Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differentiation through bargaining power in EU–Azerbaijan relations: Baku as a tough negotiator

ABSTRACT Using the case of democracy and human rights promotion, this article examines the concept of “differentiation” in relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union (EU). Post-independence, Azerbaijan increasingly positions itself as a strong and influential actor, demanding more discretion from the EU, based on equal input and interest representation. This article argues that the EU approach remains too unilateral, causing the Azerbaijani government to resist and gain influence through different routes, including lobbying activities. The article concludes that EU policy-making mechanisms could become more differentiated to reflect the political reality of changing power dynamics between the EU and Azerbaijan.
Can drifting invertebrates meet the energy requirements of drift-feeding fish? A Case Study on Galaxias fasciatus

Abstract: Resource availability and quality determine the distribution and community structure of animals in ecosystems. However, the balance between energy supply and energy consumption of species has received little attention because of the difficulty of estimating these factors. We measured the carrying capacity of a stream ecosystem in relation to the metabolic demands of Banded Kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus), a drift-feeding fish, to investigate the proportion of their energy budget met by the supply of their primary prey, drifting invertebrates. We sampled drifting invertebrates from multiple pools in 2 freshwater streams once a month over 1 y and measured their energy content. We used the energy content of individual invertebrates to estimate the total energy available in the form of drifting invertebrates in each pool. We measured fish O2 consumption rate (mg O2 kg1 h1) and converted it to metabolic demand (cal/h). Drifting aquatic invertebrates alone appear to be insufficient to meet Banded Kokopu energetic requirements in most seasons because the fish could obtain up to only 60% of their total energy expenditure from this food source. This result indicates that Banded Kokopu must access other sources of energy, such as benthic food items or terrestrial invertebrate inputs, especially during episodic events, and highlights the potential importance of terrestrial-aquatic exchange and other energetic subsidies. Our results suggest that food supply is likely to limit assemblages of drift-feeding fish and plays a key role in determining the outcome of intraspecific interactions, growth, movement, and the distribution of individuals within streams.
Numerical analysis of settlement and bearing behaviour of piled raft in Babol clay

Piled raft foundations are the composite construction of a spread foundation and a few number of piles that are usually used in soft soils to compensate the weakness of a raft in satisfying the design requirements. Due to the complex behaviour of piled raft, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors such as pile geometry and arrangement, raft thicknesses, soil properties and loading condition in the design. In this study, a parametric study has been conducted by a three-dimensional finite-element method considering the full interaction between the components of piled raft foundation. The underlying soil consists of Babol clay in drained condition with various stiffness and plasticity, determined from the results of a geotechnical investigation. The results of numerical analyses show that the bearing capacity of piled raft obviously increases with increasing pile length, pile spacing and raft thickness, especially in stiff clay. The effect of load type is more significant for the differential settlement and pile loads than other parameters. Finally, the advantages of using an optimum design method are examined in a special case of analyses and a case history.
Extração de Alimento por Cosmoclopius nigroannulatus Stål (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) de Ninfas de Spartocera dentiventris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Coreidae)

The food extraction by Cosmoclopius nigroannulatus Stal from first-instar nymphs of Spartocera dentiventris (Berg) was evaluated. The experiment was conducted in laboratory. Ten newly emerged and individualized adults of each sex were used, for each of the five quantities of prey tested (5.1; 14.7; 29.8; 36.6; 44.8 mg, for males and 5.5; 14.7; 31.1; 37.4; 48.5 mg for females). During five days, the weight of the adults, the total amount of nymphs consumed and the weight of the remaining nymphs, the time spent to ingest the food, estimating the amount and the proportion of food extracted from each nymph, the amount extracted per minute, the remaining food, and the relative consumption rate were measured every 24h. For both sexes, there was an increase in the total consumption of nymphs, in the mean weight of the predator, in the remaining food and in the relative consumption rate, with increase of the amount of food and a decrease in the proportion of total consumption, the food quantity, the proportion extracted per prey and the amount of food extracted per minute. The total consumption and food quantity extracted per prey were 29.8 mg and e 31.1 mg, respectively, for males and for females. There was no correlation between time of ingestion and number of nymphs. Females consumed and gained more weight than males, ingesting more quickly. Our findings suggest that the feeding behavior of predator is directly related to the quantity of prey available.
Stereological and electron microscopic study on the internal organization of the urinary secretory units in three species of birds

