duration of an exercise walking programme

Background: We aimed to determine the time course of resting and exercise heart rates (HR); blood pressure (BP), changes in peak VO2, time to exhaustion (TTE) and gas exchange threshold (Tge) at a constant weekly exercise time [120 mins] with counterbalanced variations in exercise duration (60 vs. 30min) and weekly visits (2 vs. 4 .wk‐1 session per week). Methods: Forty‐six women aged 65‐74 years were randomly assigned to 2 or 4 sessions.wk‐1) for six weeks. Results: Principal findings: (i) significant increase in Tge at six weeks, with no significant differences between exercise frequency or duration; (ii) no significant increase in peak values for VO2, HR, minute ventilation and respiratory quotient after six weeks exercise training (iii) significant decreases in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at rest and during exercise only in the 4 sessions.wk‐1 group and (iv) significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during exercise and post‐exercise period for both groups and rapid time course changes in HR and BP. Conclusions: Exercise elicited rapid reductions in HR and SBP during exercise and post‐exercise recovery periods for both groups and there was no significant interaction between exercise duration and exercise frequency.
Stochastic estimation of aquifer geometry using seismic refraction data with borehole depth constraints

We develop a Bayesian model to invert surface seismic refraction data with depth constraints from boreholes for characterization of aquifer geometry and apply it to seismic and borehole data sets collected at the contaminated Oak Ridge National Laboratory site in Tennessee. Rather than the traditional approach of first inverting the seismic arrival times for seismic velocity and then using that information to aid in the spatial interpolation of wellbore data, we jointly invert seismic first arrival time data and wellbore‐based information, such as depths of key lithological boundaries. We use a staggered‐grid finite difference algorithm with second‐order accuracy in time and fourth‐order accuracy in space to model seismic full waveforms and use an automated method to pick the first arrival times. We use Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to draw many samples from the joint posterior probability distribution, on which we can estimate the key interfaces and their associated uncertainty as a function of horizontal location and depth. We test the developed method on both synthetic and field case studies. The synthetic studies show that the developed method is effective at rigorous incorporation of multiscale data and the Bayesian inversion reduces uncertainty in estimates of aquifer zonation. Applications of the approach to field data, including two surface seismic profiles located 620 m apart from each other, reveal the presence of a low‐velocity subsurface zone that is laterally persistent. This geophysically defined feature is aligned with the plume axis, suggesting it may serve as an important regional preferential flow pathway.
A Theory of Structure: Duality, Agency, and Transformation

"Structure" is one of the most important, elusive, and undertheorized concepts in the social sciences. Setting out from a critique and reformulation of Anthony Giddens's notion of the duality of structure and Pierre Boundieu's notion of habitus, this article attempts to develop a theory of structure that restores human agency to social actors, builds the possibility of change into the concept of structure, and overcomes the divide between semiotic and materialist vision of structure.
Model of Market Orientation of High-Tech Firms in Germany: Validation Study

The aim of this validation study was to verify a four-factor model of market orientation on a sample of German high-tech companies in the manufacturing industry. A modified version of the measuring scale (MMOS), composed of twelve items, was used for measurement. The target group consisted of business and marketing managers (N = 374) who recorded their answers on a seven-point Likert scale. The main methods used to achieve the objectives were exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Having verified the psychometric properties of the instrument, I proceeded to confirm the hypothesis of a four-factor solution model. Reliability and validity of the measuring instrument was also examined, which allowed a confirmation of the second hypothesis. The research may serve as the evidence of the instrument suitability for measuring market orientation in European cultural conditions. To obtain results from other sectors, the author recommends further research replication using the MMOS instrument.
[Sex hormone dependency and endocrine therapy in diffuse carcinoma of the stomach].

