Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Phosphorus Uptake by a Growing and Exuding Root System

Mathematical modeling is an important tool in rhizosphere research. Considering that root system and rhizosphere traits govern plant resource efficiency, accurate modeling of nutrient uptake is an important challenge in the light of upcoming shortages of mineral fertilizers and climate change. We present a three‐dimensional model for phosphate uptake by a growing and exuding root system. The model is able to predict the influences of gravitropism under geometrical constraints like in pot or rhizotron experiments. In this way it is possible to directly compare the simulated case study to the real experiment. Two specific scales are considered. On the single root scale, we derive a model that describes the transport and competitive sorption of P and citrate in soil. On the whole root system scale, we use this model together with a root growth model to calculate a sink term for P uptake by a growing root system in three dimensions. We show a simulation case study where the P uptake of a young oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. subsp. napus) root system growing in a rhizotron as effected by root exudation is investigated. Results suggest that young parts of the root system are responsible for most of the P uptake after 16 d. Thus the effect of exudation on P uptake is strongly dependent on the age distribution of the root system. By mathematical modeling we hope to increase insight into underlying processes and to provide a flexible tool for experimental design.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ  activators affect the maturation of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ ), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has recently been described as a modulator of macrophage functions and as an inhibitor of T cell proliferation. Here, we investigated the role of PPARγ in dendritic cells (DC), the most potent antigen‐presenting cells. We showed that PPARγ is highly expressed in immature human monocyte‐derived DC (MDDC) and that it may affect the immunostimulatory function of MDDC stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or via CD40 ligand (CD40L). We found that the synthetic PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (as well as pioglitazone and troglitazone) significantly increases on LPS‐ and CD40L‐activated MDDC, the surface expression of CD36 (by 184% and 104%, respectively) and CD86 (by 54% and 48%), whereas it reduces the synthesis of CD80 (by 42% and 42%). Moreover, activation of PPARγ resulted in a dramatic decreased secretion of the Th1‐promoting factor IL‐12 in LPS‐ and CD40L‐stimulated cells (by 47% and 62%), while the production of IL‐1β , TNF‐α , IL‐6 and IL‐10 was unaffected. Finally, PPARγ ligands down‐modulate the synthesis of IFN‐γ ‐inducible protein‐10 (recently termed as CXCL10) and RANTES (CCL5), both chemokines involved in the recruitment of Th1 lymphocytes (by 49% and 30%), but not the levels of the Th2 cell‐attracting chemokines,macrophage‐derived chemokine (CCL22) and thymus and activation regulated chemokine (CCL17), in mature MDDC. Taken together, our data suggest that activation of PPARγ in human DC may have an impact in the orientation of primary and secondary immune responses by favoring type 2 responses.
Chromosome morphology in 4 species of Eucalyptus L. Her.

Somatic chromosome studies in 4 species of Eucalyptus viz., E. torelliana F. Muell. , E. citriodora Hook. , E. camaldulensis Dehn. , E. tereticornis Sm. were carried out with a view to determine the similarity or dissimilarity if any, in their chromosome morphology. All the species had 2n=22 very small chromosomes. No significant differences in the chromosome complement of any species were found except in the pair with secondary constriction which was larger. All the 4 species had more or less symmetrical karyotype.
Small giants from Madagascan caves: autapomorphic giantism in the new cave-dwelling planthopper Tsingya clarkei gen. nov., sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Meenoplidae)

A new giant cave-dwelling species of planthopper of the family Meenoplidae (Fulgoromorpha) is described from the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in western Madagascar, with information on its distribution and ecology. As the new species could not be placed in any of the previously described genera, a new genus is established. This is the first record of a cavernicolous meenoplid from the Afrotropical Region, and the second cave-dwelling Fulgoromorphan species from Madagascar. It is also the second example of island gigantism in the Fulgoromorpha from Madagascar.
Information, Avoidance Behavior, and Health

This paper assesses whether responses to information about risk impact estimates of the relationship between ozone and asthma in Southern California. Using a regression discontinuity design, I find smog alerts significantly reduce daily attendance at two major outdoor facilities. Using daily time-series regression models that include year-month and small area fixed effects, I find estimates of the effect of ozone for children and the elderly that include information are significantly larger than estimates that do not. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that individuals take substantial action to reduce exposure to risk; estimates ignoring these actions are severely biased.
Fecundity, egg development and growth of juvenile crayfish Procambarus (Austrocambarus) llamasi (Villalobos 1955) under laboratory conditions.

