Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of copolyesters by Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava from various lactones

L'Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava (anterieurement : le Pseudomonas pseudoflava) peut accumuler une grande quantite de copolyesters, s'il est cultive en presence de substrats mixtes de glucose et de lactones en fermentation discontinue. Des lactones utilisees comme unique source de carbone, telles la γ-butyrolactone, la γ-valerolactone et des analogues superieurs, n'ont generalement pas favorise la croissance des cellules. L'ajout de glucose aux lactones a induit une utilisation accrue des lactones, tant pour l'accumulation des copolyesters que pour la croissance des cellules. Les copolyesters issus de l'activite des cellules cultivees en presence de substrats mixtes de glucose (10 g/L) et de lactones ont ete pour la γ-valerolactone (1-3 mL/L), le poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (P(3HB-co-3HV)) et, pour la γ-butyrolactone (1-3 mL/L), le poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)). Les valeurs du parametre D pour les polymeres simples obtenus apres 72 h, calculees a partir des donnees sur les sequences des diades obtenues par resonance magnetique nucleaire (NMR), ont montre que les dependances des concentrations en lactones different parmi les lactones. Les donnees obtenues sur l'evolution de la croissance en presence des cosubstrats γ-valerolactone (2 mL/L) et glucose (10 g/L) ont revele que les copolymeres riches en 3HV etaient synthetises au cours de la phase hâtive de croissance et que la fraction riche en 3HB croissait regulierement au cours de la phase tardive d'accumulation, avec un pic a 80 h et epuisement de la γ-valerolactone. Les profils d'accumulation de polyhydroxyalcanoate suggerent une valeur elevee du produit final, laquelle a ete determinee etre de 3,25. La γ-valerolactone a ete assimilee plus rapidement que la γ-butyrolactone. La difference de comportement d'assimilation de ces deux lactones est discutee en fonction de l'heterogeneite des produits finals des copolyesters. Une correlation entre les microstructures obtenues par NMR et la physiologie d'accumulation des polyhydroxyalcanoates a ete observee.
Variation in the Senecio aethnensis group (Asteraceae) along an altitudinal gradient

ABSTRACT The variability of the Senecio aethnensis group was investigated through morphometric analyses of seven populations along an altitudinal transect on Mt. Etna (E Sicily). The data obtained show a separation into two groups, one including the populations of the upper and middle belts, at and above 1700 m, the other including the populations from lower altitudes. In the first group a clinal morphological variation in several reproductive and vegetative characters was observed in relation to altitude. The analysis of leaf characters in progeny cultivated under uniform conditions confirmed the differentiation into the two groups, which are to be treated as separate species, i.e. S. aethnensis Jan, split in two varieties, and S. siculus All.
The view from the inside: institutional dimensions of public communication of two coastal and marine protected area networks in France

Abstract Effective public communication plays a crucial role in Coastal and Marine Protected Area (CMPA) settings, especially in promoting community support and compliance with protective management measures. While research provides practical guidance for conservation managers, less attention has been given to the internal resources and capacities of the CMPA institutions to support effective communication. Based on a qualitative approach (16 in-depth interviews), this study draws on the views of key agency staff in France to understand internal institutional settings in a context of a low visibility of national CMPAs (especially the Marine Nature Parks and Natura 2000 networks). Results highlight an awareness of the need for well designed and implemented public communication but also clear differences in the way CMPA institutional arrangements hindered and enabled communication efforts. Three aspects are specifically discussed in turn: Centralized versus decentralized governance; Skills and competencies; and ideologies regarding the purpose of CMPAs.
Pinus sylvestris treeline development and movement on the Kola Peninsula of Russia: pollen and stomate evidence