Quantitative analysis of the kidney was undertaken in three species of bird: domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus), house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and domestic pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica). The volume and surface area of the renal components were measured. The fine structure of the proximal convoluted tubules showed intercellular spaces that were occupied by interdigitating folds at the basolateral membrane level. The distal tubules showed microvilli in the apical basement membrane into the tubular lumen. Microscopic study revealed that the domestic fowl had a greater volume of cortical tissue in the kidney compared with the other two species; this bird also had a greater medullary tissue volume than the other species. The volume and surface area of the renal corpuscles and proximal and distal convoluted tubules in the cortex were highest in the domestic fowl and lowest in the house sparrow. The volume and surface area of the proximal tubules, thin and thick limbs of the loop of Henle, and collecting ducts were lowest in the house sparrow, while the domestic pigeon had slightly higher values for these parameters. Blood capillaries in the domestic fowl had the greatest volume and surface area in the cortex and medulla. This study suggests that the volume and surface area in structural elements of the renal nephron in these birds play an important role in the concentration of urine.
Complete amino acid sequence of Bombyx egg-specific protein deduced from cDNA clone

Complementary (c)DNA coding for an insect yolk protein, the egg-specific protein of the silkworm Bombyx mori was cloned and the nucleotide sequence determined. The sequence covers the entire coding region of 1,677 base pairs with 5′ and 3′ noncoding regions (21 and 115 base pairs, respectively). The deduced amino acid sequence of the egg-specific protein consists of 559 amino acid residues. The NH2-terminal 18 amino acid sequence is enriched in hydrophobic amino acids and assumed to be a signal peptide. A sequence, Asn-X-Thr, a potential N-linked glycosylation site, is found at positions 191 to 193. A serine-rich domain is localized in the region from 63 to 90, in which phosphorylation takes place. Cys His motif in 405 to 415 is analogous to a proposed metal binding sequence. Lys132-Asn133 and Arg228-Asp229 are probably the sites cleaved by the egg-specific protein protease that appears during embryogenesis. The derived amino acid sequence has no appreciable homology to other sequenced proteins.
Roles of the vacuolar H+-PPase in seed storage oil mobilization and plant development

Summary: Plant development has been evaluated at various developmental stages, from the early steps of embryogenesis to flowering. In most reports, transcription factors have been thought to play a master regulatory role in the complex networks orchestrating organogenesis. Although these efforts have increased our understanding of several major developmental pathways, our understanding of the relationships between metabolism and development remains limited. Recently, we identified a straightforward relationship linking carbohydrate metabolism and organogenesis. We found that plant development, particularly the reactivation of cell cycling after germination and the transition from heterotrophic to autotrophic growth, are highly dependent on sucrose availability. In the case of Arabidopsis thaliana , an oilseed species, we characterized the importance of cytosolic inorganic pyrophosphate hydrolysis for the success of the above transition and appropriate execution of postembryonic developmental programs. While this unprecedented and unique discovery has addressed fundamental issues concerning the biological role of the proton-pyrophosphatase (H + -PPase), it has also raised questions regarding the link between metabolism and development. Here, we summarize our present knowledge of key steps in the mobilization of storage lipids and their impact together with H + -PPase during the heterotrophic-autotrophic growth transition.
THE BIOELECTRIC POTENTIALS OF PLANTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE: IV. CHANGES IN THE RATE OF WATER ABSORPTION IN EXCISED STEMS OF ACER SACCHARUM INDUCED BY APPLIED ELECTROMOTIVE FORCES: THE "FLUSHING EFFECT"

