Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cadmium Concentration Limits in Agricultural Soils: Weaknesses in USEPA's Risk Assessment and the 503 Rule

One of the key pathways of human exposure to cadmium (Cd) as a result of the widespread use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer and soil conditioner is through the consumption of home-grown vegetables, particularly leafy crops, on sludge-amended gardens. I have re-analyzed the database and methodology used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to assess this pathway in developing a soil loading limit for Cd under the Part 503 biosolids rule. The efficiency of Cd uptake by leafy crops, measured by the uptake coefficient (UC), varied over a wide range and depended strongly on soil pH and crop species. The geometric mean UC of 0.182 used by the USEPA to represent all leafy vegetables in gardens is too low an estimate of UC for slightly to strongly acid soils that are common in gardens of the Northeast. Also, certain popular leafy vegetables, particularly lettuce and spinach, shown by the USEPA database to be markedly stronger accumulators of Cd than most brassicas, are not adequately represented by the USEPA single-point estimate of Cd uptake. The assumed diet in the USEPA risk assessment failed to consider the reasonable worst case exposure of a vegetarian or semivegetarian diet. It is concluded that the potential for crop uptake and dietary intake of Cd could be substantially higher for some gardeners than estimated by the USEPA for reasons relating mainly to soil acidity and dietary preferences.
Flowering Branches Cause Injuries to Second-Year Main Stems of Artemisia tridentata Nutt. Subspecies Tridentata

ABSTRACT. Eccentricity of stems of Artemisia tridentata Nutt. (big sagebrush) has been reported previously. Analysis of samples observed over 2 years documented that each stem terminal produces about 8–10 branches each year, and during second-year growth, 3–8 of these develop into short, flowering, determinate branches. Each flowering branch produces hundreds of seeds and then dies at the end of the season, while the other vegetative branches persist. However, growth of the determinate flowering branches causes the death of vascular cambium surrounding their attachment points on the main stem. This death then results in the observed eccentric growth of the stein. In a separate experiment, when presumptive flowering branches were removed prior to elongation, the vascular cambium of the stem was not destroyed, and no eccentric growth occurred. Since the vascular cambium is responsible for continued wood production, the effect of these areas of cambial death is amplified during subsequent years and leads to weak stem segments and possibly to limitations on overall growth. Nevertheless, in spite of these negative side effects, flowering stem growth provides for ample seed production year after year. This peculiar eccentric growth phenomenon, coupled with the anomalous interxylary cork that has also been reported for Artemisia tridentata, supports the idea that this and related species are descended from an herbaceous ancestry and have therefore evolved their rather imperfect woodiness secondarily.
Equivalent impedance and power analysis of monostable piezoelectric energy harvesters

Nonlinearity has been successfully introduced into piezoelectric energy harvesting for power performance enhancement and bandwidth enlargement. While a great deal of emphasis has been placed by researchers on the structural design and broadband effect, this article is motivated to investigate the maximum power of a representative type of nonlinear piezoelectric energy harvesters, that is, monostable piezoelectric energy harvester. An equivalent circuit is proposed to analytically study and explain system behaviors. The effect of nonlinearity is modeled as a nonlinear stiffness element mechanically and a nonlinear capacitive element electrically. Facilitated by the equivalent circuit, closed-form solutions of power limit and critical electromechanical coupling, that is, minimum coupling to reach the power limit, of monostable piezoelectric energy harvesters are obtained, which are used for a clear explanation of the system behavior. Several important conclusions have been drawn from the analytical analysis and validated by numerical simulations. First, given the same level of external excitation, the monostable piezoelectric energy harvester and its linear counterpart are subjected to the same power limit. Second, while the critical coupling of linear piezoelectric energy harvesters depends on the mechanical damping ratio only, it also depends on the vibration excitation and magnetic field for monostable piezoelectric energy harvesters, which can be used to adjust the power performance of the system.
26,28-Diall­yloxy-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis­(cyano­meth­oxy)calix[4]arene in the partial cone conformation