1 A sediment core recovered from Poteryanny Zub Lake on the Kola Peninsula of Russia (68°48′91″ N, 35°19′32″ E) provides fossil pollen and stomate evidence for Pinus sylvestris treeline development and movement. The site today lies in birch forest tundra, approximately 25 km north of the pine treeline and 90 km south of the Murman Coast. 2 The record begins approximately 10 050 14C years before present (bp). The post‐glacial tundra, typified by various herbaceous taxa and Artemisia, was followed by Betula‐dominated woodland forest with Polypodiaceae‐Gramineae pollen types. Such vegetation assemblages are not analogous to any in the western Kola Peninsula today. 3 Stomate evidence demonstrates that Pinus sylvestris immigrated to the study site as early as 8150 14C bp. Pine forest probably expanded northwards from sparse or small disjunct populations, which established c. 1000 14C bp before the expansion evident in the pollen and wood macrofossil records (7200 14C bp). Betula and other shrub and herb taxa declined at this time, possibly as a result of shading by the pine canopy. 4 The presence of fossil Pinus sylvestris stomates and wood, together with AP : NAP ratios, indicates that the pine treeline was some 100 km north of its present position by the end of the middle Holocene warming (7000–6000 14C bp). This places it near the Barents Sea coast, currently tundra vegetation. An approximate 2 °C increase in regional summer temperatures would be necessary to move the treeline to the present‐day coastline. 5 From 6000 14C bp the pine treeline gradually retreated southward to its present modern position. Birch woodland has grown at the site since c. 3000 14C bp.
The impact of Brexit on London’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: The case of the FinTech industry

This paper analyses how different entrepreneurial actors respond to political uncertainty and changing institutional settings. Moreover, it discusses the impact of those actor-level responses on the resilience of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), focusing on how they affect the diversity of and the connectivity among its actors. To address these questions, the paper examines how the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has influenced the financial technology (FinTech) industry in London, applying data collected from in-depth interviews, covering different groups of stakeholders in London’s FinTech industry, such as angel investors, banks, legal advisers, lobby organizations and private companies. Our results show that political uncertainty and the prospect of institutional change can trigger actor-level responses, which have the potential to modify the diversity as well as the local and non-local connectivity of an EE. Moreover, we demonstrate that the nature of strategic responses of entrepreneurial actors varies significantly, depending on their firms’ characteristics, such as age, size, product specialization and the structure of their egocentric networks. With regard to the latter, our results show that anchor firms play an important role in other firms’ egocentric networks and have the power to shape their strategic responses.
Experimental field comparison of native and non‐native maple seedlings: natural enemies, ecophysiology, growth and survival

1 Acer platanoides (Norway maple) is an important non‐native invasive canopy tree in North American deciduous forests, where native species diversity and abundance are greatly reduced under its canopy. We conducted a field experiment in North American forests to compare planted seedlings of A. platanoides and Acer saccharum (sugar maple), a widespread, common native that, like A. platanoides, is shade tolerant. Over two growing seasons in three forests we compared multiple components of seedling success: damage from natural enemies, ecophysiology, growth and survival. We reasoned that equal or superior performance by A. platanoides relative to A. saccharum indicates seedling characteristics that support invasiveness, while inferior performance indicates potential barriers to invasion. 2 Acer platanoides seedlings produced more leaves and allocated more biomass to roots, A. saccharum had greater water use efficiency, and the two species exhibited similar photosynthesis and first‐season mortality rates. Acer platanoides had greater winter survival and earlier spring leaf emergence, but second‐season mortality rates were similar. 3 The success of A. platanoides seedlings was not due to escape from natural enemies, contrary to the enemy release hypothesis. Foliar insect herbivory and disease symptoms were similarly high for both native and non‐native, and seedling biomass did not differ. Rather, A. platanoides compared well with A. saccharum because of its equivalent ability to photosynthesize in the low light herb layer, its higher leaf production and greater allocation to roots, and its lower winter mortality coupled with earlier spring emergence. Its only potential barrier to seedling establishment, relative to A. saccharum, was lower water use efficiency, which possibly could hinder its invasion into drier forests. 4 The spread of non‐native canopy trees poses an especially serious problem for native forest communities, because canopy trees strongly influence species in all forest layers. Success at reaching the canopy depends on a tree's ecology in previous life‐history stages, particularly as a vulnerable seedling, but little is known about seedling characteristics that promote non‐native tree invasion. Experimental field comparison with ecologically successful native trees provides insight into why non‐native trees succeed as seedlings, which is a necessary stage on their journey into the forest canopy.
Estimating Trend in Occupancy for the Southern Sierra Fisher Martes pennanti Population