Procambarus (Austrocambarus) llamasi (Villalobos 1955) is a crayfish endemic to south-eastern Mexico with aquaculture potential. This study intends to enhance knowledge of the reproductive biology of this species under laboratory conditions, including fecundity, egg development and juvenile growth. Mean fecundity was 311 eggs/female, and egg development occurred in seven stages over a 27- to 30-day time range. The best growth results were obtained at a density of 50 organisms m−2.Procambarus llamasi is considered to perform well in aquaculture contexts.
Laboratory Studies on the Oviposition Site Preference of Toxorhynchites Splendens (Diptera: Culicidae)

Oviposition site preference of the predatory mosquito Toxorhynchites splendens was studied in the laboratory using the following variables: color, container type, height, water type, and salinity. Toxorhynchites splendens females preferred the color black for oviposition. Containers of choice for oviposition were ovitrap and tire (artificial containers) and coconut shell (natural container). Toxorhynchites splendens females appeared to prefer to oviposit at or near ground level in the cage. Not surprisingly, in view of its aerial ovipositional habit (females do not touch water while ovipositing), this species showed no significant preference for water type or salinity gradient. Toxorhynchites eggs were viable only in water containing less than 1% NaCl.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori resistance in unsuccessfully pluritreated patients in a Department of Infectious Diseases in Rome.

Twenty-five pluritreated patients were examined. Fifty-six percent yielded Helicobacter pylori (H. Pilory); of these, 9 patients showed a concomitant colonization of the three gastric regions. The highest resistance rate was found for metronidazole (71.8%) followed by chlaritromycin (53.1%). Amoxycillin showed the best susceptibility (only 6% of resistance), tetracycline showed 12% of resistant strains and levofloxacin appeared to be a promising antibacterial agent (18% of resistance). The E-test method was shown to be more suitable than disk diffusion technique for resistance testing. Combined resistance to both chlaritromycin and metronidazole appeared in 50% of the strains. The isolates showing this dual resistance are known to be difficult to eradicate. Resistotypes were shown to be genotypically different even if the strains with the resistance to both chlaritromycin and metronidazole are more likely to belong to genotype cagA+ and vacA s1m1. Heteroresistance (different susceptibility of the isolated strains in a single stomach) resulted in 36% of patients with pangastritis. Indeed, the concomitant presence of H. pylori strains in the same subject, either susceptible or resistant or vice versa, may interfere with the eradication outcomes. In our study, antibiotic resistant H. pylori typically develops from pre-existing susceptible strains rather than from co-infection with a different and unrelated strain. In fact, each pair of isolates detected in our 4 patients with heteroresistance belonged to the same genotype (cagA+ s1m2 in patient 1 and cagA+ s1m1 in patients 2, 3 and 4). In conclusion, H. pylori antibiotic resistance does present several issues in pluritreated patients owing to the rapid emergence of multi-resistant strains.
Starch and Protein Quality Requirements of Japanese Alkaline Noodles (Ramen)

ABSTRACT Studies on samples of 20 hard-grained wheat cultivars and a commercial flour that varied in starch and protein quality showed that both characteristics influenced the texture of Japanese alkaline noodles (ramen). Flour swelling volume (FSV) and flour pasting characteristics (peak viscosity and breakdown) determined with a Rapid-Visco Analyser (RVA) assessed independently of α-amylase effects, were negatively correlated with total texture score. Protein quality, as indicated by farinograph stability, was positively correlated with total texture score. RVA pasting characteristics were substantially affected by small levels of α-amylase, and inactivation by means of 1 mM AgNO3 was a critical requirement in characterizing the quality of the starch component of flour.
Esprit

