Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pollination by Monkey Beetles (Scarabaeidae: Hopliini): Do Color and Dark Centers of Flowers Influence Alighting Behavior?

Abstract Monkey beetles (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Hopliini) visit mostly unscented flowers with conspicuous dark center patterns that have been suggested to mimic resting beetles. Field observations in South Africa showed that monkey beetles are the primary pollen vectors of the dark-centered flowers of Ixia dubia Vent. (Iridaceae) and Spiloxene capensis (L.) Garside (Hypoxidaceae), and the dark-centered flowerheads of Gazania pectinata (Thunb.) Spreng. (Asteraceae). Monkey beetles used the flowers of these species as mating rendezvous sites and consequently showed a significant clumped distribution in flowers. We used model flowers approximating the study species to determine which traits are important for eliciting alighting behavior in monkey beetles. Contrary to expectations, beetles did not significantly prefer dark-centered to plain models in 7 of 8 independent experiments, nor did beetles discriminate significantly between plain models and models with male or female beetles glued to their surface. However, beetles did show a strong preference for orange over red, yellow, and blue models. The results of this study indicate that alighting behavior of monkey beetles is influenced primarily by flower color rather than flower patterning or presence of other beetles.
“I find the whole enterprise daunting”: Staff understanding of Open Education initiatives within a UK university

“Open” initiatives, which focus on increasing access to education, resources, and research, are often practised by individuals rather than universities. However, universities must now produce openly accessible research to comply with research funding and assessment requirements. To encourage staff participation, universities need to understand what participation barriers their staff face.67 University of the West of England staff were surveyed about how they understood and participated in open initiatives. Four staff gave qualitative interviews about their experiences. This data was analysed to find correlates for participation and to identify participation barriers. Participants valued open initiatives and supported their underlying goal of increased public access. Staff faced many entry barriers, especially around resource maintenance, copyright, and permissions. Universities could reduce these issues by emphasising how open initiatives allow staff to save time and to avoid reduplicating resources, and by creating unified “open policies” that make staff permissions and restrictions clearer.
Survival benefits and predictors of use of chemoradiation compared with radiation alone for early stage (T1-T2N0) anal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background Standard of care treatment for anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is concurrent chemoradiation (CRT). However, the necessity of CRT over radiation alone for T1-2N0 disease is less certain. Methods The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried to identify patients who received CRT, defined as initiation of chemo and RT within 14 days of each other, or RT alone (without any chemo during initial treatment phase) for cT1-2N0M0 SCC of the anus. The cohort was limited to patients less than 70 years old with Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index of 0, receiving a radiation dose range of 4,500-5,940 cGy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess for predictors of CRT usage. Five-year overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log rank test both for the full cohort and then on the subsets of T1 and T2 patients. Results We identified 4,564 patients, of whom 4,371 (95.8%) received CRT and 193 (4.2%) received RT alone. Median follow up was 49.8 months. About 33.5% of patients had cT1N0 disease, while 66.5% of patients had cT2N0 disease. On multivariable logistic regression, patients were more likely to receive CRT if they had T2 disease [OR 2.318 (1.732-3.102), P<0.0001]. Five-year OS was 86.6% for CRT and 79.1% for RT (P=0.001). For T1 patients, 5-year OS was 90.3% with CRT and 84.7% with RT (P=0.114). For T2 patients, 5-year OS was 84.7% with CRT and 72.8% with RT (P<0.0001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed association between OS and CRT use [HR 0.588 (95% CI: 0.430-0.804), P=0.001]. Conclusions The vast majority of patients under age 70 without significant comorbidities are treated with CRT over radiation alone for early stage anal SCC, with better survival associated with CRT.
Application of universal remote control of non-smart home appliances for smart home concepts