The title compound, C54H66N2O4, crystallizes with two mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. Both adopt the typical partial cone conformation which was also found for 26,28-diall­yloxy-5,17-di-tert-butyl-25,27-bis­(cyano­meth­oxy)-11,23-dinitrocalix[4]arene [Danila, Bohmer & Bolte (2005). Org. Biomol. Chem. 3, 3508–3513]. The crystal structure of the title compound in the 1,2-alternate conformation has been determined recently [Danila, Bohmer & Bolte (2005). Org. Biomol. Chem. 3, 3508–3513].
"High Performance and Low-Cost Plastic Optical Modules for the Access Network System Applications"

Cost effective plastic MiniDIL transmitter modules suitable for access network system applications are proposed. Their performance is feasible to satisfy the OC 3 (STM 1) and OC 12 (STM 4) specifications. Reliability testing confirmed continuous operation for more than 2000 h at 85/spl deg/C and 85% relative humidity.
Recruitment of coastal planktonic diatoms from benthic versus pelagic cells: Variations in bloom development and species composition

Although phytoplankton blooms are major events in aquatic systems, the importance of benthic resting stages in seeding planktonic blooms is still unclear. Using microcosms, we tested the influence of benthic versus planktonic inocula on the development and taxonomic composition of diatom communities in a temperate fjord. Experiments in early spring 2002, fall 2002, and late spring 2003 showed that the type and quantity of inoculum influenced bloom development and composition. Species composition was vastly different when seeded by cells from the benthos. Species such as Detonula confervacea and Thalassiosira minima showed strong dependence on benthic propagules. Populations of Chaetoceros debilis and Thalassiosira nordenskioeldii were initiated by both benthic and planktonic cells, and benthic seeding was most successful when experiments were preceded by a planktonic bloom. Skeletonema costatum was abundant in all treatments but showed variations in size, depending on the type of inoculum. Species that do not have a resting stage, such as Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. , were present only in plankton treated microcosms. Seasonal factors were especially important in determining the successful growth of newly seeded populations. Our results indicate that benthic resting stages provide an important source for some species. Because the introduction of benthic resting stages to surface waters can greatly influence species composition of the plankton, it is important that studies of plankton blooms include life‐history stages from both the sediments and the water column.
Conservation tillage mitigates the negative effect of landscape simplification on biological control

Summary Biological pest control is a key ecosystem service, and it depends on multiple factors acting from the local to the landscape scale. However, the effects of soil management on biological control and its potential interaction with landscape are still poorly understood. In a field exclusion experiment, we explored the relative effect of tillage system (conservation vs. conventional tillage) on aphid biological control in 15 pairs of winter cereal fields (barley and wheat) selected along a gradient of landscape complexity. We sampled the abundance of the main natural enemy guilds, and we evaluated their relative contribution to aphid predation and parasitism. Conservation tillage was found to support more abundant predator communities and higher aphid predation (16% higher than in the fields managed under conventional tillage). In particular, both the abundance and the aphid predation of vegetation- and ground-dwelling arthropods were increased under conservation tillage conditions. Conservation tillage also increased the parasitism rate of aphids. A high proportion of semi-natural habitats in the landscape enhanced both aphid parasitism and predation by vegetation-dwelling organisms but only in the fields managed under conventional tillage. The better local habitat quality provided by conservation tillage may compensate for a low-quality landscape. Synthesis and applications. Our study stresses the importance of considering both soil management and landscape composition when planning strategies to maximize biological control services in agro-ecosystems, highlighting the role played by conservation tillage in supporting natural enemy communities. In simple landscapes, the adoption of conservation tillage will locally improve biological control provided by both predators and parasitoids mitigating the negative effects of landscape simplification. Moreover, considering the small scale at which both predation and parasitism responded to landscape composition, a successful strategy to improve biological control would be to establish a fine mosaic of crop and non-crop areas such as hedgerows, tree lines and small semi-natural habitat patches.
Active oxygen species production in tobacco cells elicited by cryptogein

