Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biocompatibility improvement conferred by the immobilization of a CD31 peptide on endovascular stents

Over the last decades, coronary stents and intracranial flow diverting stents have revolutionized the endovascular treatment of two different arterial pathologies: coronary artery disease and intracranial aneurysms. The working mechanisms of these metallic endoprostheses are different but both are associated with complications stemming from biocompatibility issues. In particular, the rapid covering by endothelial cells presenting an anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic phenotype is key to the integration of the endoprosthesis at the blood/vessel interface. Thus, the development of solutions to improve the endothelialization and the integration of these two types of stents in the vessel wall would represent a major progress in their respective field.In this context, this thesis work deals with the immobilization of a bioactive molecule on coronary stents and flow diverting stents in order to solve their biocompatibility issues. The bioactive molecule that we used is a synthetic peptide, named P8RI, which promotes the regulatory functions of the transmembrane glycoprotein CD31 : the inhibition of platelets and leukocytes activation, as well as the enhancement of endothelial cell survival, migration and barrier function.The first part of this thesis work consisted in the development of a process for the immobilization of P8RI on metallic stents. We adopted three successive approaches: the direct immobilization of the peptide on plasma-functionalized alloy surfaces; the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of an intermediate polymeric layer; and the deposition of a polydopamine coating by self-polymerization, followed with the immobilization of a linker and the binding of P8RI by copper-free click chemistry.We then carried out an in vitro evaluation of the biocompatibility of the resulting coated alloy surfaces, in terms of anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-endothelialization properties. The surfaces on which P8RI had been immobilized were shown to exhibit a tendency to decrease platelet adhesion, increase endothelial cell adhesion and barrier function, and promote an anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic phenotype in human vascular endothelial cells.Finally, coronary stents and flow diverting stents were evaluated in vivo. Coronary stents were implanted in the coronary arteries of farm pigs, and preliminary results showed a more complete endothelialization and a lesser density of adherent leukocytes on ‘P8RI-coated’ stents than on the controls. ‘P8RI-coated’ flow diverting stents were implanted in a rabbit elastase-induced carotid aneurysm model. Compared with the controls, they were associated with the formation of a thicker and better organized neointima, in particular on the stent struts in front of the aneurysm neck, which implies lesser risks of persistence of blood flow and aneurysm rupture.
Market Participation and Willingness to Pay for Environmentally Certified Hardwood Products

The purpose of this study is to ascertain (1) consumers' willingness to participate in a market for environmentally certified hardwood products, and (2) the price premium consumers would be willing to pay for a certified oak shelving board. Further, we test how demographics influence market participation and the price premium. Results were obtained through a telephone survey of 811 Pennsylvania residents. Overall, 42.2% supported certification and were willing to pay higher prices for certified products, 45.5% supported certification but were not willing to pay higher prices, and 11.3% did not support certification regardless of costs. The profile of those most likely to participate in a certified wood product market includes nonhomeowners, female, college-educated, recyclers, and previous purchasers of environmentally labeled nonwood products. Among those supporting certification and willing to pay a premium, consumers were willing to pay $10.18 above the cost ofan uncertified board ($28.80).
Freshwater Ostracoda (Crustacea) of Diyarbakır Province, including a new report for Turkey

During the summer (July-August) of 2007, a total of 23 freshwater ostracods belonging to 14 genera were collected from 50 out of 90 different bodies of water in Diyarbakir. Of these 23 finds, Herpetocypris intermedia is a new report for Turkish ostracod fauna. In addition, 11 species (Ilyocypris decipiens, I. inermis, Eucypris virens, Herpetocypris brevicaudata, Psychrodromus fontinalis, Isocypris beauchampi, Potamocypris similis, P. unicaudata, P. arcuata, Limnocythere stationis, and L. inopinata) are reported from this city for the first time. The geographical distribution of some species is extended into the eastern parts of Turkey. Our results also suggest that species with cosmopolitan characteristics tend to have a wide distribution within a variety of habitats.
Evidence for autonomous selfing in grassland Protea species (Proteaceae)

It has been assumed that species of the large African genus Protea have strong self-incompatibility systems. However, this assumption was based largely on studies conducted on a clade of bird-pollinated species that occur in the shrubby fynbos vegetation of the Cape region of southern Africa. To test whether self-incompatibility occurs in a grassland/savanna Protea clade, which is largely insect-pollinated, we performed controlled pollination experiments on four species, P. caffra, P. dracomontana, P. simplex and P. welwitschii. Although pollen–ovule ratios of all four species fall within the range for outcrossers, all four species are self-compatible and capable of autonomous seed production. Using fluorescence microscopy, we found that self-pollen tubes had the same probability of reaching ovules as cross-pollen tubes. In the small tree P. caffra, selfed progeny had rates of germination and survivorship that were identical to those of crossed progeny. The grassland Protea spp. studied are likely to have mixed mating systems on account of being both visited by insects and capable of autonomous selfing. If one assumes previous reports of self-incompatibility in Protea to be reliable, there have been at least five losses of self-incompatibility and two gains of autonomous selfing in this genus. However, earlier studies in the genus were often methodologically flawed and a thorough re-analysis of breeding systems in Protea is required. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 169, 433–446.
Reference values of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D Hormone by chemiluminescent automated assay

