Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating the volume of Australian hardwoods using centroid sampling

Summary Centroid sampling was tested on 18 sample trees of Flindersia brayleyana and 124 sample trees of five species of Eucalyptus all of which were measured in detail. Volumes of the main bole of each tree and of logs (length approx. 6 m) derived from each bole were estimated using both Huber's formula and centroid sampling. These estimates were compared with ‘true’ volume obtained by summing the volumes derived using Smalian's formula of all the measured short sections comprising the main bole and each log respectively. The mean error of the centroid estimate of volume of the main bole was not significant for Eucalyptus sieberi and E. diversicolor and was less than that derived from Huber's formula for all species except E. regnans. When all species were combined, the centroid estimate was clearly more accurate, its mean error (-2%) being just significant (p=0.046). Centroid sampling also gave more accurate estimates of the volume of the component logs. Results of this study and earlier work suggest th.
Studies on the Synthesis of the Fe-S Cluster of Dihydroxy-acid Dehydratase in Escherichia coli Crude Extract

The apoprotein of Escherichia coli dihydroxy-acid dehydratase, which contains a catalytically essential [4Fe-4S] cluster in its active form, has been used as a substrate to investigate Fe-S cluster synthesis. The inactive apoprotein could be reactivated in vitro by factors present in the crude extract of E. coli and to a much smaller extent in the presence of Fe3+, S2−, and dithiothreitol. This reactivation occurs as a result of Fe-S cluster synthesis. It is anticipated that the Fe-S cluster synthesis observed in crude extracts in vitro may involve some of the components that participate in Fe-S cluster synthesis in vivo. The origin of the sulfur used to form Fe-S clusters was investigated. Four enzymatic activities in the crude extract of E. coli were found that can provide sulfur for Fe-S cluster synthesis in vitro by mobilizing the sulfur from cysteine. The purification of the proteins responsible for three of these activities is reported in this paper. The three proteins have been identified as O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase A, O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase B, and β-cystathionase. The rate and extent of sulfide mobilization from cysteine in the reaction catalyzed by O-acetylserine sulfhydrylases A and B depend on the presence of nucleophiles that can add to the aminoacrylate formed on the enzyme following the removal of sulfide from cysteine. A new amino acid is formed when the nucleophiles add to the aminoacrylate. Sulfur mobilization by β-cystathionase does not require a nucleophile, and the reaction is a minor variation on the cleavage of β-cystathionine, with pyruvate, ammonia, and sulfide being the products. Once sulfur is mobilized by these enzymes, its efficient use in Fe-S cluster synthesis seems to be affected by the presence of yet unidentified factors present in crude extract. In crude extract and partially purified preparations from E. coli where these factors are present, the rapidity with which Fe-S clusters are formed and the efficiency with which sulfur is used imply an orderly controlled formation of Fe-S clusters that is generally typified by enzymatic reactions.
The Influence of Subunit Structure on the Interaction of Na/K-ATPase Complexes with Na.

High-affinity ouabain binding to Na/K-ATPase (sodium- and potassium-transport adenosine triphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.37)) requires phosphorylation of the α subunit of the enzyme either by ATP or by inorganic phosphate. For the native enzyme (α/β1), the ATP-dependent reaction proceeds about 4-fold more slowly in the absence of Na than when saturating concentrations of Na are present. Hybrid pumps were formed from either the α1 or the α3 subunit isoforms of Na/K-ATPase and a chimeric β subunit containing the transmembrane segment of the Na/K-ATPase β1 isoform and the external domain of the gastric H/K-ATPase β subunit (α/NHβ1 complexes). In the absence of Na, these complexes show a rate of ATP-dependent ouabain binding from 75-100% of the rate seen in the presence of Na depending on buffer conditions. Nonhydrolyzable nucleotides or treatment of ATP with apyrase abolishes ouabain binding, demonstrating that ouabain binding to α/NHβ1 complexes requires phosphorylation of the protein. Buffer ions inhibit ouabain binding by α/NHβ1 in the absence of Na rather than promote ouabain binding, indicating that they are not substituting for sodium ions in the phosphorylation reaction. The pH dependence of ATP-dependent ouabain binding in the presence or absence of Na is similar, suggesting that protons are probably not substituting for Na. Hybrid α/NHβ1 pumps also show slightly higher apparent affinities (2-3-fold) for ATP, Na, and ouabain; however, these are not sufficient to account for the increase in ouabain binding in the absence of Na. In contrast to phosphoenzyme formation and ouabain binding by α/NHβ1 complexes in the absence of Na, ATPase activity, measured as release of phosphate from ATP, requires Na. These data suggest that the transition from E1P to E2P during the catalytic cycle does not occur when the sodium binding sites are not occupied. Thus, the chimeric β subunit reduces or eliminates the role of Na in phosphoenzyme formation from ATP, but Na binding or release by the enzyme is still required for ATP hydrolysis and release of phosphate.
Intravenous dexamethasone and perineural dexamethasone similarly prolong the duration of analgesia after supraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomized, triple-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Due to a transcription error, the upper confidence intervals for the durations of analgesia and motor block appeared incorrectly in the Abstract and Results sections of this article appearing in the March‐April 2015 issue. The confidence intervals should have appeared as follows: Page 125, Abstract (Results): The duration of analgesia (mean [95% confidence interval]) was prolonged in the DexIV group (25 hours [17.6–32.4]) compared with Control (13.2 hours [11.5–15.0]; P < 0.001) but similar to the DexP group (25 hours [19.5–30.5]; P = 1). Page 127, Results (last paragraph): The duration of analgesia (mean [95% CI]) was significantly prolonged in both the DexIV (25 hours [17.6–32.4]) and DexP (25 hours [19.5–30.5]) groups compared with the Control group (13.2 hours [11.5–15.0]; P < 0.001). Page 128, Results (first paragraph): The duration of motor block (mean [95% CI]) was significantly prolonged in both the DexIV (30.1 hours [22.0–38.2]) and DexP (25.5 hours [22.2–28.8]) groups compared with the Control (19.7 hours [13.5–25.9]; P < 0.001). The authors regret any inconvenience this error has caused.
Nurses’ Caring Behaviors in Ireland and the United States

