Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing multivariate patterns of within‐island differentiation in Podarcis dugesii from Madeira

Podarcis dugesii is a polymorphic species found on the ecologically‐heterogeneous Atlantic island of Madeira. Patterns of geographic variation in size‐free body dimensions (body shape), scalation, and size were portrayed on maps with isophene contours. There was no dominant pattern of among‐site variation as seen in several other island lizards, although some linear combinations of morphological variables showed evidence of clines towards the east coast. Multivariate statistical techniques were developed to evaluate whether morphological variation contained an ecology‐related spatial pattern, after removal of the effects of statistical non‐independence of studied populations. Specifically, a partial correlation matrix comparison method provided evidence to support a proposed elevation model of among‐site divergence in scalation and body size, with both an alternative rainfall model and spatial non‐independence held constant. Similar divergence in scalation has been observed in other lizard species on other island archipelagos as well on some continental areas. The rainfall model was rejected for both body shape and scalation. The degree of within‐population polymorphism in body shape and scalation showed no clear geographic trends in general, although the elevation and rainfall models could not be rejected for female scalation.
A CONTINUOUS-FLOW CELL CULTURE ARRAY WITH CHAOTIC MIXERS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF THE OPTIMUM GROWTH FACTORS COMBINATIONS FOR MOUSE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS DIFFERENTIATION

We designed and fabricated a continuous-flow cell culture array with chaotic mixers. By using this microfluidic device, combinations of GF’s concentrations can be reliably mixed and supply to each cell culture well and the optimum combinations of GFs (VEGF & bFGF) was quickly obtained for mESC differentiation into ECs & SMCs.
Assessment of Yield Loss Due to Rice Blast Disease in Iran

Grain yield loss in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) caused by blast disease, Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr, is a major concern of rice growers worldwide. Blast is considered as the most injurious disease of rice in Iran, resulting in severe loss especially to susceptible rice cultivars. In order to assess yield loss caused by blast pathogen and develop an appropriate model, different disease onsets and levels were simulated in the experimental field in a split-plot experimental design. Independent variables including early diseased leaf area (X 1), final diseased leaf area (X 2), early neck blast index (N 1), final neck blast index (N 2), area under leaf blast disease progress curve (AUDPC 1) and area under neck blast disease progress curve (AUDPC 2) were taken as predictors and regressed to the loss in yield. Statistics as coefficient of correlation (r), coefficient of determination (R 2 ), adjusted coefficient of determination (aR 2 ), standard error (SE), F and Durbin-Watson were considered in evaluating the resulting models. The most appropriate model was the one which predicts rice yield loss based on final diseased leaf area and final neck blast index.
Vibrio harveyi causes disease in seahorse, Hippocampus sp.

