Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation and spatial structure in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and implications for predicted global‐scale environmental change

Current ecosystem model predictions concerning the effects of global temperature increase on forest responses do not account for factors influencing long‐term evolutionary dynamics of natural populations. Population structure and genetic variability may represent important factors in a species' ability to adapt to global‐scale environmental change without experiencing major alterations in current range limits. Genetic variation and structure in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) were examined across three regions, between two stands within regions, and among four to five open‐pollinated families within stands (total N = 547 genotypes) using 58 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Differences within open‐pollinated families account for the largest portion of the total variation (29%), while differences among regions represent less than 2% of the total variation. Genetic diversity, as indicated by estimates of percent polymorphic loci, expected heterozygosity, fixation coefficients, and genetic distance, is greatest in the southern region, which consists of populations with the maximum potential risk due to climate change effects. The high level of genetic similarity (greater than 90%) among some genotypes suggests that gene flow is occurring among regions, stands, and families. High levels of genetic variation among families indicate that vegetational models designed to predict species' response to global‐scale environmental change may need to consider the degree and hierarchical structure of genetic variation when making large‐scale inferences.
Whole-Body Lipid Oxidation during Exercise is Correlated to Insulin Sensitivity and Mitochondrial Function in Middle-Aged Obese Men

Defects in insulin sensitivity are associated with metabolic inflexibility and obesity albeit some obese subjects have preserved insulin sensitivity. A decrease in lipid oxidation during exercise can be found in obesity and type 2 diabetes. This lipid oxidation capacity has been found to be associated in healthy or overweight subjects with insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function. Thus, we aimed at delineate the interrelationships among the maximal ability to oxidize lipids at exercise (LIPOXmax) insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function in middle-aged obese men with different levels of insulin sensitivity. After an overnight fast, twenty middle-aged male obese subjects performed: a maximal incremental exercise test allowing the determination of LIPOXmax, two days after a measurement of insulin sensitivity and two days after a muscle biopsy for mitochondrial respiration. According to the minimal model, we found 9 insulin-resistant and 11 insulin-sensitive middle-aged obese men. LIPOXmax (expressed as power intensity) and whole-body insulin sensitivity are significantly correlated in obese insulin-sensitive but not in insulin-resistant obese men. LIPOXmax and insulin sensitivity are correlated to mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation and mitochondrial density. Multivariate analysis indicates that insulin sensitivity is statistically better explained by the LIPOXmax which is in turn better explained by the mitochondrial function parameter Vmax/V0 pyruvate. Thus, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function and the ability of muscle to oxidize lipids during exercise are three closely correlated parameters in middle-aged male obese insulin-sensitive patients.
Location and development of larvae of Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in experimentally infected asps Leuciscus aspius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Cyprinidae)

Laboratory-reproduced and bred asps were experimentally infected with Contracaecum rudolphii larvae, either directly or with previously infected copepods. In the fish exposed to larval infection, the intensity and prevalence of infection were noticeably higher than in the group exposed to copepods. The course of larvae development was similar in both groups. In the larvae measuring ca. 1000 μm in length, the gastrointestinal tract with a developed ventriculus, ventricular appendix and intestinal caecum was clearly visible. The mouth was surrounded by three lips. Over the 10-week experimental period, slightly-coiled larvae surrounded with a thin theca but no encysted larvae were found in the fish exposed to larvae. On the other hand, spirally-stranded and encysted larvae were observed after the 7th week in the fish exposed to infected copepods. The results demonstrated that in the experimentally infected asps, the intensity and prevalence of infection as well as the location of the larvae in a fish depended on the type of invasive material applied.
Identification of Ku70/Ku80 as ADD1/SREBP1c interacting proteins