Carnivores are important elements of biodiversity, not only because of their role in transferring energy and nutrients, but also because they influence the structure of the communities where they occur. The fisher Martes pennanti is amammalian carnivore that is associated with late-successional mixed forests in the Sierra Nevada in California, and is vulnerable to the effects of forest management. As a candidate for endangered species status, it is important to monitor its population to determine whether actions to conserve it are successful. We implemented a monitoring program to estimate change in occupancy of fishers across a 12,240-km2 area in the southern Sierra Nevada. Sample units were about 4 km apart, consisting of six enclosed, baited track-plate stations, and aligned with the national Forest Inventory and Analysis grid. We report here the results of 8 y (2002–2009) of sampling of a core set of 223 sample units. We model the combined effects of probability of detection and occupancy to estimate occupancy, persistence rates, and trend in occupancy. In combined models, we evaluated four forms of detection probability (1-group and 2-group both constant and varying by year) and nine forms of probability of occupancy (differing primarily by how occupancy and persistence vary among years). The bestfitting model assumed constant probability of occupancy, constant persistence, and two detection groups (AIC weight = 0.707). This fit the data best for the entire study area as well as two of the three distinct geographic zones therein. The one zone with a trend parameter found no significant difference from zero for that parameter. This suggests that, over the 8-y period, that there was no trend or statistically significant variations in occupancy. The overall probability of occupancy, adjusted to account for uncertain detection, was 0.367 (SE = 0.033) and estimates were lowest in the southeastern zone (0.261) and highest in the southwestern zone (0.583). Constant and positive persistence values suggested that sample units rarely changed status from occupied to unoccupied or vice versa. The small population of fishers in the southern Sierra (probably ,250 individuals) does not appear to be decreasing. However, given the habitat degradation that has occurred in forests of the region, we favor continued monitoring to determine whether fisher occupancy increases as land managers implement measures to restore conditions favorable to fishers.
Expression of field resistance in callus tissue inoculated with Phytophthora cinnamomi

Callus cultures initiated from Australian native and horticultural species with varying degrees of field resistance or tolerance to the fungal pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi were screened for expression of resistance to the pathogen. The extent of hyphal growth on callus correlated with the susceptibility of the plant from which the callus was derived. The optimum temperature for fungal growth on the calli was 30 C. This was the temperature at which the difference was greatest between hyphal growth on callus derived from resistant and susceptible plants. The amount of callose formed in the cultured cells in response to the pathogen correlated with the degree of field resistance.
Abundance and biomass of meroplankton during the spring bloom in an Alaskan Bay

Abstract The composition, abundance and biomass of meroplankton in Auke Bay, Alaska, was estimated during the spring bloom, April—June, 1987–1989. Meroplankton made up 5 to 40% of the total zooplankton population and 5 to 40% of the total biomass. Barnacle nauplii and bivalve larvae were the most abundant taxa, while pagurid zoeae and barnacle nauplii contributed the most to biomass. Although meroplankton population and biomass was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in 1989 than in 1988, the percentage contribution of meroplankton to total zooplankton population and biomass was similar during both years.
Teachers’ perspectives on project-based learning in mathematics and science

