Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Preschool Literacy Project in Victoria

The prior-to-school years are now recognised as an important time during which children can develop an understanding about the purposes and functions of literacy in a literate society. During these early years, if children are given the opportunity, they can develop a strong conceptual framework for literacy that will prepare them well for the formal teaching of literacy they will experience when they start school. However, in Australian preschools, early childhood educators implement play-based pedagogies to encourage children's social and emotional development prior to entering formal schooling. Literacy education has been primarily regarded as belonging to the school English curriculum. In some preschools, literacy may be given a cursory reference: for example, books only being used at story time and print only used to label children's paintings and constructions on display or to help them recognise and perhaps print their first initial or name.
Ketone Body Metabolism Preserves Hepatic Function during Adaptation to Birth and in Overnutrition

Measurement of hepatic glucose production (HGP) in rodent models is integral to obesity and diabetes research. Nonetheless, HGP is not routinely measured due to the challenges associated with clamp techniques, in vivo tracer studies, and ex vivo carbon NMR methods. Thus, we have developed a simple proton-edited C-NMR method to measure HGP from pyruvate in situ in the mouse. Here we demonstrate the validity of this method in cohorts of chow-fed and 24 hr fasted wild type male mice. Contribution of [C]pyruvate, delivered via the portal vein in a euthermic oxygenated buffer, to the TCA cycle for terminal oxidation and to gluconeogenesis was quantified by NMR in mouse liver extracts. As expected, contribution of [C]pyruvate to hepatic gluconeogenesis increased and hepatic pyruvate oxidation decreased with fasting. The methods contained here provide a relatively simple means of measuring hepatic gluconeogenesis from pyruvate using proton edited C-NMR and can easily be adapted to map the fate of various substrates. Methods Animals. All adult mice studied were males on a C57BL/6N X C57BL/6J hybrid background. Mice were maintained on standard low fat chow diet in which 13% of the calories are from fat, 25% from protein, and 62% from carbohydrates (Lab Diet 5053) and autoclaved water ad libitum. Lights were off between 1800 and 0600 in a room maintained at 22C. For all experiments, mice were housed in groups of 4-5 on sawdust bedding. All experiments were conducted using protocols approved by the Animal Studies Committee at Washington University. Liver perfusions. Ten minutes prior to each liver perfusion, mice received an intramuscular injection of heparin (100 Units). Mice were then anesthetized with 10μl of sodium pentobarbital (Fatal Plus, 390
Genetic analysis for green fruit yield and its components in chilli (Capsicum annum var. longum (D. C.) Sendt.)

The estimates of gene effects and interactions for the best fit model with respect to different characters in six crosses of chilli are given in Table 1. The mean comparisons of various generations suggested involvement of additive, co-dominance and over dominance as well as digenic interactions for the inheritance of number of fruits and fruit length. For average fruit girth, in general, additivity of genes and partial dominance were eVidenced. Additivity of genes as well as intra and inter allelic interactions were detected for the trait, average fruit weight, whereas for green fruit yield over dominance and digenic inter actions were evidenced with the comparison of mean values of different generations.
Role and regulation of the actin -regulatory protein HS1 in TCR signaling

Numerous aspects of T cell function, including TCR signaling, migration, and execution of effector functions, depend on the actin cytoskeleton. Cytoskeletal rearrangements are driven by the action of actin-regulatory proteins, which promote or antagonize the assembly of actin filaments in response to external cues. In this work, we have examined the regulation and function of HS1, a poorly-understood actin regulatory protein, in T cells. This protein, which becomes tyrosine phosphorylated upon T cell activation, is thought to function primarily by stabilizing existing branched actin filaments. Loss of HS1 results in unstable actin responses upon TCR engagement and defective Ca2+ responses, leading to poor activation of the IL2 promoter. TCR engagement leads to phosphorylation of HS1 at Tyr 378 and Tyr 397, creating binding sites for SH2 domaincontaining proteins, including Vav1 and Itk. Phosphorylation at these residues is required for Itk-dependent recruitment of HS1 to the IS, Vav1 IS localization, and HS1-dependent actin reorganization and IL2 production. Therefore, in addition to directly interacting with branched actin filaments, HS1 regulation of Vav1 localization provides another mechanism by which HS1 signals to the actin cytoskeleton. Analysis of Ca2+ responses in HS1-/T cells reveals that the defect in these cells lies at the level of release from intracellular stores. Phosphorylated HS1 interacts with PLCγ1, and mediates its association with the cytoskeleton and regulates microcluster dynamics. Although HS1 is clearly important for signaling downstream of the TCR, HS1-/mice exhibit normal T cell development and normal peripheral populations. Surprisingly, HS1 is not required for T cell homing to lymphoid organs, for TCR endocytosis or for CD8+ T cell effector function. However, T cells from HS1-/mice produce reduced amounts of Ifnγ, and are subsequently less likely to become Ifnγ-producing TH1 effector cells. These data demonstrate that HS1 functions as a cytoskeletal adaptor protein and plays specific roles downstream of TCR engagement. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Immunology First Advisor Dr. Janis K. Burkhardt
PRODUÇÃO DE SERAPILHEIRA E APORTE DE NUTRIENTES EM AREAS DE FLORESTA ATLÂNTICA EM SANTA MARIA DE JETIBÁ, ES