The smart homes concept is widely used nowadays, as well as many different standards and technologies that exist which enable to remotely control almost every home appliance. In this paper, we would like to address universal solution of remote control based on available widely used hardware solution which allows to connect not only current appliances from different producers, but also older appliances which support only the handling via a controller on the basis of infrared transfer. Finally, these non-smart home appliances are going to be integrated in whole smart environment and also be as smart as other new appliances. The part of the solution is the interface for the connection of the application to current smart home systems and an intelligent recognition and an automatisation of user's actions with controllers. The result of the implementation is a functional prototype with all required design (PCB) and implementation. User testing also confirms the amount of time saved by using such device instead of original non-smart or not connected smart ones.
Step Out of Line: Modeling Nonlinear Effects and Dynamics in Close-Relationships Research

Despite widespread acknowledgment that close relationships frequently involve tumultuous and dynamic experiences, most models in relationship psychology focus on linear relationship processes. Modeling nonlinear patterns can, however, be an important way to assess and better understand the complexities inherent in close relationships. In this article, I draw on one of the most widely studied theories in relationship science—attachment theory—to illustrate how modeling nonlinear effects between variables (i.e., curvilinear effects) and nonlinear dynamics across time (i.e., within-person variation and within-dyad flexibility) can reconcile inconsistencies in the literature, reveal unique relationship experiences, and broaden our understanding of complex relationship processes.
Differential Female Attack and Larval Performance of a Galling Cecidomyiid on the Host, Astronium fraxinifolium (Anacardiaceae), in Contrasting Habitats

ABSTRACT: We tested two hypotheses that investigated the pattern of attack by a gall-inducing insect on its host plant Astronium fraxinifolium (Anacardiaceae) in two contrasting habitats: cerrado (a savannic formation that indicates harsh conditions) and gallery forest (indicating moist conditions): (i) that galling female preference and larval performance are higher in xeric than mesic habitats; (ii) that vigorous modules are more attacked by the galling female insects where their larvae achieve higher performance independent of the habitat. The attack preference by the female galling did not differ between habitats. However, the larval performance was higher in the xeric habitat (cerrado) (76%) compared to the mesic habitat (gallery forest) (24%), partially supporting the first hypothesis. In general, bottom-up and top-down forces controlling the gall-inducing insect were higher in the mesic habitat. Shoot size of A. fraxinifolium did not influence the selection by the females for oviposition in any of the habitats. But, larger shoots provided better larval performance only in xeric habitats. In this way, galling performance is strongly habitat dependent and long-term differences in mortality rates between mesic and xeric habitats may have led to greater performance and success in dry environments.
Protein–Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B–Deficient Myocytes Show Increased Insulin Sensitivity and Protection Against Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Induced Insulin Resistance

Protein–tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)1B is a negative regulator of insulin signaling and a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes. In this study, we have assessed the role of PTP1B in the insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle under physiological and insulin-resistant conditions. Immortalized myocytes have been generated from PTP1B-deficient and wild-type neonatal mice. PTP1B−/− myocytes showed enhanced insulin-dependent activation of insulin receptor autophosphorylation and downstream signaling (tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate [IRS]-1 and IRS-2, activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and serine phosphorylation of AKT), compared with wild-type cells. Accordingly, PTP1B−/− myocytes displayed higher insulin-dependent stimulation of glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane than wild-type cells. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced insulin resistance on glucose uptake, impaired insulin signaling, and increased PTP1B activity in wild-type cells. Conversely, the lack of PTP1B confers protection against insulin resistance by TNF-α in myocyte cell lines and in adult male mice. Wild-type mice treated with TNF-α developed a pronounced hyperglycemia along the glucose tolerance test, accompanied by an impaired insulin signaling and increased PTP1B activity in muscle. However, mice lacking PTP1B maintained a rapid clearance of glucose and insulin sensitivity and displayed normal muscle insulin signaling regardless the presence of TNF-α.
Ovipositional preferences amongst navel sweet orange types by the false codling moth, Cryptophlebia leucotreta.

