Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breeding for resistance: breeding for Plum pox virus resistant plums (Prunus domestica L.) in Germany

Dans les programmes allemands d'amelioration des pruniers, de nouvelles varietes tolerantes au Plum pox virus (PPV) ont ete initialement obtenues en selectionnant des hybrides provenant de croisements entre des anciennes varietes tolerantes alors qu'ensuite, des varietes tolerantes a la sharka obtenues a Cacak, Serbie, ont ete utilisees comme parents pour les croisements. Les varietes obtenues par ces programmes ont remplace les varietes sensibles dans toutes les regions infectees par la sharka en Allemagne. Alors que toutes les nouvelles varietes tolerantes peuvent etre infectees par le virus, les symptomes sur les fruits sont acceptables. Cependant, les facteurs environnementaux peuvent affaiblir la plante, ce qui les fait davantage souffrir des infections par le PPV et fait apparaitre des symptomes pires sur les fruits, comme cela s'est produit recemment lors d'annees tres chaudes et seches. Un programme de selection a l'Universite de Hohenheim s'attaque a ce probleme avec des genotypes qui montrent une reponse d'hypersensibilite apres infection. Ces genotypes sont completement resistants aux PPV au champ, restant indemnes car le virus ne peut pas leur etre transmis par les pucerons. Ils sont capables d'isoler le virus apres infection. La premiere variete hypersensible est 'Jojo'. De nombreux plants provenant de croisements avec au moins un parent hypersensible sont en cours d'evaluation. Comme l'heredite du caractere 'hypersensibilite contre le PPV'est tres bonne, la combinaison de l'hypersensibilite avec une excellente qualite du fruit et une bonne capacite culturale sera bientot possible. En 2005, un programme d'amelioration pour des genotypes hypersensibles de Prunus a commence a l'Universite Technique de Munich.
Family Pilargidae (Polychaeta): new distributional ranges and a new record for the Chilean coast

Se revisan las especies de Pilargidae de la costa de Chile a partir de especimenes recolectados en fondos blandos sublitorales, entre 16 y 68 m de profundidad, en tres localidades del extremo norte del pais, y se complementa con informacion bibliografica. Se reconocen 5 generos y seis especies incluyendo un nuevo registro para la fauna de Chile, Parandalia fauveli. Se incluye sinonimia, caracteres diagnosticos, distribucion geografica e ilustraciones para cada especie. De las especies recolectadas se entregan, ademas, valores de abundancia y biomasa asi como tambien valores de granulometria y contenido de materia organica de los sedimentos que habitan. La presencia de Pilargis berkeleyae y Sigambra bassi, en el material recolectado, permite extender sus rangos de distribucion hacia el norte de Chile desde aproximadamente 35-36oS hasta 18o30'S. Se incluye una clave taxonomica para las seis especies de pilargidos de la costa de Chile
The effect of managed hydropower peaking on the physical habitat, benthos and fish fauna in the River Bregenzerach in Austria

The lower reaches of the Bregenzerach, a river in western Austria, have been affected by heavy hydro-peaking discharges (up to 60 m3 s−1) for several decades. In conjunction with a plan to construct a new power plant, mitigation measures were developed to reduce the adverse effects of hydro-peaking in this river reach. The impact assessment examined the effects of a new flow management system introduced in 1992. The study concentrated on three main components: abiotics (morphology, hydrology, hydraulics), fish and benthic fauna. Prior to mitigation, both the fish and invertebrate fauna were heavily affected by the peaking. Benthic biomass was less than 15% of that predicted by an altitude model. After mitigation benthic biomass recovered to about 60% of the model prediction. No post-mitigation improvement was found with respect to fish biomass. Flow velocity distribution data showed that rising surge releases had two distinct phases, a bed-filling and a flow acceleration phase. The present flow management system, based on a dual-flow logistic, resulted in increased base flows and reduced peak flows, but did not alter the ramping rates. The reduction of the adverse effects of the bed-filling phase was apparently responsible for the recovery of the benthic fauna. However, the unaltered ramping rate of the acceleration phase may have inhibited the development of the fish community. An analysis of the hydrograph demonstrated the possibility of adjusting the present management strategy to reduce the ramping rate of the acceleration phase, smoothing out the peak duration curve.
Analysis of Component Errors in the Highway Capacity Manual Travel Time Reliability Estimations for Urban Streets

