Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Amyloid P Component and C-Reactive Protein Opsonize Apoptotic Cells for Phagocytosis through Fcγ Receptors

Abstract Serum amyloid P component (SAP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are opsonins that react with nuclear autoantigens targeted in systemic autoimmunity. CRP and SAP bind to apoptotic and necrotic cells, which are potential sources of these autoantigens. We have recently determined that the receptors for CRP on phagocytic cells are Fcγ receptors. The goal of this study was to determine whether CRP and SAP promote phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and to identify the receptors involved. Apoptosis was induced in human neutrophils (PMN) and the Jurkat T-cell line by UV-irradiation. SAP treatment of apoptotic human PMN increased ingestion by autologous macrophages. Both SAP and CRP increased ingestion of apoptotic, but not normal Jurkat cells by J-774 macrophages and mouse peritoneal macrophages. Neither SAP nor CRP increased ingestion of apoptotic Jurkat cells by macrophages from FcR γ-chain deficient mice, which lack FcγRI and FcγRIII. Inhibition of FcγRIII-mediated uptake using mAb 2.4G2 eliminated opsonization by SAP, but not by CRP. These results indicate that pentraxins promote uptake of apoptotic cells through FcγRI and/or FcγRIII. Ingestion through these receptors is expected to alter the pattern of cytokine production and antigen presentation in response to apoptotic cells.
Nonlethal estimation of proximate composition in fish

The need to precisely measure growth is a common denominator in many fisheries studies, but growth measures other than total masses or lengths are nearly nonexistent because more precise measurements such as body composition analysis are often too difficult and time consuming. Here, we present a means of estimating body composition in fish quickly, and after validation, without the need to sacrifice the animal. Models built with brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were linear with strong validation group relationships (R2 > 0.96) for composition parameters including water, protein, fat, fat-free, and dry masses. Subject responses to bioelectrical impedance analysis were minimal, with only slight bruising (p 0.86), suggesting that more general relationships may exist. Nonlethal estimation of body composition using bi.
Assessment of Regional Aerosol Radiative Effects under SWAAMI Campaign – PART 2: Clear-sky Direct Shortwave Radiative Forcing using Multi-year Assimilated Data

Abstract. Clear-sky, direct shortwave Aerosol Radiative Forcing (ARF) has been estimated over the Indian region, for the first time employing multi-year (2009–2013) gridded, assimilated aerosol products. The aerosol datasets have been constructed following statistical assimilation of concurrent data from a dense network of ground-based observatories, and multi-satellite products, as described in Part-1 of this two-part paper. The ARF, thus estimated, are assessed for their superiority or otherwise over other ARF estimates based on satellite-retrieved aerosol products, over the Indian region, by comparing the radiative fluxes (upward) at Top of Atmosphere (TOA) estimated using assimilated products with spatio-temporally matched radiative flux values provided by CERES (Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System) Single Scan Footprint (SSF) product. This clearly demonstrated improved accuracy of the forcing estimates using the assimilated vis-a-vis satellite-based aerosol datasets; at regional, sub-regional and seasonal scales. The regional distribution of diurnally averaged ARF estimates has revealed (a) significant differences from similar estimates made using currently available satellite data, not only in terms of magnitude but also sign of TOA forcing; (b) largest magnitudes of surface cooling and atmospheric warming over IGP and arid regions from north-western India; and (c) negative TOA forcing over most parts of the Indian region, except for three sub-regions – the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP), north-western India and eastern parts of peninsular India where the TOA forcing changes to positive during pre-monsoon season. Aerosol induced atmospheric warming rates, estimated using the assimilated data, demonstrate substantial spatial heterogeneities (~ 0.2 to 2.0 K day−1) over the study domain with the IGP demonstrating relatively stronger atmospheric heating rates (~ 0.6 to 2.0 K day−1). There exists a strong seasonality as well; with atmospheric warming being highest during pre-monsoon and lowest during winter seasons. It is to be noted that the present ARF estimates demonstrate substantially smaller uncertainties than their satellite counterparts, which is a natural consequence of reduced uncertainties in assimilated vis-a-vis satellite aerosol properties. The results demonstrate the potential application of the assimilated datasets and ARF estimates for improving accuracies of climate impact assessments at regional and sub-regional scales.
Spatial variation in shape of otoliths for southern garfish Hyporhamphus melanochir – Contribution to stock structure