Summary Five different navel sweet orange cvs or cv. selections, planted in the Citrusdal area of the western Cape Province, South Africa, were evaluated for their susceptibility to false codling moth infestation. The proportion of yield lost by two of them, cv. Bahianinha and the ‘Buffelspoort’ cv. selection, was lower than losses from the others evaluated. Damage due to other factors causing fruit abscission was also lowest in the cv. Bahianinha. The greatest number of eggs laid throughout the season was on the ‘Addo’ cv. selection, and losses due to the false codling moth were also greatest on this orange type. Rate of oviposition was significantly (P > 0.05) lower on the cv. Bahianinha than on all the other types. Parasitism by a trichogrammatid egg parasitoid appeared to have no impact on overall egg mortality and did not account for any of the observed differences in fruit loss. The relationship between egg deposition and fruit loss was not clear and many factors require further investigation. Nevertheless, the distinct difference in rate of oviposition on the ‘Addo’ cv. selection, on the one hand, and on the cv. Bahianinha, on the other, indicates some consistent response to positive or negative stimuli.
Short communication: irrigation temperature effects on seedling growth and transplant quality of tomato, pepper and eggplant

During production of plug transplants, high plant density and small cell size increases seedling height. The resulting tall, weak-stemmed, plants are difficult to transplant and can be easily damaged. One technique that can prevent excessive seedling elongation is irrigation with cold water. Seedlings of tomato, pepper and eggplant were planted in cell plug trays in greenhouses and irrigated daily, in the morning, with water at different temperatures. The temperaturas tested were 3°C, 9°C and tap water (15.5-16.5°C). Irrigation with cold water reduced seedling stem height by 48-58% in tomato, 24-42% in pepper and 17-36% in eggplant. Cold water irrigation significantly affected stem diameter, number of leaves, shoot and root dry weights and leaf chlorophyll content. These results show that irrigation with cold water can effectively control plant height in plug-grown seedlings.
Inheritance and plasticity of adult host acceptance in Yponomeuta species: implications for host shifts in specialist herbivores

Changes in host acceptance is an important factor in the host specialization of phytophagous insects, and knowledge of the genetic organization of this behaviour is necessary in order to understand how host shifts occur. Here we describe the inheritance of adult host acceptance (oviposition) in three closely related species of Yponomeuta Latreille (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), and their interspecific hybrids. Yponomeuta cagnagellus (Hübner), a specialist on Euonymus europaeus L. (Celastraceae), Y. malinellus Zeller, a specialist on Malus spp. (Rosaceae), and Y. padellus (L.), oligophagous on a number of Rosaceae, were tested for their acceptance of parental hosts in choice tests. Acceptance of E. europaeus is semi‐dominant in hybrids of Y. cagnagellus×Y. padellus, and in hybrids of Y. cagnagellus×Y. malinellus. The dominance of this acceptance was confirmed in oviposition tests with backcross hybrids: backcross hybrids F1 × Y. cagnagellus oviposited mainly on E. europaeus and F1 × Y. padellus still deposited more than half of their egg masses on E. europaeus. Reciprocal hybrids did not differ in their host acceptance, indicating that the trait is autosomal. We further studied the effect of larval food on adult host acceptance (‘Hopkins host selection principle’) in split full‐sib F1 families. Larval diet influenced oviposition only in one of two hybrid crosses. The F1 hybrid of Y. padellus× Y. cagnagellus, reared on Prunus spinosa L. , deposited a significantly lower percentage of egg masses on E. europaeus compared to their full‐sib sisters fed with E. europaeus. We did not find this in the reciprocal cross. However, still more than half of the egg masses are deposited on E. europaeus by hybrids that have no experience on this host. We conclude that the semi‐dominant character of acceptance of E. europaeus and a tendency of Rosaceae‐feeding Yponomeuta to deposit egg masses on this host may have created the opportunity for the host shift of the predecessor of Y. cagnagellus from Rosaceae to the Celastraceae. This shift may have been further facilitated by a weak tendency of adults to oviposit on their larval food source.
Responses of Aquatic Fungal Communities on Leaf Litter to Temperature‐Change Events

