Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of nitrogen supply and sink strength on changes in leaf nitrogen compounds during senescence in two wheat cultivars

Changes in various nitrogen compounds during senescence of the fourth leaf were studied in two cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). One of the cultivars (Yecora) was supplied with two N levels ; the other (Tauro) was grown with the high N level and pruned above the fourth leaf, whereas the control was left intact. In both cultivars grown with high N supply, net nitrogen export from the fourth leaf did not occur until 35 days after sowing (DAS). Loss of leaf soluble proteins started earlier than that of chlorophylls, and coincided initially with an increase in insoluble protein. In N deficient plants the level of total N, soluble protein, and the activity of nitrate reductase (NRA, EC 1.6.6.1) started to decrease about 5 days earlier, and, along with chlorophyll, continued to decrease at a faster rate, than in high N plants. Also, with low N supply, the large subunit (LSU, 58 kDa) of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) decreased in greater proportion than other soluble proteins, while with high N supply the decrease in Rubisco LSU was similar to that of other soluble proteins. Nitrogen deficiency caused a greater decrease in soluble proteins than in insoluble proteins, and NRA relative to soluble proteins. The faster senescing Tauro cultivar had lower levels of most parameters, especially NRA, soluble protein and, after 35 DAS, Rubisco LSU as a proportion of soluble protein. The decrease in sink strength due to shoot pruning did generally not affect the level of the various nitrogenous compounds until 35 DAS ; thereafter the levels of most parameters, especially soluble protein, Rubisco LSU and, at late stages of senescence, insoluble protein, were higher in pruned than in control shoots. Thus, shoot pruning slows down senescence. The 56- and 78-kDa polypeptides increased, rather than decreased, with leaf age ; the level of these two polypeptides showed a negative relationship with Rubisco LSU (r = -0.933 and r = -0.758, respectively).
DETECTION OF COW MILK IN BUFFALO “MOZZARELLA” BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) ASSAY

The authors used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on buffalo mozzarella, a typical Italian dairy product, from the Apulia markets to evaluate the presence of cow milk and verification of the mozzarella label. The results obtained from 30 mozzarella samples demonstrated the presence of the cow genome in 22/30 samples, highlighting contamination as probable fraudulent adding of cow's milk or use of the same equipments in both working cycles.
INTERACTIONS OF VESICULAR‐ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL INFECTION AND HEAVY METALS IN PLANTS

SUMMARY Leeks were grown on a γ-irradiated soil selected for its low copper status, in a factorial experiment with additions of phosphorus and copper, and with or without inoculation with Glomus mosseae. There was no response in growth to added phosphorus, but responses to added copper and to inoculation. The results indicate that an infection with mycorrhizal fungi can increase the supply of copper to the host plant, in conditions where increased phosphorus nutrition does not increase dry weight. It is suggested that copper is absorbed and translocated by mycorrhizal hyphae in a manner analogous to that which occurs for phosphorus.
Sexual selection, growth compensation and fast-start swimming performance in Green Swordtails, Xiphophorus helleri

Summary 1Fast-start swimming provides an integrated physiological index of performance and a measure of ability to escape predators, so may be expected to covary with other important composite life-history traits such as growth rate. 2Variation in resource availability during growth and development is common, and organisms may show compensatory responses (such as catch-up growth) to periods of low food availability. However, such responses usually carry costs. 3We examined fast-start performance in adult Green Swordtails in relation to growth regime experienced as a juvenile. In contrast to previous studies we found that conditions experienced early in life did not significantly affect fast-start swimming performance, indicating that escape ability is at a premium in green swordtails. 4Fish raised on ad libitum food had similar performance to fish raised on a restricted diet and fish experiencing compensatory growth, controlling for body size. 5Body depth was positively related to fast-start performance in both males and females, with males having faster escape responses than females for a given body depth. 6Remarkably, males with the relatively longest sexual ornaments (‘swords’) had the greatest escape ability, suggesting that sword length may be a good indicator of quality among males of similar age.
Peripheral T3 signaling is target of pesticides in zebrafish larvae and adult liver.