In order to investigate the hormone dependency of gastric cancer, the presence of estrogen receptor (E.R.) in surgically resected carcinomatous tissues was studied. E.R. assay was performed by dextran coated charcoal method. We have found 10% E.R. positive cases in gastric cancer (4/40). These 4 patients were all female, and showed Borrmann 3 or 4 type macroscopically. The histological types of these cases were signet-ring cell carcinoma or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, experimental studies suggest that the growth of signet-ring cell carcinoma transplanted on nude mice depends on sex hormone. Based on these observations, the clinical trial of chemo-endocrine therapy after gastrectomy for female patients with diffuse carcinoma of the stomach has been performed in our hospital since 1980. The therapy consists of Mitomycin-C plus subsequent Tegafur, with or without Tamoxifen 20 mg/day given orally, twice a day starting 2 weeks after surgery. The results are as follows: The cumulative 3-year survival rate in 21 cases receiving chemo-endocrine therapy (TAM+) after gastrectomy revealed higher (43.3%) than that (5.6%) in 23 cases receiving chemotherapy alone (TAM-). Furthermore, 2 and 3 years survival rates of TAM + in curatively resected cases (8 cases) were both 100% including 2 recurrent cases. In TAM- 10 cases, 2 and 3 years survival rate showed 68.4% and 16.3% respectively with statistically significance (p less than 0.01). Chemo-endocrine therapy for non-curatively resected and recurrent cases were also effective. This result suggests that the chemo-endocrine therapy after gastrectomy may be a new hopeful adjuvant in female patients with diffuse carcinoma of the stomach.
Population Fluctuation in Sulawesi Red-Knobbed Hornbills: Tracking Figs in Space and Time

We studied spatial and temporal variation in a population of Sulawesi Red- knobbed Hornbills (Aceros cassidix) in relation to availability of fruit resources over a two- year period in the Tangkoko DuaSudara Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Fruit production did not show any discernable patterns over 22 months of study, in spite of the strong seasonality of rainfall. Figs were available in all months of the year, and fig biomass exceeded ripe nonfig-fruit biomass in 10 of 22 months. Hornbill densities fluctuated dra- matically over time (xt = 51 birds-km-2, range 9.3-82.7) and among habitats. Spatial and temporal variation in hornbill numbers was best explained by habitat selection and the abundance and distribution of figs. Hornbill numbers were higher in those areas with greater densities of fig trees, and monthly hornbill densities and mean flock size increased with increasing fig biomass. Because Sulawesi Red-knobbed Hornbills appear to track fig produc- tion over potentially large distances, and include a mix of other rainforest tree species in their diet, we hypothesize that they may play an important role as agents of rainforest
HABITAT AND SEX DIFFERENCES IN PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITION OF BREEDING SOUTHWESTERN WILLOW FLYCATCHERS (EMPIDONAX TRAILLIIEXTIMUS)

Abstract The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus; here- after “flycatcher”) is a federally listed endangered species that breeds in densely vegetated riparian habitats dominated by native and exotic plants, including introduced monotypic saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima). Some workers have theorized that saltcedar is unsuitable habitat for the flycatcher, primarily because it generally supports a smaller and less diverse invertebrate community (the flycatcher's food base) than native habitats (e.g. Salix spp.). However, differences in insect communities between native and saltcedar habitats are not proof that saltcedar habitats are inferior. The only way to evaluate whether the habitats differ in dietary or energetic quality is to document actual food limitation or its manifestations. Measurements of an individual's body condition and metabolic state can serve as indicators of environmental stressors, such as food limitation and environmental extremes. We captured 130 flycatchers breeding in native and saltcedar habitats in Arizona and New Mexico and measured 12 variables of physiological condition. These variables included body mass, fat level, body condition index, hematocrit, plasma triglycerides, plasma free fatty acids and glycerol, plasma glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate, plasma uric acid, total leukocyte count, and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. We found substantial sex-based differences in the condition of male and female flycatchers. Ten of the 12 measures of physiological condition differed significantly between the sexes. In all cases where male and female condition differed (except mass), the differences suggest that males were in poorer condition than females. We found few habitat-based differences in flycatcher condition. Only 3 of the 12 physiological condition indices differed significantly between habitats. Our data show that, at least in some parts of the flycatcher's range, there is no evidence that flycatchers breeding in saltcedar habitats exhibit poorer nutritional condition or are suffering negative physiological affects. Diferencias entre Hábitats y Sexos en la Condición Fisiológica de Individuos Reproductivos en Empidonax traillii extimus
Influence of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) and Planting Method on Growth and Yield in Oil Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca)