Experiments on excised stems of maple (Acer saccharum Marsh) in the winter and growing states have shown that artificial flow through open channels can alter the existing biopotential and thus produce local streaming potentials. On the other hand, artificially applied voltages could produce two effects: a small and temporary disturbance in flow which appeared to be electroosmotic in nature and direction: a sudden large surge of flow into the stem after prolonged electrical stimulation of up to 45,000 mv. The latter effect was called "flushing" and only occurred in young green stems which had previously been well exposed to sunlight. Artificial guttation was found to be associated with flushing.
α-Synuclein Expression Modulates Microglial Activation Phenotype

Recent Parkinson's disease research has focused on understanding the function of the cytosolic protein, α-synuclein, and its contribution to disease mechanisms. Within neurons, α-synuclein is hypothesized to have a role in regulating synaptic plasticity, vesicle release, and trafficking. In contrast, glial-expressed α-synuclein remains poorly described. Here, we examine the consequence of a loss of α-synuclein expression on microglial activation. Using a postnatal brain-derived culture system, we defined the phenotype of microglia from wild-type and knock-out α-synuclein mice (Scna−/−). Scna−/− microglia displayed a basally increased reactive phenotype compared with the wild-type cells and an exacerbated reactive phenotype after stimulation. They also exhibited dramatic morphologic differences compared with wild-type, presenting as large, ramified cells filled with vacuole-like structures. This corresponded with increased protein levels of activation markers, CD68 and β1 integrin, in the Scna−/− cells. More importantly, Scna−/− microglia, after stimulation, secreted elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNFα (tumor necrosis factor α) and IL-6 (interleukin-6), compared with wild type. However, despite the reactive phenotype, Scna−/− cells had impaired phagocytic ability. We demonstrate for the first time that α-synuclein plays a critical role in modulating microglial activation state. We suggest that altered microglial α-synuclein expression will affect their phenotype as has already been demonstrated in neurons. This has direct ramifications for the contribution of microglia to the pathophysiology of disease, particularly in familial cases linked to altered α-synuclein expression.
Exigências de triptofano e padrão de recuperação do desempenho de poedeiras comerciais após alimentação com rações deficientes em triptofano

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the tryptophan (Trp) requirements and the recovery performance pattern of laying hens fed Trp-deficient diets. One hundred sixty Hisex White commercial laying hens were randomly distributed in five Trp levels in the diets (0.13, 0.15, 0.17, 0.19 and 0.21% ) with eight replicates of four birds. The laying hens remained for two weeks in adaptation (51 to 52 weeks), for six weeks for evaluation of Trp requirements (53 to 58 weeks) and for four weeks for the determination of the recovery performance pattern (59 to 62 weeks). Egg production and egg mass were impaired when laying hens were fed diets containing 0.13% of Trp, however, the performance was recovered after one week of feeding under a diet containing 0.21% of this amino acid. Internal egg quality was not influenced by the Trp levels studied (intake among 137.1 to 228.0 of Trp mg/day). Tryptophan requirements ranged from 161 to 188 mg/ay, depending on the characteristics evaluated (egg production or egg mass) and the regression model applied (polynomial, exponential or broken line).
Distribution of Caribou and Wolves in Relation to Linear Corridors