We analyse the relationship between active oxygen species (AOS) production and pH changes induced in tobacco cells by cryptogein, a fungal proteinaceous elicitor of defence mechanisms in plants. When tobacco cells were treated with cryptogein, an intracellular acidification, an alkalinization of the extracellular medium and a transient burst of AOS (H 2 O 2 ) were observed. Treatment of elicited cells with either diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase, or Tiron, which scavenges O2 - , abolished AOS production. These data suggest the involvement of a NADPH oxidase-like enzyme leading to H 2 O 2 production through O 2 - dismutation. Although H 2 O 2 production could be, per se, the origin of the pH changes observed, we showed that it was not the main cause, since DPI and Tiron did not inhibit extracellular alkalinization. On the other hand, cryptogein-induced changes in pH could be abolished using fusicoccin (FC), which is known to stimulate the plasmalemma H + -ATPase. Consequently, the observed changes in pH induced by cryptogein could be mainly due to the inhibition of the plasmalemma H + -ATPase activity. Furthermore, changes in extracellular pH were shown to modulate the intensity of AOS production by elicited cells. The possible regulation of the NAD(P)H oxidase activity of plant cells by changes in pH is further discussed.
Attitudinal and Behavioral Loyalty Toward Virtual Goods

ABSTRACT The relationship between loyalty, purchasing of virtual goods, and use behavior of mobile instant messaging (MIM) was examined. Two forms of loyalty, attitudinal and behavioral loyalty, were considered. The study tested the model where attitudinal loyalty, including electronic word of mouth and sense of belonging, led to behavioral loyalty, including purchase intention (PI) and continuation intention (CI), and then to different types of use behavior on MIM apps. The model was built upon the theory of reasoned action. The data were collected from a web-based cross-sectional survey of young Japanese adult LINE users. The results suggest that electronic word of mouth has negative association while the sense of belonging has a positive association with CIs, but no direct association with PI. Their association with use behaviors is mediated by CI. The CI have a positive association with PI. Furthermore, PI and CI correlate with the actual use behavior.
N-(2-Pyridylmeth­yl)adamantane-1-ammonium chloride monohydrate

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C16H23N2+·Cl−·H2O, the mol­ecules and ions are linked through N—H⋯Cl, O—H⋯Cl, O—H⋯N and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. In addition, π–π stacking between pyridine rings leads to a tail-to-tail arrangement.
Production of nitrous oxide by Nitrosomonas europaea: effects of acetylene, pH, and oxygen

Aerobic cell suspensions of Nitrosomonas europaea oxidized ammonium to nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitrite , and exogenous in the presence or absence of did not stimulate N2O formation. Acetylene (C2H2) inhibited the production of and N2O from but not from hydroxylamine (NH2OH). The total amount of N2O formed in air was proportional to the amount of oxidized; however, the total N2O N formed as a percentage of N formed varied very little (0.05–0.15%) over the range of concentrations examined (0.05–20.4 mM). Rates of production of N2O and showed similar response to pH over the range of 5.4–9.5, with maxima at pH 8.5. Anaerobically, five times more N2O was formed than under aerobic conditions. The highest rates of anaerobic N2O formation were observed in the presence of and combined (2 and 1 mM, respectively) and C2H2 reduced this rate of N2O formation to that observed with 1 mM alone in the presence or absence of C2H2. The presence of the oxidizer Nitrobacter winogradskyi had no effect on the formation of N2O b.
A co‐clustering model involving α5β1 integrin for the biological effects of GPI‐anchored human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