In order to thrive in today's uncertain environment, there is a need to master 21st century skills as well as knowledge of key subjects. Project-based learning (PBL) has been recommended as an important instructional strategy to prepare students for their future work and life. As teachers play an important role in classroom instructional practice, understanding their perspectives on PBL is essential in order to provide them with support for its successful implementation. We investigated how Finnish pre- and in-service class teachers and mathematics and science teachers (N = 257) view PBL in terms of (1) its objectives, (2) its characteristics, (3) the suitable application and situation regarding its implementation, and (4) support for and barriers to its implementation. We collected data from two questionnaire surveys, project plans, and reports and then analysed them quantitatively. We found that a majority of the teachers considered the development of students’ knowledge and understanding of mathematics and science, and 21st century skills as important objectives of PBL in mathematics and science education. The development of teamwork skills and the connection between theory and practice were regarded as key PBL characteristics. Moreover, PBL was perceived as suitable for both revising and learning new content. Nevertheless, the relative inadequacy of resources and support for PBL implementation was reported. Of particular necessity were ready-made project instructions, ideas, tips, and examples; advice from experienced teachers; training and guidance on basic PBL issues; and more time allocation. We discuss implications for teachers’ professional development towards PBL.
Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Africa

Carbapenems are regarded as unique among the �-lactam antibiotics due to their broad spectrum of activity and ability to resist �-lactamase hydrolysis. Carbapenems are the only �-lactam antibiotics with efficacy in severe infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria. However, recent reports of carbapenem resistance particularly among members of Enterobacteriaceae that are responsible for diseases such as gastrointestinal infections, septicemia, pneumonia, meningitis, peritonitis as well as urinary tract infections, call for concerns. In Africa, the problem of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is aggravated by factors such as the high rate of infections, poor diagnostic tools, sub-optimal disease surveillance, and abuse of antibiotics. Besides, the problem of CRE in Africa is understudied. This review distills available literature on the spread of CRE in Africa, CRE genes in circulation, and the need to pay attention to this emerging threat to lives in developing countries.
Growth and yield of stake tomato under no-tillage cultivation using hairy vetch as a living mulch

No-tillage cultivation with living mulch offers several benefits related to envi- ronmental protection and fulfills requirements of sustainable agriculture very well, how- ever there are only few reports on vegetable cultivation using this method and referring to natural conditions of Poland. In three years field experiment stake tomatoes cv. Malinowy O�* arowski grown on no-tilled plots covered with wintering hairy vetch as a living mulch produced significantly lower total and marketable yield in comparison to conventional cultivation. Yield of fruits infested with potato blight was also significantly lower but their share in total yield was much higher. Content of carotenoids, monosaccharides and total sugars in fruits harvested under conventional cultivation was significantly higher and content of dry matter was significantly lower in comparison to no-tillage and content of vitamin C was independent of cultivation method. At time of full fruiting, leaves of toma- toes grown on plots covered with mulch contained more nitrogen, phosphorus and potas- sium and content of calcium and magnesium did not depend of cultivation method. Method of cultivation did not affect root-taking of potted tomato transplants but then to- matoes grown on plots covered with living mulch were dominated by hairy vetch and grew much slower till third decade of July when majority of vetch plants decayed. Growth of tomatoes in vetch mulch was much more differentiated during whole vegetation period. Living and then dry vetch mulch covered soil surface almost entirely and suppressed an- nual weeds well. Average decade temperature at 5 cm and 10 cm depth of conventionally cultivated soil was usually higher and soil moisture in 0-40 cm layer was significantly lower than those of soil covered with mulch. Cultivation method did not affect soil total porosity nor bulk density. At time of tomato planting, fresh and air-dry weight of hairy vetch was 39.7 t·ha -1 and 6.5 t·ha -1 on an average respectively and it contained 180 kg N, 43 kg P, 209 kg K, 51 kg Ca and 12 kg Mg. Studied cultivation method offered several benefits related to environmental protection but was more management intensive and variable than conventional tillage.
Function of αβ TCR+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes: Th1-and Th2-type cytokine production by CD4+ CD8− and CD4+ CD8+ T cells for helper activity