In vertebrates, multisubunit cofactors regulate gene expression through interacting with cell‐type‐ and gene‐specific DNA‐binding proteins in a chromatin‐selective manner. ADD1/SREBP1c regulates fatty acid metabolism and insulin‐dependent gene expression through binding to SRE and E‐box motif with dual DNA binding specificity. Although its transcriptional and post‐translational regulation has been extensively studied, its regulation by interacting proteins is not well understood. To identify cellular proteins that associate with nuclear form of ADD1/SREBP1c, we employed the GST pull‐down system with Hela cell nuclei extract. In this study, we demonstrated that Ku proteins interact specifically with ADD1/SREBP1c protein. GST pull‐down combined with peptide sequencing analysis revealed that Ku80 binds to ADD1/SREBP1c in vitro. Additionally, western blot analysis showed that Ku70, a heterodimerizing partner of Ku80, also associates with ADD1/SREBP1c. Furthermore, co‐transfection of Ku70/Ku80 with ADD1/SREBP1c enhanced the transcriptional activity of ADD1/SREBP1c. Taken together, these results suggest that the Ku proteins might be involved in the lipogenic and/or adipogenic gene expression through interacting with ADD1/SREBP1c.
Insights into Education Policy, Practice, and Research

districts will spend more than $310 billion to educate the nation’s children. Policymakers, educators, researchers, and the general public want to know how these resources can be allocated effectively and efficiently to guarantee the success of all students. As expectations rise for students and teachers to perform at higher levels, the question of how best to support this reform through fiscal measures becomes even more critical. However, the extent to which education resources affect student performance is not well understood. Experts disagree about how much education resources have increased in the last quarter century and how much these resources have affected student performance. There is, however, general agreement that student performance must improve significantly if students are to meet challenging academic and workplace standards. There is no question that education finance systems must be examined to understand the link between resource allocation and student performance. Current attention in the school finance policy arena has focused on the continuing rise in performance standards and the expectations for adequate resource support for student achievement. Some critics charge that public schools allocate resources or inputs inefficiently, citing rapidly climbing expenditures between 1975 and 2000 that have not been matched by student N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 1
Dynamic Stochastic Computing for Digital Signal Processing Applications

Stochastic computing (SC) utilizes a random binary bit stream to encode a number by counting the frequency of 1’s in the stream (or sequence). Typically, a small circuit is used to perform a bit-wise logic operation on the stochastic sequences, which leads to significant hardware and power savings. Energy efficiency, however, is a challenge for SC due to the long sequences required for accurately encoding numbers. To overcome this challenge, we consider to use a stochastic sequence to encode a continuously variable signal instead of a number to achieve higher accuracy, higher energy efficiency and greater flexibility. Specifically, one single bit is used to encode a sample from a signal for efficient processing. This type of sequences encodes constantly variable values, so it is referred to as dynamic stochastic sequences (DSS’s). The DSS enables the use of SC circuits to efficiently perform tasks such as frequency mixing and function estimation. It is shown that such a dynamic SC (DSC) system achieves savings up to 98.4% in energy and up to 96.8% in time with a slightly higher accuracy compared to conventional SC. It also achieves energy and time savings of up to 60% compared to a fixed-width binary implementation.
Comparative analysis of farm-based carbon audits

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill, amending the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, set the ambitious GHG emissions reduction targets of 90% by 2050, compared to a 1990 baseline. In accordance to this, the Climate Change Plan (Scottish Government 2018a) set out policies aiming to provide further GHG mitigation in Scotland’s non-emission-trading sectors, including agriculture. Encouraging farm-level carbon audits is recognised as one method to achieve this. Here we compared available farm carbon audit tools to assess their potential application in Scottish agriculture.
A Mechanism for Cutting Coconut Husks

This paper details the conceptual design of a machine for cutting coconut husk halves into pieces for activated carbon production. Alternative interlocking and welded blade arrangements are presented with the potential for scaling up the processing of coconut husks into smaller pieces. Virtual simulations and the experimental testing of a functional prototype are used to validate the conceptual design. The design is shown to be functionally acceptable, and directions for further improvements and development are outlined.
Targeting the c-MET signaling pathway for cancer therapy

Background: In many human cancers, c-MET is activated via receptor overexpression, amplification, mutation and/or a ligand-dependent autocrine/paracrine loop. These biochemical and genetic abnormalities have been correlated with poor clinical outcomes and drug resistance in cancer patients. Preclinical studies suggest that targeting aberrant c-MET signaling could be an attractive therapy in cancer, but this notion has only recently been tested in the clinic. Objectives: To describe the biological aspects of the c-MET signaling pathway and to discuss recent progress and possible future trends in the development of agents that target the c-MET pathway, with an emphasis on small-molecule c-MET kinase inhibitors. Method: A review of relevant publications, including published articles in literature, reports at scientific meetings, and information available through the Internet. Results/conclusion: The dysregulated c-MET pathway represents a promising target for cancer drug development. The agents that target the c-MET pathway have demonstrated impressive evidence of early clinical activity and may have a significant therapeutic potential.
ON THE SPIKE IN HAZARD RATES AT BENEFIT EXPIRATION: THE SIGNALLING HYPOTHESIS REVISITED