The Highway Capacity Manual 6th edition (HCM6) includes a new methodology to estimate and predict the distribution of average travel times (TTD) for urban streets. The TTD can then be used to estimate travel time reliability (TTR) metrics. Previous research on a 0.5-mi testbed showed statistically significant differences between the HCM6 estimated TTD and the corresponding empirical TTD. The difference in average travel time was 4 s that, while statistically significant, is not important from a practical perspective. More importantly, the TTD variance was underestimated by 70%. In other words, the HCM6 results reflected a more reliable testbed than field measurement. This paper expands the analysis on a longer testbed. It identifies the sources and magnitude of travel time variability that contribute to the HCM6 error. Understanding the potential sources of error, and their quantitative values, are the first steps in improving the HCM6 model to better reflect actual conditions. Empirical Bluetooth travel times were collected on a 1.16-mi testbed in Lincoln, Nebraska. The HCM6 methodology was used to model the testbed, and the estimated TTD by source of travel time variability was compared statistically to the corresponding empirical TTD. It was found that the HCM6 underestimated the TTD variability on the longer testbed by 67%. The demand component, missing variable(s), or both, which were not explicitly considered in the HCM6, were found to be the main source of the error in the HCM6 TTD. A focus on the demand estimators as the first step in improving the HCM6 TTR model was recommended.
Geographical and interspecific variation and the nutrient‐enrichment hypothesis as an adaptive advantage of myrmecochory

In myrmecochory, the relocation of diaspores to ant nests may lead to the enhancement of plant fitness because ant nests and their middens are often richer in essential nutrients than surrounding areas. This idea is the basis of the nutrient-enrichment hypothesis (NEH), which suggests that nutrient enrichment may be a major selective influence in the evolution of myrmecochory. However, there is little evidence regarding whether the greater plant performance and fitness enhancement in ant nests is due to nutrient enrichment or other benefits of directed dispersal. Here, we present the results of a large-scale seed-sowing experiment that tests the NEH in the ant-dispersed perennial herb Helleborus foetidus, exploring geographical and inter-ant taxa variation. Experiments were conducted in three well-separated regions of the Iberian Peninsula, targeting the nests of major and minor local ant dispersers (nine ant species in total) and the soil beneath maternal plants as seed destinations. Seedling emergence, survival and early establishment rates, as well as variation in soil characteristics, were obtained for each seed destination at each region. Our results do not fully support the NEH in our study system. Instead, we found that the advantage of ant nest soil for establishment in H. foetidus was conditional. Differences in soil fertility and concomitant differences in seedling establishment between ant nests and beneath the canopy of maternal plants were observed in some regions and for some ant species, but not in others. Thus, the conditional outcomes arise from inconsistencies among regions, between stages of seedling regeneration and among ant species in the advantages of being dispersed to nests. Because variation in the guilds of ant dispersers of myrmecochore plants across their ranges is common, this study illustrates the need to consider geographic and inter-ant taxa variation for a complete evaluation of the NEH.
Using High-Pressure Torsion to Achieve Superplasticity in an AZ91 Magnesium Alloy

An AZ91 magnesium alloy (Mg-9%, Al-1% Zn) was processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) after solution-heat treatment. Tensile tests were carried out at 423, 523, and 623 K in the strain rate range of 10−5−10−1 s−1 to evaluate the occurrence of superplasticity. Results showed that HPT processing refined the grain structure in the alloy, and grain sizes smaller than 10 µm were retained up to 623 K. Superplastic elongations were observed at low strain rates at 423 K and at all strain rates at 523 K. An examination of the experiment data showed good agreement with the theoretical prediction for grain-boundary sliding, the rate-controlling mechanism for superplasticity. Elongations in the range of 300–400% were observed at 623 K, attributed to a combination of grain-boundary-sliding and dislocation-climb mechanisms.
Conservation à court terme des gamètes de truite arc-en-ciel en condition in vitro sous atmosphère d'oxygène