The intra-tissue level of thyroid hormones (THs) regulates organ functions. Environmental factors can impair it by damaging the thyroid gland and/or the peripheral TH metabolism. We investigated the effects of embryonic and/or long-life exposure to low-dose pesticides, ethylenethiourea (ETU), chlorpyrifos (CPF) and their mixture, on the intra-tissue T4/T3 metabolism/signalling in zebrafish at different life stages. Hypothyroidism was evidenced in exposed larvae that showed reduced number of follicle and induced tshb mRNAs. Despite that, we evidenced the increase of free T4 (fT4) and free T3 (fT3) levels/signalling that was confirmed by the transcriptional regulation of TH metabolic enzymes (deiodinases) and T3-regulated mRNAs (cpt1, igfbp1a). The second-generation larvae showed effects on thyroid and TH signalling even when not directly exposed, suggesting a role of the parental exposure. In adult zebrafish we found a sex-dependent damage of hepatic T3 level/signalling associated to liver steatosis, more pronounced in female, with a sex-dependent alteration of transcripts codifying the key enzymes involved in "de novo lipogenesis" and of β- oxidation. We found an impaired activation of liver T3 and PPARα/Foxo3a pathways whose deregulation was already involved in mammalian liver steatosis. The data underscore the intra-tissue imbalance of T3 level as a target of thyroid endocrine disruptors (THDC) and suggest that the effects of slight modification of T3 signalling might be amplified by its direct regulation or crosstalk with PPAR/Foxo3a pathways. Because T3 levels define the hypothyroid/hyperthyroid status of each organ, our findings might explain the pleiotropic and site-dependent effects of pesticides.
Recent Literature on Lichens–196*

ADAMO, P., S. GIORDANO, S. VINGIANI, R. C. COBIANCHI & P. VIOLANTE. 2003. Trace element accumulation by moss and lichen exposed in bags in the city of Naples (Italy). Environmental Pollution 122: 91–103. 5 fig. 3 tab. ADAMO, P., M. ARIENZO, M. PUGLIESE, V. ROCA & P. VIOLANTE. 2004. Accumulation history of radionuclides in the lichen Stereocaulon vesuvianum from Mt. Vesuvius (south Italy). Environmental Pollution 127: 455– 461. 2 fig. 4 tab. AMO, G. & A. R. BURGAZ. 2004. Sclerophora peronella new to the Iberian Peninsula. Lichenologist 36: 265– 267. 2 fig. [The species is reported from Madrid Province, Spain. ] ANDERSOHN, C. 2004. Does tree height determine epiphyte diversity? Selbyana 25: 101–117. 3 fig. 6 tab. 5 append. [Study conducted in Guatemala. ] APTROOT, A. & C. M. VAN HERK. 2004. Caloplaca britannica common in non-maritime environments. Lichenologist 36: 261–263. 1 fig. ARAGON, G. & M. A. G. OTALORA. 2004. Ecological and chorological novelties of the genus Leptogium in the Iberian Peninsula. Nova Hedwigia 78: 353–366. 8 fig. 1 tab. ARAGON, G. & F. J. SARRION. 2003. Epiphytic Verrucariaceae (lichens) in Mediterranean Spain. Nova Hedwigia 77: 169–187. 12 fig. [Notes on eleven species. New to Spain: Verrucaria phloeophila. New to Spain and the Iberian Peninsula: Agonimia globulifera, Verrucaria sorbinea. ] ARAGON, G. , F. J. SARRION & I. MARTINEZ. 2004. Epiphytic lichens on Juniperus oxycedrus L. in the Iberian Peninsula. Nova Hedwigia 78: 45–56. 1 fig. [Reports 111 species. New to Spain: Rimularia gyrizans. New to Spain and the Iberian Peninsula: Ramboldia insidiosa, Rhizocarpon schedomyces, Rinodina excrecens. ] ARCHER, A. W. 2004. Additional new species in the lichen family Graphidaceae (lichenised Ascomycota) from the Solomon Islands. Mycotaxon 89: 321–329. 6 fig. [New: Graphina maritima sp. nov., Graphis alloafzelii sp. nov., G. cristobalensis sp. nov., G. discarpa sp. nov., G. luluensis sp. nov., Phaeographina celata sp. nov. (all reported from the Solomon Islands only). ] ARCHER, A. W. 2004. Additional synonymy in the Australian Graphidaceae. Australasian Lichenology 55: 16– 17. ARINO VILA, X. & A. GOMEZ-BOLEA. 2002. Colonizacion de monumentos y construcciones petreas por los liquenes. Estudios realizados en la Peninsula Iberica, pp. 95–108. In C. Saiz Jimenez & H. A. Videla (eds.),
Bandwidth Estimation Using Network Calculus in Practice