Minimal cross-national comparisons of nurse caring behaviors are available. A descriptive correlational study was conducted to describe and compare caring behaviors between nurses in Ireland (n = 74) and the United States (US) (n = 74). Significant differences were found between the samples on both educational background and years of nursing experience. US nurses had higher mean caring behavior scores compared to Irish nurses. However, when controlling for the two background variables, the difference was not statistically significant. This study is the first to compare nurses’ caring behaviors in these two countries. The findings have research, education, and practice implications.
Possible Diagnostic Application of CXCL12 and CXCR4 as Tumor Markers in Breast Cancer Patients

Background/Aim: Chemokines are cytokines involved not only in inflammatory but also in inappropriate response of the immune system in breast cancer (BC) progression. We examined the diagnostic usefulness of CXCL12, CXCR4 and CA 15-3 in BC patients, based on ROC curve analysis. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 100 patients with BC; the control group consisted of 35 women with benign breast disease and 35 healthy patients. The median concentration of chemokines was measured by ELISA and that of CA 15-3 by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Results: The concentrations of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the BC group were significantly higher than those in the control groups. The AUC value of CXCL12 (0.7502) was the highest of all the chemokines measured in the BC patients. Conclusion: There may be a link between CXCL12, CXCR4 and BC that can assist in the diagnosis, markedly when combined with CA 15-3.
Produção de forragem e componentes morfológicos em pastagem de coastcross consorciada com amendoim forrageiro

Objetivou-se avaliar a producao de forragem e a composicao morfologica de uma pastagem de coastcross (Cynodon dactylon, cv. Coastcross) consorciada com amendoim forrageiro (Arachis pintoi, cv. Amarillo) com e sem adubacao nitrogenada e submetida a pastejo com lotacao continua. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com duas repeticoes, para avaliacao das seguintes combinacoes: coastcross + amendoim forrageiro + 200 kg/ha de N; coastcross + amendoim forrageiro + 100 kg/ha de N; coastcross + 200 kg/ha de N e coastcross + amendoim forrageiro. Para estimar a disponibilidade de massa de forragem e a producao de forragem, foram usadas as tecnicas da dupla amostragem e do triplo emparelhamento, respectivamente, a cada 28 dias. Foram avaliadas as proporcoes de graminea, leguminosas, invasoras, solo descoberto e liteira. O material da dupla amostragem foi separado em lâmina foliar, bainha+colmo e material morto. A massa de forragem foi menor na pastagem sem adubacao com nitrogenio e maior na pastagem adubada com nitrogenio (200 kg/ha) sem amendoim forrageiro. A pastagem sem adubacao foi a que apresentou a maior massa de amendoim forrageiro. A producao de forragem foi maior nas pastagens adubadas com nitrogenio na dose de 200 kg/ha, seguidas da pastagem adubada com 100 kg de N/ha. A taxa de acumulo de forragem seguiu a mesma tendencia da producao de forragem. Nao foram observadas diferencas para solo descoberto, liteira e area descoberta entre as combinacoes avaliadas, porem na pastagem adubada com nitrogenio na dose de 200 kg/ha sem leguminosa, houve menor incidencia de plantas invasoras. A razao folha/colmo, massa de folhas e massa de material morto nao diferiu entre as pastagens, porem aquela adubada com 200 kg de N/ha sem leguminosa apresentou maior massa de colmos.
Light absorption components in Onondaga Lake, New York, U.S.A.