This study was accomplished on Espindula Farm, Santa Maria de Jetiba (ES), with the objective of evaluating the litter and nutrients deposition in areas with different succession stadiums. Two areas were selected with different vegetable coverings, defined as: (SF) Secondary Forest, with about 25 ha of area, corresponding to an old area of cassava cultivation with about 50 years in process of ecological succession and where today there is a secondary forest and an Old Secondary Forest (OSF) corresponding to a forest area that has just been submitted to a selective wood extraction for use of the farm itself. In each one of vegetal areas, approximately 0.1 ha was delimited and in these ten conical collectors were randomized distributed. The litter collections were accomplished monthly from November 2003 to October 2005. After drying, the material was stratified and the total contributed and the contribution of the different fractions, and the nutritious addition were evaluated. It was not verified significant differences among the total of litter deposited among the areas, being the highest production values observed in the summer, 5.70 Mg ha -1 (SF) and 5.73 Mg ha -1 (OSF), possibly due to the winds and rain mechanical action. The fraction of higher contribution was the foliar, corresponding to 74.62% for the SF area and 69.46% for the OSF area
Corporate Governance as an Internal Control System and Its Impact on Financial Performance Empirical Study: Companies Listed at Palestine Exchange

تبحث هذه الدراسة في تأثير حوكمة الشركات كنظام رقابة داخلي على الأداء المالي لبعض الشركات المدرجة في بورصة فلسطين لعام 2015 . تقوم هذه الدراسة بشكل أساسي بتوظيف نظرية الوكالة ونظرية التبعية للموارد من أجل فحص العلاقة بين حوكمة الشركات كنظام رقابة داخلي و الأداء المالي (خصائص مجلس الإدارة وخصائص لجنة التدقيق) . الانحدار المتعدد والإحصاء الوصفي هي الأدوات الإحصائية التي استخدمت للتحليل في هذه الدراسة. بنيت هذه الدراسة على عينة مكونة من 29 شركة من أصل 47 شركة مدرجة في بورصة فلسطين، وجمعت المعلومات من التقارير السنوية لهذه للشركات. النتائج العملية لهذه الدراسة تشير إلى وجود علاقة ذات دلالة احصائية بين الخبرة المالية للجنة التدقيق والعائد على الأصول. غير ذلك، لا يوجد أي علاقة ذات دلالة احصائية بين المتغيرات المستقلة والعائد على الأصول أو حقوق الملكية . هذه النتائج، وإن توافقت مع دراسات مشابهة أخرى في بعض جزئياتها، إلا أن الباحثة تعزوها إلى أن الشركات الفلسطينية في بورصة فلسطين ذات ملكية عائلية، حيث يغيب – بشكل كبير – تشكيل مجالس للإدارة، ولجان التدقيق. وحتى إن وجدت هذه المجالس واللجان، لن تقوم بالمهام المنوطة بها بشكل يتناسب مع النظريات ذات العلاقة. أوصت الدراسة هيئة سوق رأس المال بالترويج لمبادئ الشفافية في ممارسات الحوكمة للشركات المدرجة، وبيان إيجابياتها على تعظيم القيمة. كما أوصت هيئة سوق رأس المال بتنفيذ تشريعات أكثر صرامة بما يجبر الشركات المدرجة على الالتزام بمعايير الحوكمة وكذلك مراجعة الممارسات بصورة دورية للتأكد من تفعيلها، ومن أنها تواكب التطورات المحلية والعالمية. كما أوصت الدراسة باحثين آخرين إلى تطبيق دراسات مشابهة على عينات وقطاعات أخرى.
The Acrosome Reaction Induced by Dimethylsulfoxide in Sea Urchin Sperm