As the new director of Esprit, Paul Thibaud finds himself in an enviable, yet difficult and complex situation. Nearly half a century's tradition is a mixed blessing. The journal can call on contributors whose horizons extend beyond the tenacles of Paris, to the provinces, Europe and the Third World. Its reputation assures it a farflung readership and influence as well. Tradition can, of course, easily become habit and govern expectations: that is the danger that Jean-Marie Domenach successfully confronted when he took over the directorship from Albert Benuin in 1957; and it is now Thibaud's problem in different social and political conditions.
How spatial and temporal scales influence understanding of Sperm Whale distribution: a review

For much of the past two centuries, sperm whaling has been economically very profitable, and therefore whalers and, more recently, scientists have tried to understand Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) distribution and the factors controlling it. However, due to their deep-living mode of life, their cosmopolitan distribution and our limited knowledge about their main prey species, the task has proved very difficult. This paper reviews studies of Sperm Whale distribution and the factors controlling it. The conclusions of these studies are very equivocal and often appear to contradict one another. It is suggested that this apparent confusion is mainly due to poorly defined spatial and temporal scales, the use of only one scale in most studies and the absence of consideration of the spatial and temporal scales at which relevant oceanographic processes occur. It is concluded that multiscale studies, covering the scales of oceanographic process, are needed to obtain a better understanding of Sperm Whale distribution.
Crescimento de cultivares de café arábica submetidos a doses do glyphosate

This study evaluated the effects of glyphosate on the growth of three arabica coffee cultivars. A factorial (3 x 5) was arranged in a randomized block design with four replications, with treatments consisting of three coffee varieties: Catucai Amarelo (2 SL), Oeiras (MG-6851) and Topazio (MG-1190) and five glyphosate doses (0, 57.6, 115.2, 230.4 and 460.8 g ha-1 ). The herbicide was applied when the coffee plants reached 21 pairs of leaves, before reaching their upper third ones. At 45 and 120 days after glyphosate application (DAA), increase in leaf area, stem diameter, number of leaves and plagiotropic branches was evaluated, being initially measured on the day the herbicide was applied, and plant intoxication rate at 10, 45 and 120 DAA. Dry matter of leaves, roots and stem, and root length and density were measured at 120 DAA. Symptoms of coffee plant intoxication caused by glyphosate were similar in different cultivars, being characterized by chlorosis and leaf narrowing. Increase in the number of leaves, plagiotropic branches and stem diameter, regardless of the cultivar, was not affected by glyphosate. Cultivar Topazio was the most sensitive to glyphosate, in terms of accumulation of leaf area, root dry matter and root density.
Habitat Differentiation of Ferns in a Lowland Tropical Rain Forest

Abstract Fern species and growth form diversity peak in tropical rainforests. In such forests, ferns often play important ecological roles. However the distribution and diversity patterns of different growth forms (i.e., epiphytic vs. terrestrial ferns) have not been broadly quantified. We compared the distribution and diversity patterns of epiphytic pteridophytes on the trunks of six individuals of the emergent canopy tree species Hyeronima alchorneoides (Euphorbiaceae) to those of terrestrial species at La Selva Biological Station in Heredia province, Costa Rica. A total of 21 species of epiphytic and 20 terrestrial ferns was recorded, with only one species found as an epiphyte and as a terrestrial species. Epiphytic species also exhibited increasing species diversity with increasing trunk height. Epiphytic species exhibited predictable patterns of distribution along the trunk and were easily grouped into high-trunk, low trunk, or bimodal categories. In terms of percent cover and number of species, simple-leaved ferns dominated the epiphytic growth form, 13 of 21 species, whereas ferns with compound or dissected leaves dominated the hemi-epiphytic and terrestrial floras with 20 of 20 species. These results indicate that there are significant functional differences in the ecology of epiphytic and terrestrial ferns and that reciprocal establishment is difficult and extremely rare.
PHYSICAL-BIOLOGICAL COUPLING IN STREAMS: The Pervasive Effects of Flow on Benthic Organisms