La conservation du sperme de truite arc-en-ciel preleve 1 mois et demi apres le debut de la spermiation a ete testee in vitro a l'air ou sous atmosphere d'O2 et a temperature ambiante (9° C) pendant 24 h. Le pouvoir fecondant a ete mesure par le pourcentage d'œufs embryonnes a 300 degres-jours. Le sperme a ete dilue au 1 / 1 000 (10–3 ) pour inseminer des ovules preleves a chaque test sur un groupe de 10 femelles. En conditions de stockage sous air la fertilite chute plus rapidement que sous O2 ( P<0,05 a 12 h). Dans les deux cas, le pouvoir fecondant initial ne se maintient que pendant 6 h. Cette duree de conservation parait relativement breve en comparaison avec les donnees de la litterature mais les taux de dilution eleves employes dans cette experience ont probablement permis de deceler des phenomenes de vieillissement intervenant precocement en condition de conservation in vitro. Le stockage des ovules sous oxygene n'ameliore que tres legerement leur survie par rapport a une conservation dans le liquide cœlomique.
α2-Macroglobulin Deletion Polymorphism and Plasma Levels in Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract The acute-phase “panproteinase” inhibitor α2-macroglobulin α2M), a protein involved in inflammatory reactions, has been identified in amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, α2M is involved in AD susceptibility at the genetic level, and a deletion polymorphism at the α2M gene has been found to be associated with sporadic AD. We analyzed the deletion polymorphism and α2M plasma levels in 93 ultraoctuagenarian patients with late-onset sporadic AD and in controls (n=157). α2M allele frequencies did not differ between AD patients α2M*2=0.169) and controls (α2M*2=0.146). The mean plasma concentrations of α2M were similar in patients (271.8±79 mg/dl) and controls (269.5±81.2 mg/dl). No difference was found in the α2M mean plasma levels associated with the three α2M genotypes, indicating that the deletion has no effect on α2M protein level. However, in AD patients α2M mean plasma values differed significantly according to apolipoprotein E genotypes (p=0.03), with E3/E3 homozygotes showing the highest levels. Since in a previous work E3/E3 were found to be associated with the highest plasma levels of α1-antichymotrypsin, another acute-phase protein, the present findings seem to support the hypothesis that inflammation may be a relevant factor in AD pathogenesis peculiar to E3/E3 subjects.
La taeniose/ cysticercose à Taenia solium dans la Menoua (Ouest-Cameroun)

La presente etude a ete conduite d'aout 1999 a avril 2000 et avait pour objectif de determiner la prevalence de la taeniose due a Taenia solium dans Bafou et Bamendou, deux groupements villageois de la Menoua (Ouest-Cameroun). Quatre (0,13 %) sur 3 109 echantillons de matieres fecales humaines ont ete trouves positifs pour des oeufs de Taenia spp. par la technique de la flottaison. Trois des quatre vers expulses etaient des T. solium et un etait T. saginata . Deux cas de cysticercose etaient presents dans une des familles ou vivait un porteur de T. solium . En plus, des enquetes coprologique et serologique pour la taeniose et la cysticercose a T. solium ont ete faites chez un groupe a risque constitue de bouchers et/ou langueyeurs (n = 137). Les resultats ont ete compares a ceux d'un groupe temoin (n = 198). Aucun porteur de Taenia n'a ete detecte par l'examen microscopique. Les prevalences de la cysticercose dans les deux groupes ont ete respectivement 3,6 et 4,5 %.
Optimal Foraging on Arbitrary Food Distributions and the Definition of Habitat Patches