Objective. Provide reference data for parathyroid hormone 1-84 (PTH 1-84) and 25OH Vitamin D (25OH D) using a new technique. Materials and methods. The hormones were evaluated, in serum, using a third generation automated chemiluminescent method for PTH in a group of 60 adult dogs, clinically healthy, grouped according to age in years in GA: 1 to 5, GB: 6 to 10 and GC:>10. Results. Data expressed as average ± DS were for PTH (pg/ml): 9.3±2.3; 12±6.3; 12.2±3.7; and for 25OH D (ng/ml): 84.2±27.8; 68.2±16.0; 63.6±23.1, respectively. The PTH value was significantly greater (p<0.05) in groups B and C in comparison with A, but no significant differences were observed between GB and GC. The 25OH D concentration was significantly less in GB (p<0.05) and in GC (p<0.01) in comparison with GA, showing no differences between GB and GC. A negative correlation between 25OH D and PTH was found (r= -0.28; p=0.015). Conclusions. Data contributed by this study provide reference values for PTH 1-84 and 25OH D, evaluated using a third generation automated chemiluminescent method for PTH in local dogs. The results will facilitate monitoring diseases that alter the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in dogs.
An examination of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism in adults, adolescents, and children

William James (1890) provided a simple definition of self-esteem: success divided by pretension. Therefore, to raise self-esteem I need to either lower my pretentions or increase my achievements. What happens if I increase my pretensions? Researchers have suggested that narcissism may be the result of such a change. Narcissism is defined as a distorted, inflated selfappraisal (Eromo & Levy, 2017). A large volume of research has found meaningful distinctions between high self-esteem and narcissism. A number of studies have also provided evidence towards a distinction between grandiose and vulnerable dimensions of narcissism in adults, although no study as yet has examined whether this distinction is evident in childhood. To understand how diverse self-appraisals develop, a clear understanding of narcissism in children is first necessary. In Chapter 1, the diverse literature on multidimensional narcissism and childhood narcissism is summarised, elucidating the ongoing difficulties surrounding narcissism nomenclature, conceptualisation, and measurement. To address these difficulties, the first aim of this thesis was to examine the overlapping and separable features of narcissism dimensions and to develop measures that capture both expressions of narcissism in adults and children. This aim is addressed in Chapters 2, 3, and 4. Chapter 2 presents two studies that investigate the heterogeneous nature of narcissism in adults and develops the Narcissism Scale to reliably and validly measure grandiose and vulnerable narcissism in adults. Chapter 3 presents three studies that identify the core and peripheral features of narcissism and adaptive self-appraisals using the six-factor model of personality. These studies further validate the Narcissism Scale as a psychometrically robust measure of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism in adults. With a clearer understanding of narcissism in adults, Chapter 4 investigates if this distinction is meaningful prior to adulthood by adapting the
The apple skin: colourful healthiness : developmental and environmental regulation of flavonoids and chlorogenic acid in apples

Variations in flavonoid and chlorogenic acid concentrations within fruit, within tree, between orchards, between cultivars and among mutants were characterised and quantified in 'Elstar' and 'Jonagold' apples by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC). The sun-exposed skin of individual fruit had much higher cyanidin 3-galactoside (anthocyanin) and quercetin 3-glycoside concentrations than the shaded skin, while phloridzin, catechins and chlorogenic acid were similar in the skin of both sides. Individual flavonoid and chlorogenic acid concentrations were not equally distributed within the fruit. Quercetin 3glycosides and anthocyanin were almost exclusively found in the skin. Catechins were mostly found in the skin but some were present in the flesh. Phloridzin was most abundant in the seeds, with intermediate concentrations in both the core area and the skin, and the lowest concentration in the flesh. Chlorogenic acid was mainly present in the core area and the seeds with an intermediate concentration in the flesh and a low concentration in the skin. The concentrations of anthocyanin, quercetin 3-glycosides and total flavonoids were highest in fruit borne in the top of the tree followed by fruit from the outer tree parts, whereas the lowest concentrations were found in fruit from the inner tree. Terminal fruit contained the highest concentrations of these compounds, including catechins, compared to lateral and spur fruit. Phloridzin and chlorogenic acid were not affected by the position of the fruit in the tree nor by the bearing wood type. There were large differences in flavonoid and chlorogenic acid concentrations in 'Elstar' fruit between two normally productive orchards differing mainly in growth vigour. 'Jonagold' and its mutants had considerably higher concentrations of flavonoid and chlorogenic acid than 'Elstar' and its mutants. The most blushed mutants of both cultivars had higher concentrations of anthocyanin but not of flavonoids or chlorogenic acid compared to the standard cultivar and to the less blushed mutants. The most blushed mutants had a higher number of red cells per cell layer and more cell layers containing red cells than the standard cultivar and the less blushed mutants.
Taxonomic review of the cyanoprokaryotic genera Planktothrix and Planktothricoides