▪ Abstract Flowing water has profound effects on a diverse array of ecological processes and patterns in streams and rivers. We propose a conceptual framework for investigating the multiple causal pathways by which flow influences benthic biota and focus particular attention on the local scales at which these organisms respond to flow. Flow (especially characteristics linked to the velocity field) can strongly affect habitat characteristics, dispersal, resource acquisition, competition, and predation; creative experiments will be needed to disentangle these complex interactions. Benthic organisms usually reside within the roughness layer, where the unique arrangement of sediment particles produces strongly sheared and highly three-dimensional flow patterns. Thus, accurate characterization of the local flow environments experienced by benthic organisms often requires the use of flow measurement technology with high spatial and temporal resolution. Because flow exhibits variation across a broad range of sca.
ORGAN WEIGHTS AND BODY COMPOSITION OF PARTURIENT AND LACTATING MICE, AND THEIR YOUNG, AT 21° C AND −3° C

a stock kept permanently at \m=-\3\s=deg\C. Of each class, some were killed, with their litters, at either first or second parturition, and some on the 10th day of either the first or second lactation. Litters kept for 10 days were reduced to four young at birth. The females at their first parturition were compared with virgins of a previous study. Pregnancy was accompanied by increase in the relative weight of heart, liver and stomach, and in the length of the small intestine; but the small intestine lost weight, and there was no change in kidney weight. The percentage of collagen and calcium in the body declined, but the absolute amount of nitrogen in the body increased. During lactation, the liver and stomach, but not the heart, increased in relative weight still further; and the weight of the small intestine also
Feeding in the Fairy Shrimp Streptocephalus Proboscideus (Frauenfeld) (Branchiopoda: Anostraca). Ii. Influence of Environmental Conditions on Feeding Rate

ABSTRACT The relationships of filtration and ingestion rates at different food concentrations were analyzed in individuals of different sizes in the fairy shrimp Streptocephalus proboscideus and ingestion rate determined in relation to sex, animal density, light and darkness, culture medium, and water quality at one food concentration. Maximum ingestion rates of about 1,000,000 cells animal-1 h-1 in adult males (13-14 mm) were measured for food concentrations between 50,000 and 500,000 algal cells (Selenastrum capricornutum) ml-1. At higher food concentrations, ingestion rates dropped. For the largest size class tested (13.7 mm), maximum ingestion rate (about 820,000 cells animal-1 h-1) was more than 10 times higher than in the smallest size class (4.4 mm) and was reached at a lower cell concentration (about 80,000 cells ml-1) than in the smallest animals (about 280,000 cells ml 1). Significant sexual differences in ingestion rates were observed in SRW (P < 0.05) and EEC (P < 0.01) synthetic fresh-water media for the 12-h measurements and in SRW medium for the 3-h experiments (P < 0.05). These results, however, were not confirmed by a third series of 3-h experiments in SRW medium. Significant influences of culture medium on feeding rates were observed in females only. The ingestion rate in darkness (1,435,000 ± 1,118,000 cells animal-1 h-1) was not significantly different from that in light (1,120,000 ± 812,000 cells animal-1 h-1). Increasing the density to more than 10 animals in 500 ml of medium had a negative effect on the feeding rate. High NH3-N and NO2-N concentrations had an inhibitory effect on food uptake; interpolated EC50 values were approximately 4 mg 1-1 and 60 mg 1-1, respectively.
Emigration in emperor penguins: implications for interpretation of long‐term studies