The effect of plant growth regulators IBA (indole butyric acid), GA3 (gibberellin) and ethylene (as ethephon) in two methods of planting was investigated (each method was considered as a separate experiment) on morphological characters and yield of medicinal pumpkin. The experiments were carried out in a factorial trial based on completely randomized block design, with four replicates. The treatments were combined with priming and spraying with the above PGRs. The first seed priming with control (water), IBA 100 ppm, GA3 25 ppm and ethephon 200 ppm, and when seedling developed to 4 leaf stage sprayed there with control (water), IBA 100 ppm, GA3 25 ppm and ethephon 200 ppm for three times. In both planting methods, there were all of these treatments. The result showed that PGRs and planting method had significant effects on vegetative, flowering and yield characteristics including: leaf area %DM plant, number of male and female flowers per plant, number of fruit/plant, fruits fresh weight, seeds length and width, number of seed per fruit, seed yield, % seeds oil and oil yield. Hence spraying with GA3 25 ppm in four leaf stage at trellis method could be a suitable treatment for enhancing growth and yield of medicinal pumpkin.
3D Dynamic Stall Simulation of Flow over NACA0012 Airfoil at 10 5 and 10 6 Reynolds Numbers

The work presented in this thesis attempts to provide an understanding of the physics behind the dynamic stall process by simulating the flow past pitching NACA-0012 airfoil at and Reynolds number based on the chord length of the airfoil and at different reduced frequencies of and respectively in a three dimensional flow field. The mean angles of attack are and and the amplitudes of pitching are and respectively. The turbulence in the flow field is resolved using large eddy simulations with dynamic Smagorinsky model at the sub grid scale. The lift hysteresis plots of this simulation for both the configurations are compared with the corresponding experiments. The development of dynamic stall vortex, vortex shedding and reattachment as predicted by the present study are discussed in detail. There is a fairly good match between the predicted and experimentally measured lift coefficient during the upstroke for both cases. The net lift coefficient for the case during downstroke matches with the corresponding experimental data, the present study under-predicts the lift coefficient as compared to the experimental values at the start of downstroke and over-estimates for the remaining part of the downstroke. The trend of the lift coefficient hysteresis plot with the experimental data for the case is also similar. This present simulations have shown that the downstroke phase of the pitching motion is strongly three dimensional and is highly complex, whereas the flow is practically two dimensional during the upstroke.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF A NON-CATALYTIC GAS-SOLID REACTION: HEMATITE PELLET REDUCTION WITH SYNGAS

A mathematical model is developed to investigate the nonisothermal reduction of the hematite pellet with Syngas, namely is a mixture of hydrogen, water vapour, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide gases. This model is based upon special application of the grain model and contains the interactions between Syngas and the hematite pellet as a re ection of the heat and mass transfer phenomena. Each grain is reduced as an un-reacted shrinking core model at three interfaces simultaneously. A concluded set of equations is solved using the nite volume approach as an implicit formulation. Finally, the model was applied to study the isothermal and non-isothermal reduction of the hematite pellet and investigate the e ects of Syngas characteristics, like gas utility ((CO+H2)/(CO2+H2O)) and gas ratio (H2/CO), on the rate of reduction.
The Function of a Conjunction: Inclusivist or Exclusivist Strategies in Ezra 6.19-21 and Nehemiah 10.29-30?