Increases of extreme weather events are predicted to occur with ongoing climate change, but impacts to freshwaters have rarely been examined. We assessed the effects of temperature on leaf-litter associated fungi by exposing leaves colonized in a stream to 18 °C (control), 25 °C, or 18 °C after freezing. Treatments altered fungal dominance on leaves; Lunulospora curvula sporulation was stimulated by increased temperature and stopped by the freeze-thaw treatment. Fungal biomass and diversity decreased at 18 °C after freezing, but not at 25 °C. Leaf decomposition was retarded by the freeze-thaw treatment (k = -0.024 day -1 ) and stimulated at 25 °C (k = -0.069 day -1 ). Results suggest that occasional freezing may constrain fungal diversity and their ecological functions, while warming appears to accelerate plant-litter decomposition in streams.
Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase from Bovine Retina by β‐Carbolines

Abstract— The behaviour of some β‐carboline derivatives as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase has been studied in bovine retina. Inhibition was found not to show any significant time dependence. Di‐ and tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines were shown to behave as reversible and competitive inhibitors. In contrast, the fully unsaturated β‐carbolines harmane, harmine and harmaline, which showed deviation from linearity at high substrate concentrations, behaved as tight‐binding inhibitors. In these cases, the concentration of the enzyme and the inhibitor were of the same order. This was confirmed by the Ki values for these compounds in the nanomolar concentration range. Consistent with this was that inhibition was only partly reversed by dialysis for 18 h at 4°C, although complete reversal was observed after dialysis for the same period at 37°C. Structure‐activity relationships indicated that substitution of a methoxy group at the C7 position of the aromatic ring is determinant for this tight‐binding behaviour; a substitution of this group at the C6 position greatly reduced inhibition. Since β‐carbolines have been reported to be formed endogenously, this suggests that they might have important physiological actions on monoamine oxidase activity in‐vivo. In contrast, all the β‐carbolines investigated in this study had low potencies as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B.
Competing uses for China's straw: the economic and carbon abatement potential of biochar

China is under pressure to improve its agricultural productivity to keep up with the demands of a growing population with increasingly resource‐intensive diets. This productivity improvement must occur against a backdrop of carbon intensity reduction targets, and a highly fragmented, nutrient‐inefficient farming system. Moreover, the Chinese government increasingly recognizes the need to rationalize the management of the 800 million tonnes of agricultural crop straw that China produces each year, up to 40% of which is burned in‐field as a waste. Biochar produced from these residues and applied to land could contribute to China's agricultural productivity, resource use efficiency and carbon reduction goals. However competing uses for China's straw residues are rapidly emerging, particularly from bioenergy generation. Therefore it is important to understand the relative economic viability and carbon abatement potential of directing agricultural residues to biochar rather than bioenergy. Using cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) and life‐cycle analysis (LCA), this paper therefore compares the economic viability and carbon abatement potential of biochar production via pyrolysis, with that of bioenergy production via briquetting and gasification. Straw reincorporation and in‐field straw burning are used as baseline scenarios. We find that briquetting straw for heat energy is the most cost‐effective carbon abatement technology, requiring a subsidy of $7 MgCO2e−1 abated. However China's current bioelectricity subsidy scheme makes gasification (NPV $12.6 million) more financially attractive for investors than both briquetting (NPV $7.34 million), and pyrolysis ($−1.84 million). The direct carbon abatement potential of pyrolysis (1.06 MgCO2e per odt straw) is also lower than that of briquetting (1.35 MgCO2e per odt straw) and gasification (1.16 MgCO2e per odt straw). However indirect carbon abatement processes arising from biochar application could significantly improve the carbon abatement potential of the pyrolysis scenario. Likewise, increasing the agronomic value of biochar is essential for the pyrolysis scenario to compete as an economically viable, cost‐effective mitigation technology.
Recent Trends in Audit Report and Earnings Announcement Lags