We revisit the signalling hypothesis, whereby potential employers use the duration of unemployment as a signal as to the productivity of applicants. We suggest that the quality of such a signal is very low when the unemployed receive unemployment bene ts: individuals have good reasons to remain unemployed. Conversely, the signal becomes much more e¢ cient once bene ts have elapsed: skilled workers should not stay unemployed in such cases. Therefore, the potential duration of unemployment bene ts should drive employersexpectations and their recruitment practices. This mechanism can explain why hazards fall after bene t expiration, and why hazards respond more to the potential duration of bene ts than to replacement rates. Keywords: Worker heterogeneity; Signalling; Hazard rate; Unemployment compensation; Moral hazard J.E. L. classi cation: J64; J65; D83 This paper was completed while Bruno Decreuse was visiting the School of Economics at the University of New South Wales. Their hospitality is gratefuly acknowledged. The paper has bene ted from the comments of participants in seminars at University of Aix-Marseilles, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, and participants in the EDGE meeting in Copenhagen. We especially thank Pierre Granier, Nicolas Gravel, and André Zylberberg. yCorresponding author. GREQAM, 2, rue de la charité 13236 Marseille cedex 2, France. E-mail: decreuse@univmed.fr zGREQAM, 2, rue de la charité 13236 Marseille cedex 2, France. E-mail: elvira@univmed.fr 1 ha ls hs -0 03 39 14 6, v er si on 1 17 N ov 2 00 8
Application and improvement of methods for the analysis of microbial cells in natural and artificial aquatic environment

The epifluorescence direct count technique is a well established method in quantifying microorganisms in aquatic ecology. This method was applied with 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining to samples from the North Sea as well as to samples from fresh water lakes. In-situ hybridization was applied to detect Archaea in the North Sea and automated microscopic counting was primarily used for quantification. Appart from this, an experiment was set up to increase a certain microbial morphology and analyse and detect this morphology also with automated microscopy. The distribution pattern of microorganisms on membrane filters as well as the variations due to replicates of subsamples or filter sections were examined to verify the quantification method. The dispersion pattern of cells on whole filters showed irregular distribution. The variations within a filter were significantly different in 8 out of 9 analyzed filters, additionally there were significant differences observed in the mean values of filter replicates. Comparison of manual versus automated counts showed a greater variance within the manual counts, which leads to the conclusion that automated counts generate more consistant values. The seasonality of the Euryarchaeota showed a minimum of < 1% of total cell counts during winter and spring and a sudden increase up to 15% from the beginning of June. It slowly decreased then from October to November to a final value of 6%. The quantity of Crenarchaeota never exceeded 2%.
An improved flow-through respirometer for aquatic macroinvertebrate bioenergetic research

An improved flow-through respirometer that is simple to construct and operate is described. Using an impedance monitoring system, activity-specific aerobic metabolism of macroinvertebrates can be quantified under controlled temperatures and oxygen tensions. Application of the respirometer is demonstrated by examining the activity-specific respiratory responses of two species of Hirudinoidea to 100% air-saturated conditions and differing levels of hypoxia. Acclimation time of the animals to the respirometer chambers is also investigated. Using this type of flow-through system for macroinvertebrate bioenergetic studies, activity-specific respiration measurements can be made under constant abiotic conditions and minimal disturbance to the animals.
River Channel Restoration: Guiding Principles for Sustainable Projects.