A mass mortality among cultured seahorses, Hippocampus kuda and Hippocampus sp. , occurred in spring 1998 in Tenerife, Spain. Seahorses were held together with tropical shrimps, Stenopus hispidus, in glass aquaria supplied with 1000 L of sea water at 25 °C. The water supply was conducted between different tanks that contained various marine species, such as octopus, Octopus vulgaris, star®sh, Asterias rubens, sea-urchin, Paracentrotus lividu, greater weever, Trachinus draco, grouper, Epinephelus guaz and Canarian shrimp, Lismata amboiens. None of these species was affected, including the shrimps that shared aquaria with the seahorses. Mortalities of seahorses were very high (more than 90%), and ®sh died in 3)5 days after the ®rst clinical signs appeared. Moribund seahorses were microbiologically analysed and subsequently, chloramphenicol was used as a bath (30 mg L) to control the outbreak. The mortality decreased after a few days of antibiotic treatment. Diseased seahorses presented clinical signs similar to vibriosis: external haemorrhages, and haemorrhagic liver and ascitic uid accumulation in the intestinal cavity. A bacterium identi®ed as Vibrio harveyi was obtained in pure culture from samples of skin haemorrhages, mouth and liver of all moribund seahorses. The aim of this study was to characterize the V. harveyi strains isolated from diseased seahorse, and to con®rm its pathogenicity by means of experimental infection. Samples from skin haemorrhages, mouth and liver were analysed by streaking a piece of aseptically obtained tissue onto tryptone-soy-agar supplemented with 1% NaCl (TSA-1) and incubating at 25 °C for 24±48 h. Pure cultures were obtained from all samples. The isolated strains were Gram-negative rods, motile, oxidaseand catalase-positive, sensitive to the vibriostatic agent O129 at 150 lm and fermentative. The isolates were ®rst characterized by API 20NE (BioMeÂrieux, S.A. France) strips, which gave the same pro®le in all cases (7474445), identi®ed by the database APILAB Plus (BioMeÂrieux) supplied by the manufacturer as V. vulni®cus, with a probability of 95.1%. Further identi®cation was achieved by colony hybridization as previously described (Biosca, Amaro, Larsen & Pedersen 1997), using an alkaline phosphataselabelled oligonucleotide DNA probe (VVAP) speci®c for V. vulni®cus, constructed from a portion of the V. vulni®cus haemolysin±cytolysin (hlyA) gene sequence (Wright, Miceli, Landry, Christy, Watkins & Morris 1993). Positive and negative controls used were V. vulni®cus ATCC 27562 and V. cholerae ATCC 14035, respectively. All isolates were negative in colony hybridization experiments, which indicated that they were misidenti®ed as V. vulni®cus. Identi®cation was continued by testing additional biochemical characteristics as described by Biosca, Oliver & Amaro (1996). On the basis of the results obtained, the seahorse isolates were identi®ed as V. harveyi. They were almost identical to the type Journal of Fish Diseases 2001, 24, 311±313
Antioxidant and protective effects of Sumac Leaves on chondrocytes

In this study we evaluate in vitro antioxidant and chondroprotective effects of a lyophilised hydroalcholic extract from Sumac leaves. The extract contains many constituents as flavones, tannins, anthocyanins and organic acids with several known biological effects. The antioxidant activity of extract was assayed employing 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method (DPPH). The antioxidative/chondroprotective effect was evaluated on the production of key molecules released during degenerative osteoarthritis disease (OA) such as nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and prostaglandins (PGE2) in human chondrocyte cultures, stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β). As result, the extract from Sumac leaves was effective in reducing the stable free radical DPPH, and in vitro was able to contrast the harmful effects of IL-1β. Key words: DPPH, interleukin-1β, chondrocytes, nitric oxide, prostaglandins, glycosaminoglycans, reactive oxygen species.
Immobilization of Growth Factors for Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Cell therapy products exhibit great therapeutic potential but come with a deterring price tag partly caused by their costly manufacturing processes. The development of strategies that lead to cost-effective cell production is key to expand the reach of cell therapies. Growth factors are critical culture media components required for the maintenance and differentiation of cells in culture and are widely employed in cell therapy manufacturing. However, they are expensive, and their common use in soluble form is often associated with decreased stability and bioactivity. Immobilization has emerged as a possible strategy to optimize growth factor use in cell culture. To date, several immobilization techniques have been reported for attaching growth factors onto a variety of biomaterials, but these have been focused on tissue engineering. This review briefly summarizes the current landscape of cell therapy manufacturing, before describing the types of chemistry that can be used to immobilize growth factors for cell culture. Emphasis is placed to identify strategies that could reduce growth factor usage and enhance bioactivity. Finally, we describe a case study for stem cell factor.
Ontogenetic histology of Stegosaurus plates and spikes

