Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the association of α6β4 with vimentin intermediate filaments in endothelial cells

Abstract The adhesion of microvascular endothelial cells to their underlying basement membrane is important for the maintenance of vascular integrity. Most integrins function in endothelial cell adhesion by forming a transmembrane link between their basement membrane ligand and the actin microfilament cytoskeleton. The α6β4 laminin-binding integrin, however, associates with vimentin intermediate filaments (IFs) in microvascular endothelial cells and therefore is likely to uniquely contribute to the barrier function of the endothelium. In this study, we examined the regulation of α6β4–vimentin IF association. We first tested the requirement for α6β4–laminin interactions and actin microfilament assembly. We found that α6β4 associated with vimentin IFs when cells were adherent to either laminin 5 or fibronectin, indicating that this association can occur independent of α6β4–ligand interactions. Additionally, we found that α6β4 was associated with vimentin IFs prior to cell spreading, indicating that changes in the microfilament cytoskeleton associated with changes in cell shape are also not required. Thus, although the association of α6β4 with vimentin IFs may strengthen cell adhesion by providing endothelial cells with an additional transmembrane linkage between the basement membrane and the cytoskeleton, this association is not itself regulated by α6β4-mediated adhesion. Finally, we tested the role of plectin in the association of α6β4 with vimentin IFs. Plectin is known to bind in vitro to both IFs and the β4 cytoplasmic domain (β4 tail), suggesting that it may be important for this linkage. Therefore, we generated deletion mutants of the β4 tail and compared the ability of α6β4 containing these deletions to associate with vimentin IFs. We targeted the two regions of the β4 tail known to bind to plectin in vitro: the N-terminal and C-terminal plectin binding sites. We found that deletion of the N-terminal binding site inhibited the association of α6β4 with vimentin IFs. Thus, plectin–β4 tail interactions may play an important role in connecting α6β4 with vimentin IFs and may prove to be important targets in the regulation of this association in endothelial cells.
Trend of bias in prediction of genomic estimated breeding values due to selective genotyping in genomic selection schemes in consecutive generations

The aim of this study was to investigate the trend of bias in genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) arising from selective genotyping of the candidate population in an ongoing selection scheme. The bias was calculated as the regression of true breeding values (TBVs) on GEBVs. A simulation study was performed under two scenarios with selection intensities (SI) of 0.798 and 1.755 for three traits with heritability (h2) of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.4 in 10 consecutive generations. Regression of TBVs on GEBVs was close to one for the first generation when selective genotyping was random, and it continuously receded from one as selection shifted to choose animals with high EBVs from generations 2 to 10. Biasedness became larger with increased SI and decreased h2. Further, biasedness increased over the generations but the rate of change in biasedness decreased dramatically after the second generation and became almost steady after generation 4 which may be due to Bulmer effect. The findings showed that scaling down the GEBVs, using a scale parameter, might help removing biasedness in generation 4 onwards.
Genotype by environment interaction for length of productive life in Swedish Red and White dairy cattle

In this study the amount of genotype by environment interaction (G×E) for length of productive life of Swedish Red and White dairy cattle was studied. The environmental variables used were the herd-year averages of number of first parity cows, peak yield, protein yield, and productive life. Data were analysed using multi-trait models (using low and high quartile herds) and reaction norm models (using the whole continuous scale). Considerable G×E was found for the trait productive life between environments (herds) with short or long average productive life, and a genetic correlation of 0.74 was found. For productive life in relation to herd size, G×E was negligible, and the genetic correlation was 0.95. For productive life in relation to herd-year average of peak yield or protein yield some G×E was indicated by the reaction norm model, especially between extreme environments. The G×E between herds with short or long average productive life should be studied further and might need to be considered in breeding programmes for dairy cattle.
The Regulatory Observer Effect: Evidence from SEC Investigations