Abstract Otolith morphometrics and shape analyses were used to delineate the sub-population structure and determine the level of mixing of southern garfish in South Australian waters. Adult garfish from the 2+ age class were collected from three sites within each of six regions along the South Australian coast: Northern Gulf St Vincent, Southwest Gulf St Vincent, Kangaroo Island, Northern Spencer Gulf, Southern Spencer Gulf and the West Coast of Eyre Peninsula. This study adopted a multi-stage statistical approach exploring the spatial variation in gross otolith morphology and through elliptical Fourier analysis separately, and in combination, over both broad (regional) and fine (site) spatial scales. Stepwise discriminant function analysis revealed significant separation across both spatial scales; however, overall classification success of garfish to their site of capture was poor (<45%). Despite this, the results indicated some level of structuring within South Australia's southern garfish population, as fish were correctly classified at rates that were 32% better than would be expected by chance. At least six putative regional components with various levels of intermixing were detected based on differences in otolith shape. This result refines the spatial resolution of the fishery and consequently highlights the vulnerability of these regional components to localized depletion, particularly as the resource is currently considered to be over-exploited.
Comparative ultrastructural studies of the epidermis, sperm and nerve fibres of Cleistogamia longicirrus and Seritia stichopi (RhabdocoeIa, UmagiIIidae)

The epidermis of Cleistogamia longicirrus consists of columnar, interdigitated cells with apical mitochondria, short microvilli and cilia which have a single horizontal rootlet anchored in the adjacent cytoplasm by transverse bars and a thin side branch. Cells are held together by desmosomes and intermediary junctions. Epidermal cilia have a terminal, electron dense rod between the central microtubules and doublet 1 and a terminal plate; doublets 1 and 6–9 lose one of their microtubules and gradually all doublets lose one microtubule and peripheral doublets disappear. Spermatozoa have a single closed peripheral row of microtubules, numerous electron dense granules and mitochondria and axonemes are of the 9 +“1” type and free for most of their length. Nerve fibres have microtubules and some nerve fibres are surrounded by lamellae and have invaginations of the fibre wall. The epidermis of Seritia stichopi resembles that of Cleistogamia, but cilia have a single horizontal rootlet anchored by transverse bars in the cytoplasm, without a side branch. Spermatozoa also are similar to those of Cleistogamia. Certain ultrastructural similarities between some Umagillidae and Neodermata are apparently due to convergent evolution and do not allow the conclusion that Umagillidae and Neodermata are particularly closely related.
Evaluating Dominant Land Use/Land Cover Changes and Predicting Future Scenario in a Rural Region Using a Memoryless Stochastic Method

The present study used the official Portuguese land use/land cover (LULC) maps (Carta de Uso e Ocupação do Solo, COS) from 1995, 2007, 2010, 2015, and 2018 to quantify, visualize, and predict the spatiotemporal LULC transitions in the Beja district, a rural region in the southeast of Portugal, which is experiencing marked landscape changes. Here, we computed the conventional transition matrices for in-depth statistical analysis of the LULC changes that have occurred from 1995 to 2018, providing supplementary statistics regarding the vulnerability of inter-class transitions by focusing on the dominant signals of change. We also investigated how the LULC is going to move in the future (2040) based on matrices of current states using the Discrete-Time Markov Chain (DTMC) model. The results revealed that, between 1995 and 2018, about 28% of the Beja district landscape changed. Particularly, croplands remain the predominant LULC class in more than half of the Beja district (in 2018 about 64%). However, the behavior of the inter-class transitions was significantly different between periods, and explicitly revealed that arable land, pastures, and forest were the most dynamic LULC classes. Few dominant (systematic) signals of change during the 1995–2018 period were observed, highlighting the transition of arable land to permanent crops (5%) and to pastures (2.9%), and the transition of pastures to forest (3.5%) and to arable land (2.7%). Simulation results showed that about 25% of the territory is predicted to experience major LULC changes from arable land (−3.81%), permanent crops (+2.93%), and forests (+2.60%) by 2040.
Few fish but many fishers: a case study of shore-based recreational angling in a major South African estuarine port