SYNOPSIS: The Securities and Exchange Commission introduced accelerated filing requirements for corporate 10-K and 10-Q filings in 2003. The major accounting firms and some companies expressed concerns about the acceleration, arguing that other changes in financial reporting and disclosure requirements, corporate governance, and auditing standards would make it difficult to meet the shorter deadlines while maintaining good quality reporting. Using longitudinal samples of companies for the period 2001–2006, we examine two lags in the corporate reporting process: the audit report lag (the number of days between the fiscal year-end and the audit report date), and the earnings announcement lag (the number of days between the fiscal year-end and the earnings announcement date). Our results indicate that both lags increased significantly in the two-year period 2001–2002 prior to the introduction of the accelerated filing requirements and in the period 2003–2006 when the new filing requirements were in effect. F.
Modeling of Gαs and Gαi Regulation of Human Type V and VI Adenylyl Cyclase*

We examined the kinetics of Gαs and Gαi regulation of human type V and type VI adenylyl cyclase (AC V and AC VI) in order to better model interactions between AC and its regulators. Activation of AC VI by Gαs displayed classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics, whereas AC V activation by Gαs was cooperative with a Hill coefficient of 1.4. The basal activity of human AC V, but not that of AC VI, was inhibited by Gαi. Both enzymes showed greater inhibition by Gαi at low Gαs concentrations; however, human AC V was activated by Gαi at high Gαs concentrations. Neither regulator had an effect on the Km for Mg-ATP. Mutations made within the Gαs binding pocket of AC V (N1090D) and VI (F1078S) displayed 6- and 14-fold greater EC50 values for Gαs activation but had no effect on Gαi inhibition of basal activity or Km for Mg-ATP. Gαs-stimulated AC VI-F1078S was not significantly inhibited by Gαi, despite normal inhibition by Gαi upon forskolin stimulation. Mechanistic models for Gαs and Gαi regulation of AC V and VI were derived to describe these results. Our models are consistent with previous studies, predicting a decrease in affinity of Gαi in the presence of Gαs. For AC VI, Gαs is required for inhibition but not binding by Gαi. For AC V, binding of two molecules of Gαs and Gαi to an AC dimer are required to fully describe the data. These models highlight the differences between AC V and VI and the complex interactions with two important regulators.
Crude protein and nitrate concentrations of fall forage for stocker cattle: wheat vs. perennial cool-season grasses.

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pastures are a primary source of cool-season forage used by stocker cattle (Bos taurus L.) in the southern Great Plains. Replacing some wheat pasture with perennial cool-season grasses (PCSGs) could reduce uncertainties of sufficient fall forage and annual tillage operations. Wheat forage is capable of producing stocker weight gains >1.4 kg d -1 , but wheat can accumulate nitrate that poses a health risk to stockers. Levels of crude protein (CP) and nitrate in fall forage clipped 4 yr (2002-2005), from replicated pastures of winter wheat and two PCSG pastures established in 2001 ('Jose' tall wheatgrass [Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Z. -W. Liu & R. -C. Wang], 'Manska' intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey], and one PCSG pasture established in 2002 ['Lincoln' smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss)], were compared. Forage levels of CP in PCSGs were >148 g kg -1 dry wt. , but were 21 to 37% less than that of wheat (244 ± 3 g kg -1 ). Mean nitrate-N levels of wheat were 400, 1400, 4600, and 840 mg kg -1 in 2002 through 2005, respectively. Among the PCSGs, nitrate-N did not exceed 660 mg kg -1 . The CP levels of PCSGs were often substantially less than that of wheat, but were sufficient for growth of stocker calves. Nitrate risks that sometimes occurred with wheat would make PCSGs a safer choice for pasture.