CEA functions as an intercellular adhesion molecule and is up‐regulated in a wide variety of human cancers, including colon, breast and lung. Its over‐expression inhibits cellular differentiation, blocks cell polarization, distorts tissue architecture, and inhibits anoikis of many different cell types. Here we report results concerning the molecular mechanism involved in these biological effects, where relatively rapid molecular changes not requiring alterations in gene expression were emphasized. Confocal microscopy experiments showed that antibody‐mediated clustering of a deletion mutant of CEA (ΔNCEA), normally incapable of self binding and clustering, led to the co‐localization of integrin α5β1 with patches of ΔNCEA on the cell surface. Activation of α5, as defined by an anti‐α5 mAb‐sensitive increase in cell adhesion to immobilized fibronectin, and an increased binding of soluble fibronectin to cells, was also observed. This was accompanied by the recruitment of integrin‐linked kinase (ILK), protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) to membrane microdomains and the phosphorylation of Akt and MAPK. Inhibition of PI3‐K and ILK, but not MAPK, prevented the α5β1 integrin activation. Conversely, anti‐α5 antibody inhibited the PI3‐K‐mediated activation of Akt, implying the involvement of outside‐in and inside‐out signaling in integrin activation. Therefore we propose that CEA‐mediated signaling involves clustering of CEA and co‐clustering and activation of the α5β1 and associated specific signaling elements on the internal surfaces of membrane microdomains. These changes may represent a molecular mechanism for the biological effects of CEA. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 791–802, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasmid Profile Analysis of Bacteria Isolated From Selected Honey Samples in Nigeria

The study was aimed at determining the plasmid profile of isolates obtained from honey samples sold in Nigeria. Forty- three bacterial isolates gotten from honey samples were screened for the presence of plasmid DNA and was characterized based on their plasmid profile and molecular weight. Out of the 43 isolates, six were plasmid less and 37 possessed plasmids. All the isolates were found to possess single size plasmid of molecular weight ranging from 1278bp to 16313bp as extrapolated from 100kp DNA ladder for electrophoresis. The most frequent molecular weight was 15413bp while the least molecular weight observed was 12728bp. The study showed that some bacteria isolates from honey possess plasmid. This studies show a good prospect for further research in the same area.
Bacteroids Isolated from Ineffective Nodules of Pisum sativum Mutant E135 (syml3) Lack Nitrogenase Activity but Contain the Two Protein Components of Nitrogenase

Pea mutant E135 (syml3) forms ineffective (Fix") nodules that lack nitrogen fixing activity. To determine the developmental step blocked in E135 nodules we studied the nitrogenase activities in isolated bacteroids and in cell-free extracts of bacteroids, and measured the two components of nitrogenase protein in bacteroids. Bacteroids prepared anaerobically from E135 nodules showed no acetylene reduction activity in the presence and absence of myoglobin. Furthermore, no acetylene reduction activity by cell-free extracts of E135 bacteroids was detected in the presence of ATP-generating system and dithionite. However, immunoblotting analyses revealed the presence of nitrogenase components I and II in E135 nodule bacteroids. These results suggest that a host plant gene is involved in the expression of nitrogenase activity in symbiotic bacteria.
Developmentally regulated silencing and reactivation of tobacco chitinase transgene expression

The tobacco class I chitinase gene CHN48 driven by CaMV 35S RNA expression signals introduced into Nicotiana sylvestris can inactivate its own expression as well as expression of homologous host genes at the mRNA level. Comparison of the silencing of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase transgenes with the same expression signals and breeding experiments with transgenes inserted in different chromosomes showed that chitinase-gene silencing depends on transcribed sequence hornology and trans-gene dose. The CHN48 transgene silenced host class I but not class II chitinases suggesting that greater than about 60% identity of sequences encoding the catalytic domain is required for silencing. Although steady-state mRNA contents were greatly reduced in silent plants, the levels of nascent chitinase transcripts detected in nuclear run-on experiments were the same in nuclei from high-expressing and silent plants. This strongly suggests that chitinase-gene silencing is a post-transcriptional phenomenon. Silencing and resetting to high-level expression of chitinase genes is developmentally regulated. Silencing occurs stochastically in 25–100% of seedlings at the 6–10 leaf stage of development and is preceded by a marked, transient increase in transgene-encoded chitinase. Resetting of silent genes to the high-expressing state is a non-stochastic event that occurs in developing seeds 8–11 days after pollination. Experiments with lateral buds and plants regenerated from cultured leaf disks show that once established, competence for silencing can persist in dormant, actively growing, and de novo established shoot meristems. Some plants show a variegated pattern of silencing. Analyses of these patterns indicate that chitinase-gene silencing is not a clonal event. Thus, it is likely that communication between cells rather than the lineage of the cells is important in stabilizing the silent state. Possible mechanisms for developmentally regulated post-transcriptional silencing are discussed.
The Fractal Nature of Implicit Knowledge