Drawing on financial reporting, institutional, and social psychology theories, we consider whether awareness of SEC scrutiny affects the extent to which managers exercise financial reporting discretion. Because there is a higher probability that the SEC will detect misconduct and impose penalties on firms under investigation, we predict that managers will change their behavior during periods of increased scrutiny. We test our predictions using novel data on all Division of Enforcement (DoE) investigations completed during the 2000-2016 period. The evidence we present offers three insights. First, our results suggest that managers perceive the SEC will be more concerned, and potentially more punitive, with firms that employ discretion through accruals rather than real activities. Second, the actions taken by managers appear to reflect improvements in accounting misstatement risk, reductions in accounting irregularities, and increases in conservatism. Third, firms investigated by the SEC, but not ultimately subject to an enforcement action, exhibit decreased R&D and increased likelihoods of CEO turnover, comment letter receipt, earnings restatements, and class-action lawsuits. The implications of our study should be of interest to academics, investors, and regulators in understanding how heightened regulatory monitoring over financial reporting can affect both accounting practices and operating decisions.
Diet and prey selectivity of the red mullet, Mullus barbatus (Pisces: Mullidae), from the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: the role of the surf zone as a feeding ground

Abstract The diet and prey selectivity of the red mullet, Mullus barbatus, on a sandy bottom of the Tyrrhenian Sea were examined, in respect of season, size and depth, focusing on the use of the surf zone as a feeding ground. Stomach contents of 99 specimens collected by beach seine (in the surf zone) and 568 specimens collected by trawl net (at 10, 20 and 30 m depths) were analysed. The overall diet of M. barbatus was dominated by crustaceans, mainly gammarids, while molluscs and polychaetes are secondary prey taxa. The diet composition of red mullet at each specific depth was related to the availability of prey in the benthic community: mysids were mostly preyed on in the surf zone, while gammarids, decapods and copepods were the principal crustacean prey organisms at other investigated depths. Red mullet in the surf zone mainly preyed on mysids and bivalves in summer and on cumaceans, gammarids and polychaetes in winter. At the other depths, seasonal variation in diet composition reflected the fluctuations of gammarid abundance in the environment; no differences in diet by size were detected. As a result, M. barbatus in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea can be considered as an opportunistic predator of benthic organisms, relying predominantly on crustaceans.
Importance of Glutamine for γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Synthesis in Rat Neostriatum In Vivo

Abstract: This work was carried out to evaluate the importance of glial cells in providing precursors for the in vivo synthesis of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). Fluorocitrate, which selectively inhibits the tricarboxylic acid cycle in glial cells, was administered locally in rat neostriatum. Inhibition of the glial cell tricarboxylic acid cycle led to a decrease both in glutamine level and in γ‐vinyl GABA (GVG)‐induced GABA accumulation, an observation indicating reduced GABA synthesis. The role of glutamine, which is synthesized in glial cells as a precursor for GABA, was further investigated by inhibition of glutamine synthetase with intrastriatally administered methionine sulfoximine. In this case, the glutamine level was reduced to near zero values, and the GVG‐induced GABA accumulation was only half that of normal. The results show that glutamine is an important precursor for GABA synthesis, but it cannot be the sole precursor because it was not possible to depress the GVG‐induced GABA accumulation completely.
Palha de sorgo associada ao herbicida imazamox no controle de plantas daninhas na cultura da soja em sucessão

Plant residues of a fall/winter coverage crop can influence weed infestation of the subsequent summer crops. This research was carried out to evaluate the effects of mulch from several sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) hybrids plus the herbicide imazamox on the control of the subsequent weed infestation of soybean crop (Glycine max cv. 'Conquista'). The experiment was carried out in the 2000/2001 crop year in Uberlândia, MG. Four types of mulch were used, three from sorghum hybrid residues (Sara, DKB 860 and Ambar) and one without residues (no previous winter crop). Twenty-four days after the application of imazamox, the control of the species Leonotis nepetifolia, Aternanthera tenella, Amaranthus hibridus, A. retroflexus, A. spinosus, Ipomoea grandifolia, Commelina benghalensis, and Nicandra physaloides was more effective with the use of Sara or Ambar mulch without the herbicide, with 40 and 41% of control, respectively. When associated to 15 g ha-1 of imazamox, Ambar mulch resulted in better efficiency, with 76% of control. DKB 860 combined with 30 g ha-1 of imazamox was the most efficient treatment, providing 85% of weed control. Without soil coverage, 62.5% of control was achieved with 30 g ha1 of imazamox and 47.5% with 15 g ha-1. The results indicated wide control variability in relation to the sorghum hybrid used and possibility of imazamox dose reduction when associated to sorghum residues.
Increased risk of predation increases mobbing intensity in tropical birds of French Guiana