In spite of the genealogical exclusion of non-Israelites evidenced throughout Ezra—Nehemiah, numerous scholars find strategies of inclusivism within the work. In particular, Ezra 6.19-21 and Neh. 10.29-30 have been understood to envision the incorporation of outsiders into the Golah group. After surveying the evidence for exclusivism in Ezra—Nehemiah, this article presents an alternative reading of these specific passages by providing a different interpretation of the function of the waw. It is argued that, instead of intending to portray outsiders joining the Golah group, Ezra 6.19-21 and Neh. 10.29-30 describe the separation of the Golah group from the impurity of the nations.
Physical, chemical and sensory properties of cookies produced from sweet potato and mango mesocarp flours

This study was a result of the need for utilization of local raw materials for food production and diversification as well as an attempt to reduce the rising cost of wheat imports. The objective of this study was to investigate the physical, chemical and sensor y properties of cookies produced from sweet potato and mango mesocarp composite flours. Sweet potato tubers and partially ripe mango fruits were processed into flours. Cookies were prepared from blends of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 sweet potato flour (S PF) to mango mesocarp flour (MMF), with cookies prepared from 100% sweet potato flour (SPF) and 100% wheat flour (WF) serving as control and standard respectively. Thereafter, all the cookie samples were subjected to chemical, physical and sensory analyses using standard methods. The moisture, fat, fibre, ash, energy values as well as beta carotene contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) as the level of substitution increased . The standard recorded the highest protein value with the control having the l east value. However, the control had highest value in terms of carbohydrate. The crude protein increased significantly (p < 0.05) between the blends with increasing levels of mango mesocarp flour . Conversely, the carbohydrates content decreased as substitution levels increased . The diameter and spread ratio of the cookies decreased with increased substitution levels while the thickness increased. Cookies prepared from whole sweet potato flour were rated higher in terms of colour (8.1), crispiness (8.8 ), flavour (7.9), texture (7.2), taste (7.1) and overall acceptability (8.5) followed by cookies from whole wheat flour. Preference for the cookies decreased significantly (p<0.05) as the percentage of mango mesocarp flour (MMF) increased . Cookies from 60% SP F: 40% MMF had the least acceptability, though they had the highest β – carotene content. Generally, cookies produced from 100% SPF and the blends had good nutritional value except for protein which decrease d with increasing levels of substitution with MMF .
Endophytic fungal populations acting on soil suppressiveness in fruit tree orchards

Fruit production in central Europe takes place in permanent cropping systems and is affected by replant disorders, although soil organic matter content does not represent a fertility limiting factor in those growing areas. The consequent crop yield decline is mainly due to biotic causes, even if it is mediated by plant vigour. Therefore, the most appropriate strategy for controlling replant disease in organic cropping systems of central Europe is to exploit biological soil resources. To prove feasibility of this strategy, functionality of two populations of endophytic fungi isolated in apple orchards was evaluated. Antibiosis and potentiality of plant growth promotion, as observed in Fusarium oxysporum, as well as antagonism toward the pathogen Cylindrocarpon in apple tree root colonization, as observed in binucleate Rhizoctonia, indicate the possibility to reduce root pathogens and to increase plant growth in renewed apple orchards by exploiting microorganisms naturally present in soil.
Discourse level phonology in the language curriculum: review of current thinking in teaching pronunciation in EFL courses

This paper offers an outline of current ideas in the area of teaching pronunciation and discusses the implications of the changes of emphasis which the author sees as being fundamental to a new paradigm for the teaching and acquisition of phonological skills. Main topics include the move from segmental phonology to suprasegmental and discourse studies in pronunciation and the implications for pedagogical practice, evaluation and teacher and learner training. Other questions include that of the learning setting and curriculum development.
Developmental regulation of pectic polysaccharides in the root meristem of Arabidopsis

JIM 5, an antibody that recognizes a relatively unesterified pectic epitope, distinguishes between dividing (meristematic) and non-dividing (central cells of the quiescent centre) cells in the Arabidopsis root tip, indicating that non-dividing cell walls contain higher levels of relatively unesterified pectin than dividing cells. JIM 7, an antibody that recognizes a relatively methyl esterified epitope, labels all cell walls uniformly throughout the root, suggesting that there is little variation in the relatively methyl esterified pectic component in the two cell types. These observations suggest that the characteristics of cell walls in the root tip result in part from modulations in the amount of unesterified and non-methyl esterified pectin.