The cyanoprokaryotic/cyanobacterial genera Planktothrix and Planktothricoides belong to the planktic filamentous phormidiacean types. They are well characterized and delimited by phenotype, ultrastructure, and mainly by genetic criteria (molecular sequencing). However, their intrageneric diversity, which is important for ecological research (eutrophication of water reservoirs, toxicity), is complicated, and the classification on the specific level is difficult. The problematics of species identification is discussed in the present review. - The study was supported by the grants EU "MIDI-CHIP EVK2-1999-00213", and GACR No. "KSK 6005114".
Zoogeography and host plants of Longitarsus in Israel, with descriptions of six new species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

There are 42 species of Longitarsus recorded from Israel. For the Known species, previously recorded and new distributional and Host plant data are listed; zoogeographlcal affinities and predictions are also given. There are 18 species recorded In Israel for the first time as well as new records from Iran, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. Three new synonymies are established: kiapperichi Mohr (= aKierii Pic); syriacus (Allard) (= luridus (Scopoll)); spifotus Welse (= rectilineatus (Foudras)). Many new host plant records are given, Including records for 8 species with previously unknown hosts. There are 6 new species described: ailotrophus; bytinskii; eminatus; hermonensis; nigriiividus; and nimrodi.
The influence of hydrology and water quality on phytoplankton community composition and biomass in a humoeutrophic reservoir, Siemianowka reservoir [Poland]

There was a significant relationship between the structure of algae and the water quality over four yearsin a polymictic reservoir in a lowland peat-forest catchment. High phytoplankton biomass in the reservoir was related to the enriched content of natural dissolved organic carbon and also nitrogen and phosphorus compounds associated with them. The access of light is limited by dissolved humic substances and long time of water retention. The constant accessibility of nutrients from decomposing mineral-organic polymers favours the dominance of Cyanoprokaryota in summer and of diatoms in cooler seasons of the year. The structure and biomass of the summer phytoplankton, manifested by water blooms, depended upon the spring load of dissolved organic carbon fed to the reservoir.
An experimental study of vertical habitat use and habitat shifts in single-species and mixed-species shoals of native and nonnative congeneric cyprinids

An Experimental Study of Vertical Habitat Use and Habitat Shifts in Single-species and Mixed-species Shoals of Native and Nonnative Congeneric Cyprinids Brandon J. Keplinger This thesis includes two chapters. The first (Chapter 1) is a literature review focusing on the ecological consequences of introduced fishes on host communities, and specifically on native fishes of similar morphology and phylogenetic origins. The second (Chapter 2) is a manuscript synthesizing the aquaria based study of the interspecific relationships, with respect to habitat utilization, between two syntopically occurring congeneric species pairs in the Greenbrier River. Each pair consists of an introduced and a native cyprinid species. Several species native (often endemic) to the New River watershed are experiencing reductions in abundance and distribution. Meanwhile, a concurrent increase has occurred in the abundance and distribution of similar nonnative species. Chapter 2 focuses on the interspecific interactions that occur with respect to vertical water column position between a pair of native species, Notropis scabriceps (New River shiner) and Cyprinella spiloptera (spotfin shiner), and a pair of nonnative species, Notropis telescopus (telescope shiner) and Cyprinella galactura (whitetail shiner). These four species occur in the Greenbrier River (a tributary to the New). Observations were made using aquaria and vertical position categories. All four species were observed under allotopic and syntopic trials. Allotopic trials provided evidence for segregation in vertical water column preferences but syntopic trials revealed integration and mixed-species shoals. Laboratory-observed patterns of native/nonnative species integration likely occur in wild populations (in the New River drainage). If laboratoryobserved patterns of species integration also occur in wild populations, then competitive interactions will likely occur owing to the close association between native and nonnative species in the use of vertical habitat space. Additional studies, however, are needed to verify experimental findings in the natural environment of the Greenbrier River system.
Playbacks revisited: asymmetry in behavioural response across an acoustic boundary between two parapatric bird species