Abstract: Stressful environments have been suggested to enhance cooperative behaviours in animal communities. Prey animals living in risky environments can also increase long-term benefits by cooperating with neighbours, such as collectively harassing predators. However, empirical studies have rarely tested this prediction in the wild. In this experimental study we explored whether the perceived predation risk influences cooperative mobbing behaviour in tropical forest birds in French Guiana. The predation risk was increased by 5-d-long presentation of visual and acoustic stimuli of pygmy-owls in 24 locations. In order to examine whether mobbing response can vary in relation to the abundance of local predators, we used the Amazonian pygmy-owl (Glaucidium hardyi) as a common predator and the ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) as a rare predator in the study area. Our results showed that repeated predator-presentations increased mobbing response over time for the rarer owl species, while this effect was not significant for the common owl species. No effect of repeated presentations of either pygmy-owl species was found on the latency of mobbing. Moreover, mobbing latency was shorter and mobbing response was stronger for the common predator species, the Amazonian pygmy-owl. This study provides experimental evidence that birds exhibit stronger mobbing responses when the predator is locally abundant, while repeated encounters can be perceived as more dangerous when the predator is rare.
Evaluation of the use of chromic oxide to estimate the feed intake of dairy cows

Abstract In each of 3 trials, the digestible organic matter (DOM) intake of 32 cows was determined by direct measurement and by a chromic oxide technique. Each trial involved either 2 or 3 21-day periods during lactation. Half of the cows had high Breeding Index (BI) and half had low BI. Cows were individually housed and offered pasture either ad libitum or 75070 ad libitum. Dosing with chromic oxide (10g Cr203 in a gelatin capsule) and sampling of faeces from the rectum occurred twice daily. Organic matter (OM) digestibility of the feed was obtained by in vitro determination, and both actual and estimated intakes are expressed as kg DOM per cow per week. Breeding Index had no significant effect on the relationship between estimated and actual intake. The chromic oxide technique consistently overestimated actual intake, but there were significant differences between weeks within and between periods in extent of overestimation. Mean overestimation was 14%. The variation in intake between cows of similar BI.
Generation of Form and Associated Mass Deposition during Leaf Development in Grasses: a Kinematic Approach for Non-steady Growth

Abstract Growing leaves of tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.) were studied from emergence to a short time before the leaf ceases growth. Leaf form (width, average thickness, number of vascular bundles and height of associated ridges) and growth patterns were determined. The tissue elements produced at the point of leaf insertion are wider and thicker with time, as the intercalary meristem develops. These elements undergo further width and thickness changes as they traverse the elongation zone, and leaf width and average thickness can continue to increase after passing the elongation zone. In order to relate the generation of leaf form and dry matter (DM) deposition, three methods were used to describe DM fluxes: (1) we followed the path lines of material elements and determined that they accumulate DM as they are displaced away from leaf base, even when expansive growth and maturation are complete; (2) we calculated DM deposition on a unit length basis, which represents the total sink strength of the zone studied, and we deduced that the sink strength of the elongation zone increases with time, in concert with the changes in width and thickness of the elements that are successively produced at leaf base; (3) we calculated DM deposition on a unit volume basis, which represents the net metabolic activity of the zone considered, and we found that growth activity and associated DM deposition were high 3 d after the leaf emerged, then decreased gradually, whereas maturation and associated DM deposition were low at emergence, but increased as the leaf gradually became autotrophic. Our data indicate that different descriptors and measurements are needed during the totality of leaf growth.
Distribution of Feeding Activity of the Tasmanian Bettong (Bettongia gaimardi) in Relation to Vegetation Patterns