Site fidelity is an important evolutionary trait to understand, as misinterpretation of philopatric behavior could lead to confusion over the key drivers of population dynamics and the environmental or anthropogenic factors influencing populations. Our objective was to explore the hypothesis that emperor penguins are strictly philopatric using satellite imagery, counts from aerial photography, and literature reports on emperor penguin distributions. We found six instances over three years in which emperor penguins did not return to the same location to breed. We also report on one newly-discovered colony on the Antarctic Peninsula that may represent the relocation of penguins from the Dion Islands, recently confirmed as having been abandoned. Using evidence from aerial surveys and the historical literature, we suggest that emigration may have been partly responsible for the population decline at Pointe Geologie during the 1970s. Our study is the first to use remote sensing imagery to suggest that emperor penguins can and do move between, and establish new, colonies. Metapopulation dynamics of emperor penguins have not been previously considered and represent an exciting, and important, avenue for future research. Life history plasticity is increasingly being recognized as an important aspect of climate change adaptation, and in this regard our study offers new insight for the long-term future of emperor penguins.
A Histopathological Study of Pseudomonas fluorescens Infection in Tilapia

A histopathological study was made on Pseudomonas fluorescens infection which occurred in the spring of 1979 in pond-cultured tilapia, Sarotherodon niloticus. The infected fish showed exophthalmia, dark body coloration, spotty or nodular lesions in the liver, spleen, kidney and gills, and inflamed swim-bladder. The bacterial dissemination was systemic. The histopathological aspects were abscess formation in eyes, spleen and swim-bladder, and focal necrosis in the liver, gills and kidney of some diseased fish. The other fish showed granuloma formation in all infected lesions.
Angiographically defined primary angiitis of the CNS

Background: Primary angiitis of the CNS (PACNS) is a diagnostically challenging disorder. In patients whose diagnosis is ascertained solely by cerebral angiography without histologic verification, a benign monophasic clinical course with favorable response to a brief course of immunosuppressive therapy is often reported. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with PACNS seen at the Stanford Stroke Center. Results: Patients were followed for a median of 27.5 months. Acute focal deficits(9 of 10) and headache (3 of 10) were the most frequent presenting symptoms. Significant recurrent neurologic symptoms occurred in 5 of 10 patients before the initiation of immunosuppressive treatment. Three of six patients had recurrent symptoms during prednisone therapy alone, whereas only one of seven patients had recurrent symptoms while receiving combination immunosuppressive therapy. None had recurrent stroke during immunosuppressive treatment. Dynamic arterial changes were seen in four of five patients who underwent follow-up angiography that often, but not always, correlated with disease activity. Conclusions: Patients with angiographically defined PACNS frequently did not have a benign outcome or monophasic course. Repeat angiography was useful in supporting the diagnosis of PACNS, but did not always correlate with disease activity. A prospective multicenter collaborative effort is required to better define the clinical course and optimal treatment of PACNS.
Establishment potential and damage probability of Meloidogyne chitwoodi in Germany.

Meloidogyne chitwoodi is a major potato pest in the western USA. Its presence in Europe, in The Netherlands, has been known since 1985. There is a risk that the nematode may spread from locally contaminated areas to other regions of Europe. We tried to assess possible establishment in Germany, and associated damage to potatoes, on the basis of biological facts and ecoclimatic data. Determination of the establishment potential was mainly based on the availability of host plants and the influence of temperature in connection with the biological characteristics of M. chitwoodi. Analysis of these parameters revealed that the nematode could become established in many places in Germany, especially in the potato-growing regions. On the basis of temperature accumulation, two or three generations of the nematode may be possible in Germany; but completion of a third generation or possible hatching of a fourth would be restricted to a few places and to climatically favourable years. The multiplication rate and damage probability of M. chitwoodi seems to depend mainly on weather conditions in spring and temperature accumulation during the vegetation period. Damage probability decreases from west to east in the northern lowland of Germany, where the main potato-growing regions are located. The coastal regions are less at risk.