—The article analyzes the fractal nature of implicit knowledge and its significance for understanding the nature of transmission and reconfiguration of knowledge. Implicit knowledge is one of the ways of existence of consciousness. It lies at the basis of a person's professional abilities. Forming a message by its creator is the process of building a self-similar structure - a fractal, i.e. an articulated construction, similar to those conceptual schemes that are contained in the consciousness of the subject. It means that the message is the transfer of this self-similar structure - the fractal - to the addressee. By receiving the message and decoding it, the addressee builds in his mind the mental construction, which in its turn is similar to the semantic construction which is embedded in the message, i.e. understanding the fractal.
Divergent Effects of Estrogens on the Somatotropic Axis in Male and Female Calves

This study describes 24 h profiles of growth hormone (GH) and of cortisol in male and female prepubertal calves before, during and after treatment with estradiol-17β (E2, silastic implants, 45 mg). Plasma concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were also recorded. No significant (P<0.05) sex differences in GH, IGF-1 and in cortisol secretion were observed in untreated animals before E2-treatment. GH means, baselines and peak amplitudes increased during the treatment and remained elevated 1 week after removal of E2 in female calves, but were unchanged in male calves. In contrast, IGF-1 plasma concentrations were increased in both sexes during and after E2-treatment. In males maximal IGF-1 concentrations were higher than in females. Cortisol profiles showed a high individual variability and no consistant changes related to sex or E2-stimulation. Based on the observation that the male calves already had a significant testosterone secretion, we conclude that the observed sex differences of GH-secretion in response to E2 are related to endogenous testosterone. The E2-stimulated increase of IGF-1 plasma concentrations in males appears as related to an altered GH responsiveness rather than to changes in GH secretory patterns.
Evaluation of live oocyst vaccination or salinomycin for control of field-strain Eimeria challenge in broilers on two different feeding programs

SUMMARY Live oocyst vaccination as a method for coccidiosis control in broiler production is currently receiving heightened interest from producers and integrators, who have historically relied heavily on anticoccidial use to control infection. Reasons for this elevated level of interest include increased emergence of drug-resistant field strains of Eimeria, bans in the European Union on the use of continuously fed antimicrobials, and consumer pressure within the United States to remove antimicrobial feed additives from poultry diets. This pen study was designed to compare the live oocyst coccidiosis vaccine Coccivac-B with the ionophore salinomycin (BioCox) for controlling field-strain Eimeria in broilers reared on 2 different dietary rations varying mostly in protein concentration. Broilers were reared to 50 d on a 4-phase feeding program. Both experimental diets evaluated in this study were formulated to simulate the diets of a local commercial integrator by season. The dietary protein profile for diet A was 21.5% (starter), 20% (grower), 16.5% (finisher), and 15.75% (withdrawal), whereas diet B had a profile of 22% (starter), 19.6% (grower), 17.8% (finisher), and 17.5% (withdrawal). On d 14 of grow out, fieldstrain Eimeria oocysts collected from commercial broiler farms in Texas were spray-applied to the litter in all pens. Significant differences in final BW were not observed with regard to diet or anticoccidial control method. Broilers fed diet B had improved (P 0.05) for all groups. These results suggest that feeding an appropriately formulated diet while vaccinating broilers as an alternative to the use of an ionophore can result in at least equivalent performance in the presence of a field-strain Eimeria challenge during grow out.