An available bandwidth at a link is an unused capacity. Its measuring and/or estimation is not simple in practice. On the other hand, we know that its continuous knowledge is crucial for the operation of almost all networks. Therefore, there is a continuous effort in improving the existing and developing new methods of available bandwidth measurement and/or estimation. This paper deals with these problems. Network calculus terminology allows to express an available bandwidth in terms of a service curve. The service curve is a function representing a service available for a traffic flow which can be measured/estimated in a node as well as at an end-to-end connection of a network. An Internet traffic is highly unpredictable what hinders to a large extent an execution of the tasks mentioned above. This paper draws attention to pitfalls and difficulties with application of the existing network calculus methods of an available bandwidth estimation in a real Internet Service Provider (ISP) network. The results achieved in measurements have been also confirmed in simulations performed as well as by mathematical considerations presented here. They give a new perspective on the outcomes obtained by other authors and on their interpretations.
The Measurement of the Turgor Pressure and the Water Relations of Plants by the Pressure-bomb Technique

The pressure-bomb technique as developed by Scholander and colleagues is reviewed. A theoretical analysis of the equilibrium water-relations of individual cells of a twig is derived taking due account of the fact that each cell has a unique solute concentration, fluid volume, shape, and unique mechanical constraint by virtue of its cell-wall structure and attachment to nearest neighbours. These equations combine to give a complete description of the whole twig in response to mechanical (air pressure) stress. Our theoretical analysis suggests that the 'pressure-volume curve' can be related quantitatively to meaningful bulk parameters of water relations : viz. the total osmolar content of the symplast N„ the original volume of the symplast V0, the volume expressed from the symplast Ve, the gas-pressure of the bomb P, and the volume-averaged turgor pressure (the sum of the products of the relative volume and turgor pressure of each cell). An empirical relation for the volume-averaged turgor pressure of twigs is found which fits all species examined; it also fits the turgor pressure relation for single (Nitella) cells.
Chrysosporium fluviale, a new keratinophilic species from river sediments

A new keratinophilic species, Chrysosporium fluviale sp. nov., isolated from river sediments in Catalonia, Spain, is characterized by having small, slender and verrucose conidia borne on slightly swollen conidiogenous cells. Morphological and molecular characters obtained by sequencing of the corresponding ITS-5.8S rDNA regions and of the RFLPs support the separation of Chrysosporium fluviale from the morphologically closest C. evolceanui, C. indicum and the Chrysosporium anamorph of Arthroderma curreyi.
Rapid, direct detection of bacterial Topoisomerase 1-DNA adducts by RADAR/ELISA

Topoisomerases are proven drug targets, but antibiotics that poison bacterial Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) have yet to be discovered. We have developed a rapid and direct assay for quantification of Top1-DNA adducts that is suitable for high throughput assays. Adducts are recovered by “RADAR fractionation”, a quick, convenient approach in which cells are lysed in chaotropic salts and detergent and nucleic acids and covalently bound adducts then precipitated with alcohol. Here we show that RADAR fractionation followed by ELISA immunodetection can quantify adducts formed by wild-type and mutant Top1 derivatives encoded by two different bacterial pathogens, Y. pestis and M. tuberculosis, expressed in E. coli or M. smegmatis, respectively. For both enzymes, quantification of adducts by RADAR/ELISA produces results comparable to the more cumbersome classical approach of CsCl density gradient fractionation. The experiments reported here establish that RADAR/ELISA assay offers a simple way to characterize Top1 mutants and analyze kinetics of adduct formation and repair. They also provide a foundation for discovery and optimization of drugs that poison bacterial Top1 using standard high-throughput approaches.
Various Threshold Switching Devices for Integrate and Fire Neuron Applications