Richards Bay is a subtropical estuary that has been extensively dredged to accommodate one of Africa's largest commercial ports. In the non-commercial areas of the harbour, shore-based angling is a popular recreational activity, but little is known about the anglers or their catches. Using a roving creel survey over 12 months, 3 765 shore-anglers were checked for catch and fishing effort information and a further 603 shore-anglers were interviewed using a detailed questionnaire. Fishing effort was higher on weekends (119 anglers per count) than during the week (37 anglers per count). The total annual fishing effort expended by shore-anglers in Richards Bay Harbour was estimated to be 69 064 angler-outings. Mean catch per unit effort was very low at only 0.064 fish angler−1 h−1 or 0.030 kg angler−1 h−1, and total retained catch was estimated to be about 8.5 t y−1. Although 78% of the total catch was released (because the fish were undesirable species or too small), Pomadasys commersonnii (23%) was the most commonly targeted and retained species. The questionnaire survey indicated that anglers made an average of 38.7 fishing outings per year. Most participants in the fishery were employed in port-related industries and their annual expenditure in terms of bait, travel and equipment was considerable. They indicated that recreation was the primary motivation for their fishing trips and the high numbers of adult females and children recorded during the survey confirmed the importance of the harbour as a recreational asset for the community. Several considerations pertinent to continued sustainability of the fishery and management thereof are discussed.
Growth and physiological acclimation to temperature and inorganic carbon availability by two submerged aquatic macrophyte species, Callitriche cophocarpa and Elodea canadensis

1. Interactive effects of temperature and inorganic carbon availability on photosynthetic acclimation and growth of two submerged macrophyte species, Elodea canadensis and Callitriche cophocarpa, were examined to test the hypotheses that: (1) effects of temperature on growth rate and photosynthetic acclimation are suppressed under low inorganic carbon availability; (2) the plants compensate for the reduction in activity of individual enzymes at lower temperatures by increasing the activity per unit plant mass, here exemplified by Rubisco. The experiments were performed in the laboratory where plants were grown in a factorial combination of three temperatures (7–25 °C) and three inorganic carbon regimes. 2. The relative growth rate of both species was strongly affected by growth conditions and increased by up to 4·5 times with increased temperature and inorganic carbon availability. The sensitivity to inorganic carbon was greatest at high temperature and the sensitivity to temperature greatest at high carbon concentrations. 3. Photosynthetic acclimation occurred in response to growth conditions for both species. The affinity for inorganic carbon and the photosynthetic capacity, both measured at 15 °C, increased with reduced inorganic carbon availability during growth and were greater at warmer than at cooler growth temperature. The acclimative change in photosynthesis was related to the extent of temperature and inorganic carbon stress. Using data for Elodea, a negative relationship between degree of temperature stress and photosynthetic performance was found. In relation to inorganic carbon, a linear increase in CO2 affinity and photosynthetic capacity was found with increased inorganic carbon stress during growth. 4. The total Rubisco activity declined with increased inorganic carbon availability during growth and with enhanced growth temperature. In addition, the activation state of Rubisco was higher at cooler than at warmer temperatures for Callitriche. This suggests that low-temperature grown plants compensate for the temperature-dependent reduction in activity of the individual Rubisco molecules by enhancing resource allocations towards Rubisco.
Comments on the identity of Neoseiulus californicus sensu lato (Acari: Phytoseiidae) with a redescription of this species from southern China