Abstract: The dinosaur Stegosaurus is characterized by osteoderms of alternating plates and terminal paired spikes. Previous studies have described the histological features and possible functions of these osteoderms. However, ontogenetic changes are poorly documented. In this study, the ontogenetic changes of the osteoderms are examined using eight different ontogenetic skeletons (a juvenile, a subadult, a young adult, and five old adults based on the cortical histology of their body skeletons). The juvenile plate and subadult spike show thin cortex and thick cancellous bone. The young adult plates have an extensive vascular network, which is also seen in old adults. Old adult spikes are different from old adult plates in having a thick cortex and a large axial channel. The cortical histology, in both plates and spikes, show well‐vascularized bone tissue consisting of dense mineralized fibres in young adult forms. In old adult forms, the bone tissues in the spikes become more compact and are extensively remodelled. This might contribute to the structural reinforcement of the spikes. The plates in old adult forms also show extensive remodelling and lines of arrested growth, but only limited signs of compaction. The timing for acquisition of features seen in old adults is different between plates (an extensive vascular network in the young adult) and spikes (a thick cortex with a large axial channel in old adults). The result suggests that the timing for plate and spike functions is different. The extensive vascular networks seen in large plates suggest their function is for display and/or thermoregulation. The thick cortical bone of spikes of old adults suggests that spikes acquire a weapon function for defence ontogenetically late.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase VNTR (intron 4 a/b) polymorphism association with nonsyndromic oral clefts

Objective: Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) is a common birth defect with substantial clinical and social impact, and whose causes include both genetic and environmental factors. Folate and homocysteine metabolism have been indicated to play a role in the etiology of NSCLP. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NOS3 27-bp VNTR and to evaluate whether this polymorphism contributed to the risk of NSCLP. Material and methods: We studied the 27 base pair tandem repeat polymorphism in intron 4 of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene in 230 unrelated individuals belong to 7 Indian populations along with 141 NSCLP cases and 142 unrelated controls. The genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis. The data were statistically analysed using the χ2-test. Results: The NOS3 27-bp VNTR 4a allele is present in six of the seven populations analysed and allele frequencies range from 6.8% in Sugali to 23.5% in Madiga populations. NOS3 showed protective association with predisposition towards NSCLP for the heterozygous (4b/a) genotypes (4b/b vs. 4b/a: OR =0.58, 95% CI =0.34 to 0.99, p=0.044). Conclusions: The current study suggests significant differences in the frequency of the NOS3 VNTR allele across the populations. There is protective association between NOS3 27-bp VNTR polymorphism and NSCLP in the Indian population.
A New Route for the Convenient Synthesis of 3-Aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethyl-cyclohexanol.

There has been a considerable chemical and biological interest in influenza fusion inhibitors namely, 3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethyl-cyclohexanol 5. This compound has been identified as an important inhibitor of influenza virus fusion derivative and a potent and effective surrogate for the quinolizidine moiety. A new convenient route for the synthesis of 5 and for two new intermediates 1,3,3-trimethyl-5-oxo-cyclohexane-carboxylic acid amide 3 and 5-hydroxy-1,3,3-trimethyl-cyclohexane-carboxylic acid amide 4.
On the effect of ompR on colicin E2 production

The synthesis of most plasmid-encoded colicins (the exceptions are V and X) is regulated by the so-called SOS system [1] whose primary function is to allow the repair of damaged DNA [2]. Cultures of strains carrying these Col plasmids normally contain a low proportion of cells (0.01-1%) which produce colicin in detectable amounts [1,3]. This proportion of producing cells is greatly increased when the cultures are treated with agents such as mitomycin C which damage DNA and cause the SOS system to be induced [1-3]. The synthesis of colicins and the production of outer membrane proteins are not, as far as we are aware, related in any way. It was therefore surprising to find that colicin E2 ÷ and microcin 17 ÷ Escherichia coli K-12 strains which were mutated at ompR, the positive control gene for the outer membrane porin genes ompF and ompC [4,5] produced abnormally small inhibition zones in plate tests [6]. The present investigation was undertaken to test the possibility that ompR exerted a direct effect on colicin E2 production. The results showed, however, that ompR mutations affect colicin E2 production as an indirect consequence of their effects on outer membrane proteins, by reducing the number of cells which produce colicin, and by reducing the amount of colicin liberated into the
The Effects of Different Sucrose, Agar and pH Levels on In Vitro Shoot Production of Almond ( Amygdalus communis L.)