The Tasmanian bettong (Bettongia gaimardi) feeds by digging for the fruit-bodies of hypogeous ectomycorrhizal fungi in dry sclerophyll forest. This study examined variations in the density of food-diggings of B. gaimardi in relation to vegetation patterns in a 150-ha study area. Density of B. gaimardi diggings was highest in Eucalyptus tenuiramus [E. tenuiramis] forest with a high density of mature stems and little ground vegetation; this type of vegetation was found on soils of low fertility. Density of diggings also increased towards the dry end of a moisture gradient characterized by a transition from E. amygdalina to E. obliqua, and increased with the density of Acacia dealbata stems. High densities of A. dealbata probably indicate recent burning. Analysis of the fine-scale distribution of diggings showed that diggings were clustered around Eucalyptus and Acacia stems, but showed no pattern in relation to density of ground vegetation.
Longitudinal dispersion processes in the upper tamar estuary

Measurements of velocity, salinity, and suspended solids concentration have been used to investigate the intra-tidal variation of vertical and transverse shear-induced dispersion. For the study research the interaction of the longitudinal density gradient and vertical shear during the early part of the ebb tide accounted for much of the net longitudinal dispersion of solute landward. The same mechanism also is shown to lead to a net particulate transport landward. The landward flux, however, takes place during the flood tide. The field data are also used to elucidate the tidally averaged tidal pumping mechanism.
Conservation of montane willow scrub in Scotland

Summary The community known as montane willow scrub has been almost totally destroyed in Scotland by human activities. The species of montane willows are not regarded as threatened by the conventional criteria, but the continued effects of grazing, combined with their sparse distribution in suboptimal habitat and dioecious habit, suggest that the long term threat to some species may have been underestimated. Conservation measures are needed urgently if we are to restore areas of montane willow scrub. It will be necessary to use fencing to provide protection from grazing, and also it may well be necessary to do some planting to provide enough individuals for effective pollination and regeneration to occur.
Rooting patterns of four crop legumes in response to seed-placement depths in the dry season

Abstract On sandy paddy fields, key factors for successful crops in the dry season without irrigation are a shallow water table and practices such as deep seed-placement but only some legume species are adapted to such conditions. To understand the adaptation of legume species to deep seed-placement over shallow water tables, we studied their rooting patterns on two sandy soils. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), mungbean (Vigna radiata), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and soybean (Glycine max) seeds were sown shallow (∼5 cm) or deep (∼15 cm) in deep sandy soils after harvesting rice in two shallow water table locations in north-east Thailand. The legumes depended mainly on capillary water rising from the water table and none experienced water deficit throughout the growing season. Generally, deeper seed-placement decreased overall root dry weight, but it increased the root surface area to weight ratio. Deep seed-placement promoted a greater fraction of root growth into the subsoil for cowpea (86–99% of total root length), mungbean (61–93% of total root length) and peanut (78–98% of total root length) where the soil contained more water throughout the growing season. Moreover, deep seed-placement at the site with the lower water table promoted deeper penetration of roots of cowpea (∼20 cm deeper), mungbean (∼20–40 cm deeper) and peanut (∼20–40 cm deeper) which improved water access, especially late during the growing season when topsoils dried to close to wilting point. Unlike other species, the soybean rooting pattern did not respond much to seed-placement depths, or soil moisture.
Modeling the Interactive Effect of the Photoperiod and Temperature on Shoot Elongation of Mulberry

Abstract Potted mulberry plants (Morus alba L. “Shinn-ichinose”) were grown in phytotrons under natural sunlight, and their shoot growth response to temperature and photoperiod was investigated. A short photoperiod caused cessation of shoot growth, and this effect was prominent at 20°C. Temperatures higher than 24°C activated the growth activity for mulberry shoot growth. Temperature had two effects on mulberry shoot elongation. One was to control the growth activity of mulberry shoots, and the other was to determine the potential rate of shoot elongation, which is realized at the maximum growth activity under a given environmental condition. On the basis of these results, the effect of temperature and photoperiod on the cessation of mulberry shoot elongation was simulated in a non-linear regression model. The values of shoot length predicted by the model differed somewhat from the measured values in some plots, most likely because the timing of shoot growth cessation differed with the year. However, on the whole, shoot length predicted by the model seems to fit the measured values well.
Effect of using organic microminerals on performance and external quality of eggs of commercial laying hens at the end of laying