Abstract The identity of Neoseiulus californicus sensu lato is reviewed and its polymorphic nature in published descriptions is discussed. Some mistakes in previous redescriptions of this species are clarified by studying the voucher specimens. A new strain of this species was discovered from Eriobotrya japonica in Dinghushan National Nature Reserve, Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, southern China, and both adult male and female of this population are redescribed. Previous records of N. californicus and N. fallacis in China are reviewed. Preanal glands are described for the first time for a phytoseiid species. World distribution records for N. californicus sensu lato are reviewed, with extension of its range to southern China and Australia/Oceania.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A cDNA ENCODING GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE FROM THE MARINE DIATOM SKELETONEMA COSTATUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)

A cDNA‐encoding glutamine synthetase (GS) was isolated from the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum (Greville) Cleve by PCR amplification. Nucleic acid and deduced amino acid sequences of the diatom GS were greater than 50% identical to GS from green algae and vascular plants, and phylogenetic analysis established the diatom GS as a member of the GSII gene family. The presence of an N‐terminus signal sequence, identified on the basis of sequence similarity with other chloroplast‐localized proteins from diatoms, suggests that the encoded GS isoenzyme is localized to the chloroplast. The GS mRNA was present in log‐phase cells grown with either nitrate or ammonium as the sole added nitrogen source. Results from Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA suggested that the cDNA isolated in this study was either a member of a small, highly conserved gene family or that there was allelic variation within the region examined. Phylogenetic analyses further indicated that genes encoding GS from the diatom and two species of green algae diverged prior to the gene duplication, to the isoenzymes in vascular plants, supporting the hypothesis that GS isoenzymes in diatoms, green algae, and vascular plants arose through independent evolutionary events.
Microtagging cultured lobsters, Homarus gammarus (L.), for stock enhancement trials

The adaptation of proprietary fish-tagging equipment for tagging small lobsters, Homarus gammarus (L.) (9–15mm carapace length), with internal microware tags is described. Tag retention was 85–100% as the animals grew through up to 22–29 moults (90–102mm carapace length) in captivity. Claw loss during handling was reduced from 4% lo less than 1% at a tagging rate of 240 lobsters per has experience was gained.
A Novel Physics-Based Approach to Analyze and Model E-Mode p-GaN Power HEMTs

In this article, a physics-based analytical model which considers the channel charge (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {Q}}_{{\mathrm {ch}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) for enhancement-mode p-GaN power high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) is developed. First, by considering the same dynamic channel charge (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {dQ}}_{{\mathrm {ch}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) for the Schottky/p-GaN junction capacitance (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {C}}_{{\mathrm {j,Sch}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) and the p-i-n-junction capacitance (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {C}}_{{\mathrm {p-i-n}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), due to the p-GaN/AlGaN junction and two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) charge, the analytical formula to calculate the voltage drop in the p-GaN layer (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {V}}_{{\mathrm {pGaN}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) is presented. Second, by implementing the analytical formulae in the advanced SPICE model (ASM) GaN model, the proposed physics-based model reliably fits the measured <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${C}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{{\mathrm {D}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{{\mathrm {G}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> characteristics of the samples under different processing conditions. This provides significant insight regarding the Mg concentration, the voltage drop at the Schottky metal/p-GaN junction (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {V}}_{{\mathrm {j,Sch}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), and the voltage drop at the p-GaN/AlGaN junction (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathrm {V}}_{{\mathrm {p-i-n}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). Finally, the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{{\mathrm {D}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{{\mathrm {G}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{{\mathrm {D}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{{\mathrm {D}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> characteristics of enhancement-mode p-GaN power HEMTs are modeled, displaying good agreement with the experimental data.
Spatial graphs highlight how multi‐generational dispersal shapes landscape genetic patterns