The acrosome reaction in sea urchin sperm, as judged by disappearance of the acrosomal vesicles in Nomarski optics, was induced by dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at concentration above 0.1% in normal artificial sea water. The number of the acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa increased in proportion to DMSO concentration. The DMSO‐induced acrosome reaction, as well as the jelly water‐ or A23187‐induced one, was inhibited by nifedipine and hardly occurred in Ca2+‐free artificial sea water. However, the DMSO‐induced acrosome reaction was found in a few number of spermatozoa in the presence of Ca2+at above 0.5 mM, though the jelly water‐ or A23187‐induced acrosome reaction did not occur at external Ca2+levels lower than 1 mM. Dependency of the acrosome reaction by DMSO on external Ca2+is somewhat lower than that of the reaction by jelly water. In Ca2+‐free artificial sea water, the acrosomal regions of DMSO‐treated spermatozoa attached to their own tails. In some cases, spermatozoa thus treated with DMSO in Ca2+free artificial sea water caused formation of fertilization membrane in a few number of eggs kept in Ca2+‐free artificial sea water. Even in the absence of extermal Ca2+, preliminary step of the acrosome reaction seems to be completed probably by DMSO‐induced weak Ca2+‐mobilization in spermatozoa.
Inflammatory ROS in Fanconi Anemia Hematopoiesis and Leukemogenesis

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure (BMF), clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells, and transformation to leukemia and other cancers (Ames et al., 1995; Boglilo et al., 2002; Cohen-Haguenauer et al., 2006; Cumming et al., 2001; Fagerlie et al., 2001; Jonkers et al., 2001; Suematsu et al., 2003). Somatic cell fusion studies show FA is genetically heterogeneous. So far mutations in 15 genes have been identified in FA or FA-like patients (Cohen-Haguenauer et al., 2006; Joenje et al., 1987; Jonkers et al., 2001; Lensch et al., 1999; Stoepker et al., 2011; Yamamoto et al., 2011). The genes encoding the groups A (FANCA), B (FANCB), C (FANCC), D1 (FANCD1/BRCA2), D2 (FANCD2), E (FANCE), F (FANCF), G (FANCG), -I (FANCI/KIAA1794), J (FANCJ/ BRIP1), L (FANCL), M (FANCM), N (FANCN/PALB2), O/RAD51C and P/SLX4 proteins have been cloned (de Winter et al., 1998, 2000a, 2000b; Howlett et al., 2002; Joenje et al., 2000; Letitus et al., 2004; Levran et al., 2005; Lo Ten Foe et al., 1996; Meetei et al., 2003, 2004, 2005; Meindl et al., 2010; Reid et al., 2006; Smogorzewska et al., 2007; Somyajit et al., 2010; Strathdee et al., 1992; Timmers et al., 2001; Xia et al., 2006; Yamamoto et al., 2011). The latter two genes are still thought of as tentative as they do not fall within a defined category biologically and the patients carrying these gene mutations are limited. The majority of mutations are found in FANCA, FANCC and FANCC genes in FA patients (Table 1). Recent studies on the biological function of these FA proteins have demonstrated that eight of the FA proteins (namely, FANCA, B, C, E, F, G, L, and M) form a nuclear multiprotein complex (Collins et al., 2005; D’Andrea et al., 2003; de Winter et al., 2000; Meetei et al., 2003; Smogorzewska et al., 2007; Tischkowitz et al., 2003; Walsh et al., 1994), which functions as a nuclear E3 ubiquitin ligase that monoubiquitinates downstream FANCD2/FANCI dimer in response to DNA damage or DNA replication stress. This FANCD2/FANCI heterodimer then recruits other downstream FA proteins including FANCD1 (which is the breast cancer protein BRCA2), and the recently identified FANCJ, FANCN, FANCO and another breast cancer protein, BRCA1 (D’Andrea et al., 2010), to nuclear loci containing damaged DNA and consequently influence important cellular processes such as DNA replication, cell-cycle control, and DNA damage repair. The core complex also interacts with the FAAP100 and FAPP24 proteins, which are also crucial components in the pathway (Ciccia et al., 2007; Horejsi et al., 2009; Collis et al., 2008, Fig 1). FANCM and its interacting proteins, such as FAAP24 and MHF1, MHF2, also play a role in controlling the processing and stabilization of stalled replication forks (Schwab et al., 2010; Luke-Glaser et al., 2010; Singh et al., 2010).
Sexual compatibility within and between olive cultivars