In this study the possibilities of in vitro vegatitve propagation of almond (Amygdalus communis L.) cv. Texas and cv. Nonpareil by shoot-tip culture were investigated. Different levels of sucrose, agar and pH were tested and shoot proliferation, shoot development and growth were observed during three successive stages, namely initiation, transplantation and multiplication. During the initiation stage, proliferation was achieved only with 5 and 6% sucrose and the best explant development occured with 0.5% agar and pH 5.5. During the second stage, again 5 and 6% sucrose and pH 5.5 gave the best results with respect to shoot production and growth. Although the medium with low agar concentrations (0.5%) was favourable for shoot formation and growth, 0.7% agar was determined to be the most appropriate level for this stage since low agar levels (0.5 and 0.6%) caused vitrification. During the multiplication stage, the highest rate of shoot production was achieved with 3 and 4% sucrose, 0.7% agar and pH5.5, and higher sucrose and agar levels increased callus formation at the base of the shoots.
Contrasting Effects of Long-Term Nitrogen Deposition on Plant Phosphorus in a Northern Boreal Forest

Ecosystem responses of carbon and nitrogen (N) biogeochemistry to N deposition have a high variation across sites. Phosphorus (P), which can interact strongly with N, can be the cause of some of this variation. We quantified plant N and P concentrations and estimated P stocks in aboveground foliage, and soil O-horizon P concentrations and stocks after 18 years in a long-term stand-scale (0.1 ha) N addition experiment [12.5 kg (N1) and 50 kg (N2) N ha−1 year−1] in a c. 100-years-old boreal spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst] forest. Basal area growth had increased by 65% in the N2 treatment compared to control, along with a higher leaf area index, and lower litter decomposition rates. The higher tree growth occurred during the initial c. 10-years period thereafter resuming to control rates. We hypothesized that increased plant demand for P together with decreased recycling of organic matter in this initially N limited system may have decreased plant-available P, with possible consequences for longer-term biogeochemistry and ecosystem production. However, resin-extractable P did not differ between the three treatments (0.32 kg P ha−1), and plant NP ratios and P concentrations and O-horizon P characteristics were similar in the N1 and control treatments. The N2 treatment doubled total P in the O-horizon (100 vs. 54 kg P ha−1), explained by an increase in organic P. The N concentration, NP ratio, and spruce needle biomass were higher in N2, while the P stock in current year needles was similar as in the control due to a lower P concentration. In addition to P dilution, increased light competition and/or premature aging may have caused the reduction of N-stimulated growth of the trees. For the dominant understory shrub [Vaccinium myrtillus (L.)] no changes in growth was apparent in N2 despite a significantly higher NP ratio compared to control (15 vs. 9, respectively). We therefore conclude that increased NP ratio of vegetation cannot be used as a sole indicator of P limitation. The vegetation and O-horizon changes in N2 were still large enough to merit further studies addressing whether such high N loads may alter ecosystem biogeochemistry toward P limitation. For the lower N addition rate, relevant from an anthropogenic N deposition perspective, we suggest it had no such effect.
Avaliação de modelos de afilamento segmentados na estimação da altura e volume comercial de fustes de Eucalyptus sp.

The objective of this work was to evaluate different models for estimating merchantable height, merchantable volume and volumes along the bole of Eucalyptus sp. , in order to guarantee more accurate results for obtaining wood multiproducts. The taper models by Max & Burkhart (1976), Demaerschalk & Kozak (1977) and Parresol et al., (1987) were evaluated. Data from rigorous tree scaling of 16-year-old Eucalyptus sp. , using 41 sample trees for model adjustment. Based on the residue graphic analysis and on the statistics bias (B), average of the differences (MD), and Standard deviation of differences (DPD), the Max & Bukhart model was found to fit better all evaluated variables than the others, followed by the Demaerschalk & Kozak model. The Parresol et al. model produced biased results except for the estimate of log volumes between 25% and 35% of the total height.
Rottlerin inhibits tonicity-dependent expression and action of the tonicity enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) in a PKC-δ-independent fashion.