Current approaches that compare spatial genetic structure of a given species and the dispersal of its mobile phase can detect a mismatch between both patterns mainly due to processes acting at different temporal scales. Genetic structure result from gene flow and other evolutionary and demographic processes over many generations, while dispersal predicted from the mobile phase often represents solely one generation on a single time-step. In this study, we present a spatial graph approach to landscape genetics that extends connectivity networks with a stepping-stone model to represent dispersal between suitable habitat patches over multiple generations. We illustrate the approach with the case of the striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus in the Mediterranean Sea. The genetic connectivity of M. surmuletus was not correlate with the estimated dispersal probability over one generation, but with the stepping-stone estimate of larval dispersal, revealing the temporal scale of connectivity across the Mediterranean Sea. Our results highlight the importance of considering multiple generations and different time scales when relating demographic and genetic connectivity. The spatial graph of genetic distances further untangles intra-population genetic structure revealing the Siculo-Tunisian Strait as an important corridor rather than a barrier for gene flow between the Western- and Eastern Mediterranean basins, and identifying Mediterranean islands as important stepping-stones for gene flow between continental populations. Our approach can be easily extended to other systems and environments.
Influence of Water Deficit on Iron and Zinc Uptake by Matricaria chamomilla L.

La deficiencia de hierro y zinc es un factor limitante de la produccion con grandes implicaciones para produccion de cultivo en terreno en muchas regiones agricolas del mundo como fuentes esenciales de Fe y Zn en dietas para humanos y animales. Para evaluar captacion de Fe y Zn por manzanilla (Matricaria chamomilla L.) cultivada en varias condiciones de sequia, se realizaron dos experimentos bajo condiciones de invernadero. Los tratamientos fueron distribuidos en cuatro regimenes de riego (95, 80, 65, y 50% capacidad de campo) con cinco replicaciones y seis interrupciones del riego (formacion de tallo, inicio de floracion, floracion completa, primera cosecha, segunda cosecha, y sin interrupcion) con cuatro repeticiones basadas en diseno de bloques completos al azar en Experimentos 1 y 2, respectivamente. En Experimento 1, los regimenes de riego no tuvieron efecto significativo en captacion de Fe y Zn por la manzanilla alcanzando una media total de Fe (39.68 mg kg-1) y Zn (29.15 mg kg-1). En Experimento 2, la mas alta cantidad de Fe (39.0 mg kg-1) se obtuvo de interrupcion de riego en primera cosecha, similar a los resultados de interrupcion de riego en inicio de floracion y floracion completa. Pero, la interrupcion del riego en formacion de tallo (21.3 mg kg-1), segunda cosecha (12.95 mg kg-1) y control (7.79 mg kg-1) tuvo una tendencia a reducir la captacion de Fe. El valor maximo de Zn (40.0 mg kg-1) se obtuvo de interrupcion del riego en estado de floracion completa, lo cual tambien fue similar a la interrupcion en inicio de floracion y formacion de tallo. Sin embargo, interrupciones de riego posteriores, en primera y segunda cosechas redujeron la captacion de Zn en manzanilla. Por lo tanto, los menores valores de Zn se obtuvieron con interrupcion de riego en segunda cosecha (5.0 mg kg-1) y control (5.5 mg kg-1). Las regresiones entre captacion de Fe o Zn y riego mostraron una funcion binominal.
ADT 53- Short duration high yielding fine grain rice variety for kuruvai /Kodai seasons of Tamil Nadu

The rice variety ADT 53 (AD07073) is a short duration culture (110-115 days) which was released during 2019 by TNAU for Kuruvai/ Kodai/ Navarai season of Tamil Nadu. This variety was evolved through pedigree breeding from the cross ADT 43 / JGL 384. It has non-lodging compact plant type with well exerted compact panicle. The variety recorded an average grain yield of 6334 kg/ha in 242 trials which are 9.4 per cent higher than ADT 43 (5788 kg/ha in 112days) and 14.0 per cent over CO 51 (5562 kg/ha in 112 days). The culture had shown a resistance reaction to leaf folder and moderately resistant to brown spot, blast diseases and rot under field condition. The variety ADT 53 possesses a medium slender grain with a 1000 grain weight of 14.8 grams. It has 65 per cent milling outturn and good cooking quality parameters like a soft gel consistency, moderate amylose and gelatinization temperature.