Most models for the optimal allocation of foraging effort in space and time assume that food is distributed in distinct patches. This assumption is often not justified. The problem, therefore, is in finding the optimal strategy for an animal exploiting a resource with an arbitrary spatial distribution, whether or not it is patchy. In this paper, we deal with the situation of a one-dimensional habitat. The model describes the optimal allocation of time to each point of the habitat. It is a generalization to arbitrary habitats of the classical "marginal-value theorem," which is obtained as the special case of an infinite environment with equally spaced patches. The model can also be extended to describe the optimal distribution of a population, thereby generalizing the "ideal free distribution. " The model predicts that foraging should be restricted to places where food availability is higher than some threshold. In these places only, the foraging activity should follow the spatial variations in richness. A field study on insectivorous bats illustrates the model's predictions. Finally, the model points to the difficulty of delimiting food patches when they need to be defined operationally, because a "patchy" distribution of consumers can overlie a continuous food distribution.
Tissue and fixative dependent shifts of δ13C and δ15N in preserved ecological material

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses are routinely used to investigate aquatic food webs, and have potential application in retrospective investigations using archived materials. However, such analyses assume that storage does not alter isotopic signatures of materials preserved, or that changes in isotopic composition during storage are predictable. Here we examine preservation shifts on cod (Gadus morhua) muscle, roe and liver tissue over 21 months following preservation in 80% ethanol, in 4% formaldehyde, and by freezing. Preservation shifts were not consistent among tissues. High protein tissues exhibited greater delta(15)N shifts than low protein tissues in 4% formaldehyde, while greater delta(13)C shifts occurred in relatively higher fat tissues when preserved in alcohol. Freezing did not change isotopic signatures. Responses of delta(15)N and delta(13)C are explained by differences in the preservative's isotopic signature and the reaction properties and biochemical composition of the tissues preserved. The results clarify some of the processes that lead to isotopic change during preservation.
Sharing experiences and interpretation of experiences: a phenomenological research on Instagram influencers

ABSTRACT This research examines Instagram travel influencers’ views on their experiences. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected via semi-structured online interviews with 12 influencers, as well as reflective journals, and document review techniques. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis that define the experiences and perceptions of influencers. The findings were interpreted within the framework of three main themes and were presented with direct citations from participants’ statements. The research suggests that being an influencer is a job that requires responsibility and competence. Influencers have a mediating role between the brands and the consumers. It was also found that the job difficulties experienced by the participants include workload, need for approval and impression management. The general means for collaborations between brands and influencers are paid partnership and barter collaborations. For collaborations to be successful, maintaining consistency between the brand image and the impression created by the influencer is vital.
MORPHOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION OF COSCINODISCUS SPECIES FROM THE OSLOFJORD, NORWAY, AND THE SKAGERRAK, NORTH ATLANTIC

The morphological similarity of Coscinodiscus asteromphalus, C. centralis, and C. concinnus may cause identification problems, as stated in the first phytoplankton reports from the Oslofjord and the Skagerrak at the turn of the century. Light and electron microscope examinations of clonal cultures and field samples showed the distance of the single ring of labiate processes from the margin, the distance between the processes, the presence or absence of wide interstriae, and the structure of the valve centre to be distinctive features at the specific level. Observations made on plankton samples collected during the last 30 years have shown that C. radiatus, C. centralis, C. concinnus, C. granii and C. asteromphalus are regular members of the plankton flora of the Oslofjord and the Skagerrak, the two latter less common in number and occurrence than the others. Coscinodiscus wailesii was first observed in the area in the autumn of 1979, two years after its arrival in the English Channel. Our investigation in.
Increasing piglet survival through an improved farrowing management protocol