Behavioural barriers to gene flow can play a key role in speciation and hybridisation. Birdsong is well-known for its potential contribution to such behavioural barriers as it may affect gene flow through an effect on territorial and mating success across population boundaries. Conspecific recognition and heterospecific discrimination of acoustic variation can prevent or limit hybridization in areas where closely related species meet. Here we tested the impact of song differences on territorial response levels between two adjacent Henicorhinawood-wren species along an elevational gradient in Colombia. In an earlier study, playback results had revealed an asymmetric response pattern, with low-elevation H. leucophrys bangsiresponding strongly to any conspecific or heterospecific song variant, whereas high-elevation H. anachoretabirds discriminated, responding more strongly to their own songs than to those of bangsi. However, in that study we could not exclude a role for relative familiarity to the song stimuli. In the current study we confirm the asymmetric response pattern with song stimuli recorded close to and on both sides of the distinct acoustic boundary. Furthermore, we also show a previously unnoticed divergence in singing style between these two wood-wren species, which may contribute to an acoustically guided barrier to hybridization in this secondary contact zone.
Identification of parasitic nematodes and study of genetic variability using PCR approaches.

The accurate identification of nematodes (irrespective of developmental stage) has important implications for many areas, including systematics (taxonomy and phylogeny), population genetics, ecology and epidemiology, and is also central to diagnosis, treatment and control of the diseases they cause. Individual nematodes are frequently identified and distinguished on the basis of morphological features, the host they infect, their transmission patterns, their pathological effect(s) on the host or their geographical origin. However, these criteria are often insufficient for specific identification (Lichtenfels et al., 1997; Andrews and Chilton, 1999). Immunological, biochemical and nucleic acid techniques provide powerful tools to overcome this limitation (reviewed by McManus and Bowles, 1996; Andrews and Chilton, 1999). In particular, the advent of the PCR method (Saiki et al., 1985; Mullis et al., 1986) has revolutionized nematode taxonomy and genetics, mainly because its sensitivity permits the amplification of genes or gene fragments from minute amounts of genomic DNA. This is of particular relevance because it is frequently impossible to obtain or isolate sufficient amounts of material from some nematodes at their different life-cycle stages (i.e. eggs or larvae) for conventional analyses. The method of PCR allows selective amplification from a complex genome by enzymatic amplification in vitro. The double-stranded genomic DNA template is denatured by heating, and the temperature is then decreased to allow oligonucleotide primers to hybridize (anneal) to their complementary sequences on opposite strands of the template. The
CONDICION ACTUAL DE LAS FORMACIONES CORALINAS DE ACROPORA PALMATA Y A. CERVICONIS EN EL PARQUE NACIONAL NATURAL TAYRONA (COLOMBIA)

To assess the status of coral formations dominated by Acropora palmata (APF) and A. cervicornis (ACF) in the Tayrona National Natural Park (TNNP), Colombian Caribbean, a study was conducted at the bays of Chengue, Gayraca, Nenguange and Cinto between May-December 2001. The distribution and extension of the formations in the study area were evaluated by swimming along the coast and using draft maps, a GPS and a calibrated flow-meter, and their living cover were estimated in quadrat-belt transects (1x10 m). A total of 29 APF (119320 m2) and 12 ACF (21760 m2) were assessed. Almost all the APF exhibited living colonies of A. palmata, but the mean cover by this species reached only about 10%, representing about 14000 m2 of living area and a live: dead tissue proportion of 1: 8. Only four ACF had living colonies of A. cervicornis, and the mean live cover by this species was near 5%, corresponding to only 1200 m2 and a live: dead tissue proportion of 1: 15. Algae was the dominant category at both types of formation, covering about 80% of the substrate, followed by stony corals (17% in APF and 12% in ACF) and in less proportion by sand, zoanthids, octocorals and sponges. The hard coral assemblage was composed by 21 species in both formations, but, despite the extensive mortality of acroporids, it continued dominated by A. palmata (60%) in the APF and by A. cervicornis (40%) in the ACF. Millepora complanata was the only other stony coral species that reached important cover values (19% in APF and 24% in ACF); this is an opportunist coral that may have been gaining dominance following the decline of acroporid species. The results of our study indicate that acroporid populations of the PNNT have not recovered after 15 years of their mass mortality, and on the contrary, suggest that their status is now more dramatic. This is coincident with the general scenario that was diagnosed recently for the status of these corals in the Wider Caribbean. However, the current condition of acroporids in the PNNT seems better than in other reef areas of the Colombian Caribbean, so that, its remnant surviving populations can represent important reserves for conservation of both species and for future restoration programs.