Features of light absorption are critical to optical aspects of water quality and in regulating the signal available in the emergent flux from the surface. Spectral characteristics, dynamics, and relationships with optically active constituents and common optical metrics, are documented for three light absorbing components in culturally eutrophic Onondaga Lake, New York, U.S.A. , based on the results of a 5 year study. The absorption coefficient, a(m -1 ), is partitioned according to the additive components of colored dissolved organic matter (a CDOM ), non-algal particles (a NAP ), phytoplankton (a φ ), and water itself (a w ; known), based on laboratory measurements for near surface samples collected weekly for the spring to fall interval over the 2004-2008 period. Supporting bulk measurements included dissolved organic carbon, total suspended solids (TSS) and its organic and inorganic (FSS) fractions, the concentrations of total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a ([Chl]), downwelling irradiance profiles to determine the diffuse attenuation coefficient (K d ), the beam attenuation coefficient at 660 nm [c(660)], and Secchi disc depth. The average exponential slope values for a CDOM (0.0168 nm -1 ) and a NAP (0.0126 nm -1 ) were very similar to those reported for other case 2 systems. The shapes of a φ spectra, represented by the ratio a φ (440): a φ (676), were found to negatively depend on [Chl]. The largest component of a at 440 nm, the reference wavelength, in each of the 5 years was a CDOM (∼45 to 60 %), the smallest was a NAP (∼15 to 25 %). Progressive decreases in yearly average a φ , particularly over the last three years are documented in response to decreases in [Chl], driven by increased nutrient limitation and Daphnia grazing (2008 only). Wide short-term variations are demonstrated within years for the components of a, particularly in response to the timing of runoff and Daphnia grazing events. Strong positive relationships are reported between a NAP and both TSS and FSS, a φ (at both λ = 440 and 676 nm) and [Chl], and a p (a NAP plus a φ ) and both TSS and c(660). The summation of the absorbing components at 440 nm is demonstrated to be a strong predictor of K d . The utility of the information in supporting a model for K d and SD and advancing monitoring of water quality through measurements of surface reflectance is described.
Odour-genes covariance and differential investigation of individual odours in the Mus species complex

Previous research using habituation techniques has demonstrated that greater genetic similarity between two individuals is associated with more similarity in the qualities of their individual odours (‘odour-genes eovariance’). We assessed odour similarities across species in two pairs of genetically close species within the Mus species complex (M. musculus and M. domesticus; M. spicilegus and M. macedonicus). Subjects treated odours within each species pair as similar compared with an odour from the other species pair. Subjects also treated odours of M. spicilegus males from the same population as similar compared with the odour of M. spicilegus males from a different population. This confirms odour-genes eovariance across species and within populations and also supports previous findings that odour similarities are more salient than specific odour markers. When adult males were presented with odours of females from two different heterospecific species, subjects spent more time investigating the odour from his own species pair than the other species pair, indicating greater interest in the odour of the closer heterospecific and demonstrating that odour-genes eovariance is reflected in behavioural responses to odours. Implications of odour-genes eovariance as a basis for identifying degrees of genetic relatedness of unfamiliar individuals through similarities in individual odours are discussed.
Intracellular localization of sucrose-Phosphate Phosphate in photosynthetic cells of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The intracellular localization of sucrose-phosphate phosphatase (SPP) in photosynthetic cells of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was investigated by using protoplasts isolated directly from leaf tissue. No SPP activity was detected in either vacuolar, chloroplast or mitochondrial preparations. The recovered activity of SPP was found in the cytosolic fractions at proportions parallel with those of the cytoplasmic marker alcohol dehydrogenase. Maximal activity was measured between pH 6. 0 and 7. 0. The data demonstrate a cytosolic location for SPP. Neither sucrose nor any other saccharide tested at 100 mM was a strong inhibitor of the enzyme, which was inactive in the presence of 35 mM ethylenediammetetraacetic acid.
Cytological Investigations on Some North Indian Bicarpellatae

The present investigations have been made on 37 wild species including 76 accessions in 29 genera covering 3 families–Acanthaceae, Lamiaceae and Scrophulariaceae of the Bicarpellatae series of subclass gamopetalae. Chromosome numbers and detailed meiotic course, along with pollen fertility, have been studied for each species on its accession basis. New reports are recorded as B-chromosomes: Ajuga bracteosa (n=32+0–2B), Calamintha clinopodium (n=18+0–1B) and Hemigraphis latebrosa (n=12+0–2B) and Veronica anagallis-aquatica (n=18+2B); varied chromosome counts: Calamintha clinopodium (n=18), Hemigraphis latebrosa (n=12), Justicia diffusa (n=16) and Lindenbergia indica (n=25); euploid cytotypes: Lepidagathis hyalina (n=30) and Veronica persica (n=7). Two species, Veronica persica (n=7, 14) and Veronica anagallis-aquatica (n=18+2B), have been counted for the first time in India. A comparison of morphological characters in the above listed interesting taxa has been made.
The potential application of plant essential oils as natural food preservatives in soft cheese