The immunobiological function of lymphocytes within the epithelium (IELs) of the small intestine is incompletely understood; however, it has been shown that intestinal IEL T cells exhibit cytotoxicity, produce cytokines, and perform some regulatory roles. In this study, we have focused on CD4+, alpha beta TCR+ IELs, which comprise approximately 15-20% of the total population, for helper functions. We have assessed the profile of type 1 or type 2 Th cell cytokines produced in alpha beta TCR bearing CD4+CD8- and CD4+CD8+ (double positive, DP) intestinal IELs by cytokine-specific ELISPOT and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Help for B cells taken from Peyer's patches (PP) allowed us to assess IEL function for mucosal antibody responses. Freshly isolated CD4+CD8- IEL T cells contain Th2-type cells, e.g. high numbers of IL-5 secreting (spot forming) cells (SFC) followed by IL-4 and IL-6, while DP T cells have IL-5 and IL-6 producing cells, but not IL-4. In addition to Th2-like cytokine producing T cells, both CD4+ T cell subsets contain IFN-gamma secreting Th1-type cells but neither subset synthesizes IL-2. Stimulation of CD4+CD8- and DP T cells with solid phase mAb anti-CD3 resulted in production of IL-2 in addition to IFN-gamma, IL-5, and IL-6, and this treatment stimulated DP T cells to produce IL-4. When freshly isolated intestinal IEL T cells were separated into CD4+ and CD4- cells, and co-cultured with PP B cells, the former subset supported Ig synthesis including IgA responses, while the later fraction did not. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of diet, body size, age and temperature on growth rates in the amphipod Gammarus pulex

SUMMARY. Increase in body wet weight of Gammarus pulex fed on decaying elm leaves was followed to senescence and death. Growth in juveniles was approximately exponential; from birth to death it conformed to a logistic growth curve, with maximum absolute increments in weight about half-way through a life span of 350–450 days at 15°C. Some individuals lived longer, for up to 640–700 days. The instantaneous or specific growth rate was maximal near birth, at c. 5–6% wet wt day−1, and declined exponentially with increasing size and age. Over the range 4.7–14.8°C there was a log-log relationship between temperature and specific growth rate. Growth was maximal at 20°C in newborn animals and at 15°C in 6–9-mg animals. The specific growth rate of young individuals was fastest on decaying leaves of elm with a well developed flora of fungi and other microorganisms. Leached elm leaves without this flora supported growth at a lower rate. The latter diet was sufficient for survival and growth of newborn individuals; detritus, faeces or other food items were not needed. Isolated specimens grew as fast as those kept in groups. Growth was generally slower on leached leaves of oak and sycamore. In newborn animals fed on the fine roots of aquatic plants (Veronica, Rorippa and Glyceria), growth was as fast as on decaying elm leaves; growth on the green living leaves of the plants was slower, as on detritus from two streams and on a pure culture of an aquatic fungus. Consumption of leached elm leaves was related to leaf thickness. In a full gut the wet weight (1.34–1.37 mg) and volume (3.8–4.1 mm3) (for 20-mg animals) was independent of leaf thickness but dependent on animal size, increasing 4-fold over the range 2–50 mg body wt. Daily consumption (dry wt) was approximately equivalent to 50% body dry wt at 5 mg and 20% at 50 mg body wet wt. Individuals fed on thick leaves ingested 50% more dry weight per day and absorbed more in the gut than when fed on thin leaves, but the relative efficiency of absorption was the same at 36–59% for 10–20-mg animals. Weight-specific absorption in the gut was highest in juveniles and decreased with increasing body weight; relative efficiency of absorption was generally lower in the larger individuals. Assuming an energy value of 5 cal mg−1 dry wt for elm leaves, daily mean energy intake by absorption in thegutof G. pu/ex was2.2 cal mg−1 animaldry wt (9.2 J mg−1) in individuals of 0.4 mgdry wt (2 mg wet wt), decreasing to 0.3 cal mg−1 (1.3 J mg−1) at 10 mg dry wt (50 mg wet wt). Growth in Gammarus is briefly reviewed in the hght of work on other animals and it is emphasized that all aspects of feeding, growth and metabol-ism should be specifically related to size and age of the individuals, using well defined diets.