Summary Self- and cross-incompatibility of the olive cultivars Frantoio, Manzanillo, Kalamata, Pendolino, and Picual were investigated using a 5 × 5 diallel matrix. Pistils were collected seven days after controlled pollinations on the day of flower opening, and pollen tubes were detected by fluorescence microscopy. Diallel analysis showed significant specific combining ability, general combining ability and reciprocal effects between cultivars for pollen tube growth in the pistil. ‘Frantoio’ was cross-compatible, as either a male or female parent, with each of the other cultivars, but showed a high degree of self-incompatibility. ‘Manzanillo’, ‘Kalamata’, ‘Pendolino’, and ‘Picual’ were crossincompatible, and all except for ‘Manzanillo’, were self-incompatible. It is concluded that ‘Frantoio’ is a good general polleniser for the other cultivars investigated. Pollen tube growth decreased in discrete steps from stigma to upper style, and from upper style to lower style, with the result that only one, and rarely more, pollen tube penetrated ovules. The sex ratio of flowers, and pollen viability using fluroescein diacetate staining and in vitro germination, were examined. ‘Frantoio’, ‘Manzanillo’ and ‘Pendolino’ had more than 80% perfect flowers, while ‘Kalamata’ and ‘Picual’ had less than 30%. ‘Frantoio’ had the highest pollen viability, ‘Kalamata’ and ‘Picual’ were intermediate, and ‘Manzanillo’ and ‘Pendolino’ the lowest. Pollen staining and both in vitro and in vivo germination provided the same male fertility rankings of cultivars.
Short Communication. Effect of phosphorus nutrition and grain position within maize cob on grain phosphorus accumulation

Nutritional status of grains may vary due to external nutrient supply and their position within parent maize cob. Phosphorus (P) is the least mobile nutrient in the soil and therefore newly growing seedlings are largely dependent on the stored grain P contents which are accumulated during the crop maturity period. Objective of this study was to access the effects of different P applications and grain positions on P and dry matter contents in grains. Phosphorus application and grain position has significant ( p< 0.05) effects on P contents in grains whereas dry weight and P content are highly correlated. Grain weight and P contents decreased linearly from base to apical position possibly due to flow of nutrients from base towards apical position within cob. Signif icantly higher grain dry weight (0.35 ± 0.01 g) and P contents (962 ± 57 µg P) are recorded in high P application (92.50 kg ha ‐1 ) rate on base position whereas minimum grain dry weight (0.14 ± 0.01 g) and P contents (219 ± 11 µg P) were recorded on apical grain position in low P application (5.60 kg ha ‐1 ) rate. The results suggest that for better seedling P nutrition especially in soils of low inherent P, maize grains should be selected from base or middle position where maximum dry weight and P contents are concentrated to support the seedlings to reach at growth at which roots are capable of external P uptake.
Interactions between sediment transport, physical habitat and benthic communities in a mountainous river affected by natural and human disturbances

Aquesta tesi presenta noves idees sobre les interaccions entre processos fisics (transport de sediments, cabal i habitat) i ecologics (comunitats bentoniques, deriva de macroinvertebrats) resultants de pertorbacions naturals (afluents, riuades) i antropiques (extraccions d’arids a la llera i hidro-puntes o embolades) en un riu de muntanya (tram alt del riu Cinca, vessant Sud dels Pirineus). S’analitzen processos i interaccions a multiples escales temporals (des de l’escala instantania a l’anual) i espacials (des del nivell de particula fins el tram fluvial). La identificacio de les escales d’interaccio, aixi com l’us de noves tecniques de mostreig han demostrat ser rellevants per a l’estudi de la relacio especie-habitat i constitueixen, consequentment, un nou exemple d’integracio eco-geomorfologica que permet millorar el coneixement dels sistemes fluvials i recolza la gestio sostenible dels ecosistemes associats. Esta tesis doctoral analiza las interacciones entre los procesos fisicos (transporte de sedimentos, caudal y habitat) y ecologicos (comunidades bentonicas, deriva de macroinvertebrados) afectados por perturbaciones naturales (crecidas y entrada de afluentes) y antropicas (extraccion de aridos e hidropuntas) en un rio de montana (el alto Cinca, en el sur de los Pirineos). Dichos procesos y sus interacciones se han evaluado desde una escala instantanea hasta anual, y desde la escala de particula a la escala de tramo. La identificacion de las escalas de interaccion asi como el uso de nuevas tecnicas de muestreo han demostrado ser relevantes para el estudio de la relacion especie-habitat y constituyen, por ello, un nuevo ejemplo de integracion eco-geomorfologica que contribuye al conocimiento de los sistemas fluviales y apoya la gestion sostenible de los mismos. This doctoral thesis presents new insights on the interactions between physical (sediment transport, flow and habitat) and ecological (benthic communities, macroinvertebrate drift) processes driven by natural (tributaries, floods) and human disturbances (gravel mining and hydropeaking) in a montane river (the upper Cinca, Southern Pyrenees). The work addresses processes and interactions spanning instantaneous to annual temporal scales, and from grain to river reach scale. Identification of the key scales of interaction and the integration of sampling techniques that provide continuous and high density measurements are shown to provide sound knowledge into species-habitat relations and, in turn, a firm evidence supporting the rational assessment and sustainable management of fluvial ecosystems.
Heterogeneity of HLA-A,B, Ia-like, and Melanom Expression by Human Melanoma Cell Lines Analyzed with Monoclonal Antibodies and Flow Cytometry