Linear corridors (roads, trails, seismic lines, and pipeline corridors) have been hypothesized to increase human harvest and predation pressure on woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We tested the hypothesis that linear corridors affect caribou and wolf activities by examining the distribution of 2.616 telemetry locations of caribou. 27 caribou mortality sites. 592 telemetry locations of wolves (Canis lupus), and 76 sites where wolves had preyed on large ungulates relative to linear corridors in caribou range and well-drained sit in northeastern Alberta. Of the 98 radiocollared caribou. 35 were significantly further than random from corridors and only 3 were significantly closer. The mean difference between caribou and random locations (10G m) was significantly different from zero. Within caribou range, wolf locations were closer (154 m) than random to linear corridors. Wolf predation sites were not significantly closer to corridors than were wolf locations on random points. Caribou mortalities attributed to wolf predation were closer (316 m) to linear corridors that were live locations from all caribou, indicating that caribou that are close to linear corridors are at a higher risk of depredation. Each caribou mortality attributed to wolf predation was closer to a corridor than their telemetry locations while alive (mean difference = 204 m). Caribou mortalities caused by humans were 174 m closer to corridors than all live caribou locations, however this difference was not significant. Increased industrial activity in caribou range could have a significant effect on caribou population dynamics by increasing predation. The development of new corridors within caribou habitat should be minimized and existing corridors should be made insuitable as travel routes to reduce the impacts of industrial development on caribou populations.
A citrus extract plus ascorbic acid decreases lipids, lipid peroxides, lipoprotein oxidative susceptibility, and atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic hamsters

A citrus extract containing flavonoids and ascorbic acid was used as a supplement to investigate its effect on lipids in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Ascorbic acid or the flavonoids were without effect except that ascorbate did significantly raise HDL. After 1 month of feeding, the citrus extract plus ascorbic acid synergistically caused a significant reduction of 77%, 66%, and 40% in plasma total cholesterol, LDL + VLDL, and triglycerides, respectively, in comparison to the control group. The extract was also a synergistic inhibitor of in vitro cupric ion LDL + VLDL oxidation compared with ascorbic acid or the flavonoids alone. In a second 10-week hamster study, citrus extract plus ascorbate also significantly lowered plasma lipids, lipid peroxides, and ex vivo LDL + VLDL oxidizability vs a control group. Citrus extract plus ascorbate strongly inhibited atherosclerosis, and there was a significant correlation between several indices of oxidative susceptibility and atherosclerosis. Keywords: Lipids; ath.
Human contributions to terrestrial nitrogen flux

This article assesses the sources and fates of anthropogenic fixed nitrogen. Anthropogenic nitrogen from most sources comes together in the common pathways of the agricultural food chain. The topics covered in this article include the following: inputs of newly fixed nitrogen; nitrogen flow in agriculture; calculating production of plant nitrogen; calculating consumption of nitrogen; harvests and grazing and the effect on nitrogen; nitrogen flow through livestock; net trade; nitrogen flows in regions of the United States; riverine discharges. 51 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.
Pea-oat intercrops are superior to pea-wheat and pea-barley intercrops

Abstract A three-year field experiment was conducted in Estonia to determine which combinations of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum distichon L.) were most suitable for mixed cultivation and the effect of pea on the yield potential of cereals. The inclusion of pea in cereal seeds and the increasing of its seed density led to substantial decreases in the grain yields of the cereal component. The reason for these decreases was the formation of smaller grains in cereals when intercropped with pea. The inclusion of pea in a cereal crop and the increasing of its seed density led to substantial increases in the protein content of the cereal grains. In barley and oats the increases in grain protein content were the lowest of the three cereals. At the same time, the maximum protein yield per area unit in cereals was obtained from plots of pure crops. In a mix with pea, the amounts of nitrogen consumed by cereals decreased and the protein yield of cereals per area unit were reduced in intercrops. Pea-cereal mixes had an advantage over cereal sole crops with regard to protein yield, due to the pea component. Pea-cereal mixes are particularly suitable for the conditions of organic farming, and should be recommended to farmers, as they ensure a relatively good harvest and high protein yield on soil without nitrogen fertilizers. In conclusion, the study showed that, of the three combinations, pea-oat mixed intercrops gave the highest yield of grain and protein yields.
Relative Success of Divergent Pathways in Amphisbaenian Specialization