The profitability of swine production units is significantly decreased by the high rate of mortality which occurs during parturition or shortly thereafter. This study compared the survival rates of pigs subjected to different farrowing management protocols. Sixty litters of crossbred piglets (York × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of two protocols for management at farrowing. The first, unattended or control group, corresponded to the traditional commercial farrowing practice used on most hog farms today which provides for no attention during farrowing. The second protocol consisted of attending the farrowing and executing a sequence of procedures to the newborn animals. Mortality rates and their causes, weight gains, and haematocrit levels were recorded for the first 3 wk of life. Total preweaning mortality was 18.2 and 10.1% for the control and attended groups, respectively. The main impact of the treatment was the reduction of the animals that otherwise would have been classified as stillbirths.
Exopolysaccharide Production by Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus Cultures. 2. Distinct Modes of Polymer Production and Degradation Among Clonal Variants

Abstract A population of Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus S22 was clonally heterogeneous in polymer production and the mucoid character of colonies. Weak, moderate, or hyper-producing clones could be selected on selective medium showing that strain S22 was composed of cell types with different polymer production. Optimal polysaccharide production was induced either by lactose or by sucrose and required defined conditions of temperature and initial growth pH. In liquid medium, two degradative systems appeared to be active on short or mature polysaccharides. Environmental signals may trigger either of the two modes of production and degradation in the different types in the population.
Agonistic behaviour in final-instar larvae of Episynlestes cristatus, Synlestes tropicus and Chorismagrion risi (Odonata : Synlestidae), and relationships within the 'Lestoidea'

Larval agonistic displays are reported from three sympatric synlestid damselflies: Episynlestes cristatus, Synlestes tropicus and Chorismagrion risi. There were strong similarities between the species in the observed displays. Repertoires of all three species contained elements otherwise known only from larval Lestidae (conventionally interpreted as a member of the sister group to the Synlestidae). In night-time observations under infrared illumination different displays, some similar to those of coenagrionids, occurred. On the basis of similarities in larval displays I conclude that Chorismagrion risi, regarded on adult characters as an enigmatic form, is a member of the Synlestidae and that the Synlestidae and Lestidae are closely allied.
Modulation of Estrogen Receptor-α Transcriptional Activity by the Coactivator PGC-1*

A transcriptional coactivator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), PPARγ-coactivator-1(PGC-1) interacts in a constitutive manner with the hinge domain of PPARγ and enhances its transcriptional activity. In this study we demonstrate that PGC-1 is a coactivator of estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-dependent transcriptional activity. However the mechanism by which PGC-1 interacts with ERα is different from that of PPARγ. Specifically, it was determined that the carboxyl terminus of PGC-1 interacts in a ligand-independent manner with the ERα hinge domain. In addition, an LXXLL motif within the amino terminus of PGC-1 was shown to interact in an agonist-dependent manner with the AF2 domain within the carboxyl terminus of ERα. The ability of PGC-1 to associate with and potentiate the transcriptional activity of an ERα-AF2 mutant that is unable to interact with the p160 class of coactivators suggests that this coactivator may have a unique role in estrogen signaling. It is concluded from these studies that PGC-1 is a bona fideERα coactivator, which may serve as a convergence point between PPARγ and ERα signaling.
Is consent sexy? Comparing evaluations of written erotica based on verbal sexual consent

ABSTRACT Whether “consent is sexy’ is a topic that has been broadly debated, with some contending that asking for consent ‘ruins the mood’ and is, therefore, distinctly not sexy. In the current research, we investigated whether consent is sexy by comparing evaluations of written erotica based on whether the characters expressed explicit verbal consent. In Study 1, we compared brief excerpts of erotic fiction in which verbal sexual consent was either present or absent and determined that U.S. adults judged the stories similarly and, if anything, considered the excerpts with verbal consent sexier. In Study 2, we generated erotic stories that followed familiar, heterosexual scripts and compared evaluations of erotica with consent expressed explicitly and verbally to erotica with consent expressed implicitly through no resistance. Participants considered both versions equally as sexy, indicating that public concerns about consent ruining sexual dynamics are potentially unwarranted. We discuss the potential utility of sexual media in normalising sexual consent as an erotic aspect of sexual scripts.