This study demonstrates an integrate and fire (I&F) neuron using threshold switching (TS) devices to implement spike‐based neuromorphic system. An I&F neuron can be realized using the hysteric voltage switch characteristics of a TS device. To investigate the effects of various TS devices on neuron behavior, neurons are compared using three different types of TS device: NbO2‐based insulator‐to‐metal transition (IMT) device, B–Te‐based ovonic threshold switching device, and Ag/HfO2‐based atomic‐switching TS device. The results show that the off‐state resistance and switching time of the TS devices determine the leaky/nonleaky characteristics and types of activation function of neuron, respectively. In addition, it is confirmed that the threshold voltage and on‐state resistance of the TS device determine the total power consumption of neuron. Furthermore, the feasibility of the TS devices in a spiking neural network is verified by simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulation. This work indicates applicability of TS‐based I&F neuron in neuromorphic hardware application.
ASSESSMENT OF DIFFERENT NON-INVASIVE SCORE MODALITIES IN PREDICTION OF ESOPHAGEAL VARICES IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Corresponding Author: Ahmed Atia Kamel ahmedatia1991.aak@gmail.com ABSTRACT Background: Varices are a serious consequence of portal hypertension, and variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication occurring in up to 30% of patients with cirrhosis. Despite the great improvement in diagnosis and the available therapeutic modalities, mortality from acute variceal bleeding may still reach up to 20%. Therefore, our aim was to assess the role of noninvasive score modalities in the prediction of the presence of EVs & to predict EVs severity. Methods: This Comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on a cohort of 90 cirrhotic patients. All patients were subjected to investigations include complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, bleeding profile, random blood sugar, and serum sodium. The following scores were estimated: Child-Pugh score, MELD -Na + score, AAR, APRI, FIB-4, and King's score. Upper GI endoscopy was done for evaluation of presence or absence of EVs. Results: Our results revealed that Kings Score is the most sensitive and specific score in predicting the presence of EVs, followed by APRI score while AAR score has the least sensitivity and specificity.FIB-4 score is the most sensitive scoring system in predicting severe EVs, followed by APRI, Kings, and AAR scores. Regarding specificity, King’s Score is the most specific one followed by FIB-4, APRI and AAR. Conclusions: King’s score has the highest sensitivity and specificity in EVs prediction followed by APRI. Regarding severe EVs, FIB4 score is the most sensitive scoring system in the prediction of severe EVs. However, King’s score is the most specific one.
Application of autonomous recording units to monitor gobbling activity by wild turkey

Autonomous recording units (ARUs) allow simultaneous sampling at multiple locations and potentially offer an innovative way to improve assessments of gobbling chronology in male wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo spp.). We conducted research on 2 similar study sites in southwestern Georgia, USA, by deploying 14 ARUs across the 2 sites during 2011 and 2012. Autonomous recording units were useful at recording gobbling activity, allowing a single researcher to collect and analyze 19,957 hr of data in approximately 1,000 hr during 2 spring breeding seasons. Additionally, ARUs were capable of recording a gobble from a bird on the roost up to 207 m away; gobbles could be identified using autonomous call recognition (ACR) software. We used an abbreviated sampling regime to record gobbling activity, which displayed a similar pattern in gobbling activity when compared against continuous-daytime sampling. We used ACR software to develop a recognizer file that autonomously searched recordings and provided a list of candidate vocalizations that may represent turkey gobbles. Although we were able to develop a recognizer file that detected between 70.1% and 78.2% of all gobbling activity recorded, it also had false positive rates of 99.8–99.9%. The software performed poorly on account of inability to discriminate between turkey gobbles and other sounds (i.e., crow calls [Corvus spp.] and background noise). This resulted in lengthy data processing due to the large number of false positives that had to be evaluated individually. We recommend that future studies examine the efficacy of a variety of ACR software in identifying turkey gobbles. If this approach is not viable, we recommend future studies consider altering study design by focusing sampling efforts to specific times of day, thus reducing the number of audio samples recorded and subsequent processing time. Alternatively, researchers could either listen to the data or visually search the data for gobbling activity with spectrogram-viewing software. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Size-related habitat use, aggregation patterns and abundance of anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in the Mediterranean Sea determined by generalized additive modelling