One of the basic questions in the study of adaptive radiations asks what determines the success of the individual species. Attempts to answer this interesting and important question obtain impetus from the observation that diverse lines of even a small radiation differ in the number of species. The several component species again differ in terms of the geographical area each occupies, as well as in the population density within this. Number of species, area occupied, and population density may perhaps be considered indicators of a kind of evolutionary "success," though only for a particular time level. Members of a given radiation will often show degrees of modification for a particular behavior pattern or mode of life-history. Frequently it is observed that those members that seemingly share the most advanced specializations have more restricted distributions than do other, seemingly more generalized, species. To this observation is related the complication that conditions which might, on a priori grounds, be described as equivalent terminal specializations in divergent sequences often have led to extremely different distributional success. Examples of each of these situations were noted during a review of the geographical distribution of the various amphisbaenians, a small but apparently very old radiation of squamate reptiles into the subterranean habitat. For references to other papers and comments on the nomenclature of the group see Gans (1967a). Table 1 gives a classification for the animals mentioned here. The present paper attempts to derive some generalities from the patterns observed in order to expose them to test. It forms one of the outgrowths of a continuing study of the biology of burrowing reptiles supported by National Science Foundation grant GB 6521X. I am deeply grateful to the many friends who have furnished specimens for study or have permitted me to cite their unpublished observations. T. Frazzetta, A. S. Gaunt, F. Gehlbach, T. S. Parsons, H. I. Rosenberg, and Miss Anne Whiting provided useful comments on the manuscript.
Papilionoidea e Hesperioidea (Lepidoptera) do Parque Estadual do Morro do Diabo, Teodoro Sampaio, São Paulo, Brasil

426 butterfly species were sampled on six field-trips to Morro do Diabo and are listed with their dates of capture and where they are recorded. A variety of collecting methods was used, including standard insect nets and traps. Adult butterflies were attracted to many substances, including, wet sand, bird droppings, excrement and decaying fruits and animais. The results were compared with anothers richest butterfly communities. The following taxonomic changes are included: Pyrrhopyge aziza subnubilus Hayward, 1935 nom. rev., stat. nov., comb. rcv. ; Telemiades meris meris (Plotz, 1886) sp. rev.; Quadrus u-lucida mimus (Mabille & Boullet, 1917) nom. rev., stat. nov., Peba verames (Schaus, 1902) sp. rev., comb.n. ; Peba striata Mielke, 1968, syn. nov. of Peba verames. Zonia zonia diabo ssp.n. is described.
Aggressiveness and host specificity of Brazilian isolates of Phytophthora infestans

The population of Phytophthora infestans in Brazil consists of two clonal lineages, US-1 associated with tomatoes and BR-1 associated with potatoes. To assess whether host specificity in these lineages resulted from differences in aggressiveness to potato and tomato, six aggressiveness-related epidemiological components – infection frequency (IF), incubation period (IP), latent period (LP), lesion area (LA), lesion expansion rate (LER) and sporulation at several lesion ages (SSLA) – were measured on detached leaflets of late blight-susceptible potato and tomato plants. Infection frequency of US-1 was similar on potato and tomato leaflets, but IF of BR-1 was somewhat reduced on tomato. Incubation period was longer on both hosts with US-1, although this apparent lineage affect was not significant. Overall there was no host effect on IP. On potato, BR-1 had a shorter LP (110·3 h) and a larger LA (6·5 cm2) than US-1 (LP = 162·0 h; LA = 2·8 cm2). The highest LER resulted when isolates of BR-1 (0·121 cm2 h−1) and US-1 (0·053 cm2 h−1) were inoculated on potato and tomato leaflets, respectively. The highest values of the area under the sporulation capacity curve (AUSC) were obtained for isolates of US-1 inoculated on tomato leaflets (6146) and for isolates of BR-1 on potato leaflets (3775). In general, higher values of LA, LER, SSLA and AUSC, and shorter values of LP were measured when isolates of a clonal lineage were inoculated on their original host than with the opposite combinations. There is evidence that there are quantitative differences in aggressiveness components between isolates of US-1 and BR-1 clonal lineages that probably contribute to host specificity of P. infestans populations in Brazil.