Novel PKC isoforms – δ and - ε have recently been implicated in signaling by hypertonic stress. We investigated the role of the putative PKC- δ inhibitor, rottlerin, upon tonicity-dependent gene regulation. In the renal medullary mIMCD3 cell line, rottlerin blocked tonicity-dependent transcription of a TonE-driven luciferase reporter gene, as well as tonicity-dependent transcription of the physiological tonicity effector gene, aldose reductase, but not urea-dependent transcription. Consistent with these data, rottlerin inhibited tonicity-dependent expression of TonEBP at the mRNA and protein levels. Another inhibitor of both novel and conventional PKC isoforms, GF109203X, suppressed TonEBP-dependent transcription but failed to influence tonicity-inducible TonEBP expression. Global PKC down-regulation with protracted phorbol ester treatment, however, failed to influence tonicity-dependent signaling arguing against a PKC- δ -dependent mechanism of rottlerin action in this model. In addition, hypertonic stress failed to induce phosphorylation of PKC- δ . Furthermore, in a PC-12 cell model with a comparable degree of tonicity-dependent transcription, constitutive overexpression of dominant negative-acting PKC- δ or PKC- ε effectively decreased tonicity signaling to ERK activation, as expected, but failed to influence TonE-dependent transcription. TonE-dependent transcription, however, remained rottlerin-sensitive in this PC-12 cell model. In aggregate, these data indicate that rottlerin dramatically inhibits tonicity-dependent TonEBP expression and TonE-dependent transcription but, despite its reputed mode of action, does so through a PKC- δ -independent pathway. down-regulation. Additional studies were undertaken to determine the role of PKC- δ activation in the tonicity-inducible transcription. A series of PC-12 cell lines were used which constitutively overexpress
First evidence that populations of the critically endangered Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus in Pakistan have increased following the ban of the toxic veterinary drug diclofenac in south Asia

Summary The cliff-nesting Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus is one of four critically endangered Asian Vultures. In India, this species has declined catastrophically, but in Pakistan only small population declines have been recorded. Mortality of this species has been linked to poisoning by veterinary diclofenac, which was banned throughout south Asia in 2006. Between 2003 and 2012 we measured abundance of adult, sub-adult, juvenile, and dead vultures, and nest occupancy and productivity at the largest known Long-billed Vulture colony in Pakistan. We compared population parameters from before (2003−2006) and after (2007−2012) the ban on veterinary diclofenac. Our data and models indicate that vulture abundance, nest occupancy, and nest productivity declined 61%, 73%, and 95%, respectively, in the three years before the diclofenac ban, and then increased 1–2 years after the ban by 55%, 52%, and 95%. Furthermore, we observed 87% of total vulture mortalities prior to the diclofenac ban. Our results demonstrate for the first time since the onset of the Asian vulture crisis that the ban on veterinary diclofenac is an effective management tool for reversing Long-billed Vulture population declines.
Board's IT Expertise and Firm Innovation

We examine the relationship between the board’s IT expertise and ﬁrm innovation. Using a novel hand–collected dataset from biographies of directors, we ﬁnd that the board’s IT expertise has a positive influence on firm innovation – measured in terms of R&D expenditures and patents applied. The board’s IT expertise is one dimension among various existing governance mechanisms in a ﬁrm that can inﬂuence innovation. Studying the conditions under which the board’s IT expertise matters, we analyze the cross–sectional variation in a ﬁrm’s existing governance mechanisms with regards to innovation. Building on prior research, we identify three mechanisms that are associated with innovation – institutional ownership, classiﬁed board, and CEO/Chair duality. We ﬁnd that the board’s IT expertise can substitute for these governance mechanisms in driving innovation. The board’s IT expertise, we find, also has a positive impact on innovation quality, as measured by patent related citations. We also ﬁnd that the board’s IT expertise can reduce information asymmetries even in relatively complex ﬁrms and can spur innovation. We further present evidence that the type of IT directors on the board matters. In particular, innovation outcomes are primarily driven by outside/independent IT directors. Finally, we exploit industry level data breaches as an exogenous shock for the appointment of IT directors on board, and argue that our results are not driven by endogeneity.