Abstract Investigations were carried out to assess the efficiency of four plant essential oils; bay, clove, cinnamon and thyme as natural food preservatives. The effect of the plant essential oils at concentrations of 0·1, 0·5 and 1% was studied in low-fat and full-fat soft cheese against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enteritidis at 4° and 10°C respectively, over a 14-day period. The composition of the cheese was shown to be an important factor in determining the effectiveness of the plant essential oils. In the low-fat cheese, all four oils at 1% reduced L. monocytogenes to ≤1·0 log 10 cfu ml −1 . In contrast, in the full-fat cheese, oil of clove was the only oil to achieve this reduction. Oil of thyme proved ineffective against S. enteritidis in the full-fat cheese, yet was equally as effective as the other three oils in the low-fat cheese, reducing S. enteritidis to ≤1·0 log 10 cfu ml −1 from day 4 onwards. It is concluded that selected plant essential oils can act as potent inhibitors of L. monocytogenes and S. enteritidis in a food product.
A participatory evaluation of improved cowpea cultivars in the Guinea and Sudan savanna zones of north east Nigeria

A number of improved varieties have been developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), combining diverse plant type with resistance or tolerance to several diseases, insect pests, and parasitic weeds and possessing other good agronomic traits. Trials were established with farmers to evaluate several new IITA-bred cowpea varieties on-farm in a process of participatory varietal selection. Central to this has been a ‘mother-daughter’ approach with researcher-managed ‘mother’ trials and farmer-managed ‘daughter’ trials in order to combine researchers' and farmers' criteria in evaluation of new varieties. In both set of trials, new varieties IT89KD-391, IT97K-499-35, and IT89KD-288 were favoured by farmers because of their high grain and fodder yields. Farmers have also shown interest in the continuous use of a local variety Kanannado Brown. It is suitable for relay intercropping; having a creeping habit, and the ability to smother weeds. The brown seeds fetch higher market prices. The implications are that improved cowpea varieties should be suitable for relay-intercropping and controlling weeds, be brown in colour, have large grain size, be pest resistant as well as give high yields of grain and fodder. At the same time, it is important that the farmer's criteria should be considered in breeding and varietal selection programmes.
Broiler Breeder Trace Mineral Nutrition and Feeding Practices on Embryo Progeny Development

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of breeder feeding programme, feeder space change from rearing to lay, and trace mineral (TM) source on the development of embryo progeny. Cobb 500 broiler breeders were raised in a blackout pullet house. At 23 weeks, females that represented the body weight (BW) distribution from each pen were transferred to a laying house divided into pens with either same or more feeder space than in rearing. From 14 to 29 weeks, either a late fast or a late slow FP was used. Breeders were fed corn based diets during rearing and lay and from 56 to 62 weeks of age, these diets contained either 100% inorganic TM or an organic TM source to replace 30% of Cu, Zn, and Mn. Embryo BW, residual yolk, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development from 19 to 21 days of incubation were evaluated in 62-weeks-old breeder offspring. Allometric coefficients were determined for each GIT component. All possible interactions of this 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design were evaluated at each embryo age. Results indicated treatment effects on relative weights of GIT organs for only two-way and main effects. Allometric coefficients suggested that progeny of breeders fed diets with 100% inorganic TM or according to late fast (LF) had faster development of gizzard + proventriculus and gut, respectively. In breeder feeding practices and TM nutrition may affect GIT development of embryo progeny.
Changes in Social Values in the United States: 1976–2007

ABSTRACT The list of values (LOV) was administered in a national survey in 2007 to monitor social values across key demographic variables in the United States (Kahle, 1983). The results were compared and contrasted with those in two previous national surveys in 1976 and 1986. This study provides a rare glimpse into the changes in social values in America for the last three decades. We find that deficit values are being replaced by excess values over time in America. This suggests that some of the more traditional advertising approaches that relied on deficit values may need to be replaced by newer tactics that tap into excess values.
Identification and spread of Erwinia amylovora on pear in Turkey.

Diagnostic and pathogenicity tests of two isolates of bacteria from blighted pear trees in Turkey were compared with tests of known isolates of Erwinia amylovora. Turkish isolates formed orange-yellow colonies with deep orange centers and clear margins on modified Miller-Schroth medium; they did not fluoresce under ultraviolet light when grown on King's medium B. Bacterial ooze was produced on immature pear fruit, and susceptible pear shoots were blighted in 6 days. Based on these tests, the two Turkish isolates were positively identified as Erwinia amylovara (.)