Abstract With the use of monoclonal antibodies, indirect immunofluoresence, and flow cytometry, human melanoma cell lines (Colo 38, M-16, and M-21) were examined for the quantitative level of expression of HLA-A,B antigens, la-like antigens, and two human melanoma-associated antigens (MAA) referred to as 280K and 94K MAAs. Each of the melanoma cell lines examined showed tremendous heterogeneity with regard to antigen expression. A detailed study of the heterogeneity of the four antigens listed revealed that variation in cell size could, in part, account for the large differences in antigen expression observed. Cell surface density of HLA-A,B antigens, la-like antigens, and the 280K and 94K MAAs remained relatively constant over a wide range of cell sizes that were examined, with the exception that small melanoma cells showed a slightly lower mean surface density of MAA expression than did large cells. A novel method was used to detect the expression of the two MAAs as a function of the Colo 38 cell cycle using dual-laser beam flow cytometry. The results of these experiments show that both the 280K MAA and the 94K MAA are differentially expressed during various stages of the cell cycle, with each antigen being maximally detected during G 2 + M.
COMPARING TWO TRANSECT METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF RED-BACKED SALAMANDERS

: Typical monitoring methods for terrestrial salamanders are subject to extensive variation, driven by the environmental conditions in effect during sampling. As rigorous salamander sampling methods are needed to monitor populations, there is a need to assess commonly used methods under a variety of environmental conditions. We hypothesized that of two methods used for capturing red-backed salamanders ( Plethodon cinereus ), leaf litter searches and natural cover searches, the latter would perform best for adults and in situations where moisture was limiting. We compared captures for paired transect surveys: one a leaf litter search and the other a natural cover search, relative to age, proximity to streams, rainfall events, vapor pressure deficit and season. We found that natural cover searches outperformed leaf litter searches when conducted away from streams and in the absence of rainfall. Natural cover searches performed better regardless of vapor pressure deficit and season (spring or fall). Natural cover searches detected more adults than juveniles. We recommend natural cover searches as more efficient than leaf litter searches.
Chemical Fungicide Pretreatment and Cool–Wet Storage Prolonging Seed Longevity in Pachira macrocarpa (Cham. & Schl.) Schl.

Production of Pachira macrocarpa seeds in Taiwan is concentrated in the summer and winter months. Furthermore, the seeds harvested are difficult to store or recalcitrant. To resolve the problem of supplying seeds throughout the year, this study explores the effects that fungicide pretreatment and storage tempera- ture have on the storage longevity of P. macrocarpa seeds, and develops effective and practical seed storage technology. The seeds were pretreated with the fungicides benomyl and carbendazim, and then stored at 13˚C, 18˚C, and 23˚C. The results showed that the seeds infected rate during storage increased in correlation with the storage temperature and duration. The seeds pretreated with carbendazim and stored at 13˚C and 18 ºC had a seeds infected rate ranging between 0% and 30% after 4 to 16 weeks of storage. The seeds had not developed infected and exhibited 100% germination rate after sowing. The treatments as control group that were not pretreated with fungicide before storage at 23˚C for 8 weeks all developed infected. For the control groups stored at 18˚C and 13˚C, infection development was delayed until week 12. However, the seeds infected rate achieved 100%, and all seeds died. Finally, all seeds pretreated with benomyl and stored at 23˚C for 8 weeks also developed infected, and those stored at 13˚C for 16 weeks showed a seeds infected rate of 73%; After sowing, the germination rate was only 66.7%. This indicates that pretreatment with carbendazim and maintaining a constant humidity or moisture content and cool temperature of 13˚C can significantly reduce infection development during seed storage. Furthermore, the seeds that developed uninfected kept vigor, achieving 100% germination; thus, the storage longevity of P. macrocarpa seeds was effectively extended.