Um experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da utilizacao de microminerais na forma orgânica sobre o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras comerciais em final de postura. Foram utilizadas 480 galinhas da linhagem Hisex com 72 a 80 semanas de idade, distribuidas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 6 repeticoes e 16 aves por parcela. Foram avaliadas cinco dietas: racao basal suplementada com todos os microminerais na forma inorgânica (controle); racao basal suplementada com 50% dos microminerais zinco (Zn) + manganes (Mn) + cobre (Cu) na forma orgânica e 50% na forma inorgânica; racao basal suplementada com 50% de zinco na forma orgânica e 50% na forma inorgânica; racao basal suplementada com 50% de manganes na forma orgânica e 50% na forma inorgânica e racao basal suplementada com 50% de cobre na forma orgânica e 50% na forma inorgânica. Nao houve efeito das dietas sobre a producao de ovos, o consumo de racao, a conversao alimentar, a porcentagem e a espessura de casca. As aves que consumiram a racao basal suplementada apenas com zinco ou manganes na forma orgânica produziram ovos com menor peso especifico. A utilizacao da racao basal suplementada com cobre na forma orgânica proporcionou menor perda de ovos. Porem, os melhores resultados foram obtidos com a racao basal suplementada com os microminerais Zn + Mn + Cu na forma orgânica, pois proporcionou menor perda de ovos, maior peso especifico e maior peso dos ovos, sendo, portanto, recomendada para a alimentacao de poedeiras comerciais em final de postura.
The Post‐Perovskite Transition in Fe‐ and Al‐Bearing Bridgmanite: Effects on Seismic Observables

The primary phase of the Earth’s lower mantle, (Al, Fe)‐bearing bridgmanite, transitions to the post‐perovskite (PPv) phase at Earth’s deep mantle conditions. Despite extensive experimental and ab initio investigations, there are still important aspects of this transformation that need clarification. Here, we address this transition in (Al3+, Fe3+)‐, (Al3+)‐, (Fe2+)‐, and (Fe3+)‐bearing bridgmanite using ab initio calculations and validate our results against experiments on similar compositions. Consistent with experiments, our results show that the onset transition pressure and the width of the two‐phase region depend distinctly on the chemical composition: (a) Fe3+‐, Al3+‐, or (Al3+, Fe3+)‐alloying increases the transition pressure, while Fe2+‐alloying has the opposite effect; (b) in the absence of coexisting phases, the pressure‐depth range of the Pv‐PPv transition is likely too broad to cause a sharp D” discontinuity (<30 km); (c) the average Clapeyron slope of the two‐phase regions are consistent with previous measurements, calculations in MgSiO3, and inferences from seismic data. In addition, (d) we observe a softening of the bulk modulus in the two‐phase region. The consistency between our results and experiments gives us the confidence to proceed and examine this transition in aggregates with different compositions computationally, which will be fundamental for resolving the most likely chemical composition of the D" region by analyses of tomographic images.
Wild Dogs: The Natural History of the Nondomestic Canidae

This text examines the natural history of the non-domestic Candidae, or wild dog. It includes discussion of the multiple species of wolves, foxes, coyotes and jackals. The distribution, habitat, physical characteristics, taxonomy, diet, reproduction, social organization and behaviour of 33 species are discussed. With over 600 sources cited, this book is designed to be used as a reference source. The Canids, or dogs, are perhaps the one group of animals that humans have had the most longstanding associations with, beginning in prehistoric times when dogs were domesticated. Both ecologically and behaviourally, wild dogs are distinguished by their diversity and adaptability. However, over half the species of wild dogs known today are threatened due, in a large part, to human persecution and habitat destruction.