Spatial distribution patterns of black anglerfish, Lophius budegassa were examined in relation to size category, bathymetry, locational covariates, and season. Data were collected during a 2-y period (1998–1999) of quasi-synoptic seasonal sampling using demersal trawl surveys in the Aegean Sea. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to test the hypotheses that there was size-related variation in species' habitat associations and that the study area might serve as a nursery ground for black anglerfish. The current results supported these hypotheses. Data are presented that reveal size-dependent aggregation patterns of black anglerfish and an important habitat utilization of the north-eastern Aegean area. The modelled anglerfish abundances showed a strongly non-linear dependence on the explanatory covariates. The different size-classes exhibited significant seasonal effects and preferences for specific regions and distinct water depths. The present results also suggested that 1-y-old fish and potential spawners appeared to concentrate in the vicinity of the same areas. Two main areas of juvenile aggregations were detected in the deeper water regions of the study area on a seabed of around 300 m depth; both emerged in the proximity of the locations of larger fish. The bathymetric distribution of intermediate size anglerfish followed an inverse trend, with fish captured mainly in shallower waters. Results indicated a preferential aggregation of 1-y-old L. budegassa in the study area that is hypothesized to influence the supply of recruits to distant regions of the Aegean Sea.
Life cycle, production, microdistribution and diet of the damselfly Euphaea decorata (Odonata: Euphaeidae) in a Hong Kong forest stream

Euphaea decorata in Tai Po Kau Forest Stream (Hong Kong) was univoltine. Most recruitment took place in summer, and larval growth proceeded throughout the year. Life-cycles recorded in 1977–78 and 1978–79 were similar. Annual production estimates, using the removal-summation, instantaneous growth and size-frequency methods, were more similar for the 1978–79 generation (ranging from 158.7–174.7; mean 1671 mg dry wt m-2) than for the 1977–78 generation (93.9-173-6; mean 131.7 mg dry wt m-2). Mean biomass was similar for both generations (ranging from 33.5–33.9 mg dry wt m-2), and mean P/B ratios were 3.9 1977–78) and 5.0 (1978–79). These are the first estimates of annual production by an Oriental stream insect. Larvae were most abundant at microsites in the middle of the stream. Multiple regression analysis indicated that substratum characteristics were a major determinant of microdistribution. Euphaea decorata apparently favoured poorly-sorted sediments with highly peaked grain size-frequency distributions, containing few fine particles. The carnivorous larvae showed ontogenetic changes in diet. Small individuals consumed mainly chironomid (Diptera) larvae; the diet expanded to include (successively) larvae of Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera as E. decorata grew. Seasonal changes in diet were also apparent, although larval diets during spring and summer were similar. There was also considerable overlap between autumn and winter diets. Ontogenetic influences upon prey consumed were not sufficient to account for the observed seasonal differences.
Conditional relative survival and competing mortality in patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer: A nationwide cohort study

We aimed to investigate the conditional relative survival (CRS) and competing mortality in patients who underwent surgery for newly diagnosed lung cancer. Using a nationwide population‐based database, we calculated 5‐year CRS on 1 to 5 years survival after surgery. These rates were reported according to age, sex, socioeconomic status, comorbidities and treatment received. We also estimated cause‐specific mortality with the consideration of competing risk. We identified 34 349 patients newly diagnosed with primary lung cancer from 2007 to 2013. The 5‐year CRS after surgery was 71.7% at baseline improving steadily to 85.4% by 5 years, suggesting evidence of persistent excess mortality risk. Throughout the period, lung cancer was the most common cause of death, contributing to 83.6% mortality 1 year after surgery and 66.3% 5 years after surgery. Other causes of death included cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease, which increased continuously with time after surgery. CRS rates for patients with lung cancer improved over time but did not reach the level of the general population even 5 years after surgery. Although the main cause of death continues to be lung cancer, death from noncancer causes increased with time after surgery. Evidence‐based decisions could be made on the dynamic risk profiles of the patients.