Perspectives on River Channel Restoration (A. Brookes & F. Shields). GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND METHODS FOR RESTORATION. Hydraulic and Hydrologic Stability (F. Shields). Geomorphological Principles for Restoring Channels (A. Brookes & D. Sear). Habitat Enhancement (A. Brookes, et al.). CATCHMENT AND FLOODPLAIN CONTEXTS. Catchment Approach to Planning Channel Restoration (G. Kondolf & P. Downs). The Sediment System and Channel Stability (D. Sear). Water Quality Issues in River Channel Restoration (E. Herricks). Floodplain Restoration and Riparian Zone Management (A. Brookes, et al.). CASE STUDIES. River Restoration Experience in Northern Europe (A. Brookes). Lowland Stream Restoration in Denmark (M. Nielsen). Restoration Approaches in California (J. Haltiner, et al.). Naturalization of Headwater Streams in Illinois: Challenges and Possibilities (B. Rhoads & E. Herricks). Restoring the Hydrogeomorphology of the Channelized Kissimmee River (L. Toth). Towards an Approach to Sustainable River Restoration (A. Brookes & F. Shields). Indexes.
Woody Stem Production in Alaskan Tundra Shrubs

The contribution of woody stems to the aboveground net primary production (NPP) of several species of tundra shrubs was documented at four sites in northern and central Alaska. To measure stem secondary growth, a new method was developed based on the ability to measure the changes in mass per unit length of stem segments of known age. Net accumulation of N and P in woody stems was also estimated, from additional measurements of changes in element concentration with stem age. Results showed that stem secondary growth was an important component of NPP in all species and sites, ranging from 13 to 49% of total aboveground NPP for individual species. The most productive species and sites had the highest proportions of NPP accounted for by secondary growth. Accumulation of N and P in woody stems occurred at slower rates, presumably due to internal reuse of these elements, but still accounted for 5-19% of the annual net aboveground N accumulation and 6-24% of the P accumulation. One implication of these results is a faster rate of N and P turnover in the vegetation than previously believed, and a greater annual nutrient demand. The relative con- tribution of each age class of stem segments to the total woody biomass was due to an interaction between the number of stem segments surviving to a given age and the annual percentage increase in mass per unit length. Older stem segments also tended to be longer than younger segments.
Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera assemblages in Miranda River basin, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

The knowledge on the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) assemblages in running waters of Mato Grosso do Sul State is still deficient. As a contribution to improve this situation, this study presents an inventory of immature EPT assemblages in Miranda River basin. The samples were collected between January and September 2006 from 4th to 7th orders river reaches. A total of 3069 larvae were collected, belonging to 49 genera and 17 families. The caddisflies presented the greatest abundance while the mayflies presented the greatest richness. Of the larvae collected, 22 genera of Ephemeroptera and 20 of Trichoptera are new occurrences for the State. The high genera richness observed in this study, with sites subjected to moderate to high human impacts, as well as the high genera richness indicated by non-parametric estimators and by the genera accumulation curve, indicate that the EPT richness of Miranda River basin is high. This result seems to be related to the environmental heterogeneity of the basin catchment (Cerrado and Pantanal biomes; carbonate, sedimentary and basaltic rocks). Additionally, these results should incentive future ecological and environmental integrity studies in the region, which are urgent in a landscape under fast anthropogenic impacts.
ANISOTROPIC VISCOUS FLUID COSMOLOGICAL MODELS IN SAEZ-BALLESTER THEORY OF GRAVITATION

In this paper, we investigate Anisotropic Bianchi Type-I viscous fluid cosmological models with field equations proposed by Saez-Ballester (phys. letts. A.113 (1995)). To obtain determinate model, we have used the condition that expansion (θ) is proportional to shear (σ) which leads to A = B m , where m is constant and A, B are metric potentials. The coefficient of bulk viscosity (ζ) is taken as a constant. The physical and geometrical properties of the model are also studied.
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 3B is connected to osteopontin and protein kinase CK2 in pancreatic β-cells *

Islets from RIP-PDE3B mice, exhibiting β-cell specific overexpression of the cAMP/cGMP-degrading enzyme phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) and dysregulated insulin secretion, were subjected to microarray analysis. We show that osteopontin (OPN) mRNA is increased in a dose-dependent manner in islets from RIP-PDE3B mice, as compared to wild-type islets. In addition, in silico analysis shows that PDE3B and OPN are interacting. Furthermore, OPN interacts with protein kinase CK2 ina distinct submodule of the protein-protein interaction network. We studied PDE3B and OPN proteins and, in some cases, also PDE1B and PDE4C, under conditions of relevance for insulin secretion. In the presence of forskolin, PDE inhibitors, insulin, or a protein kinase CK2 inhibitor, similar alterations in protein levels of PDE3B and OPN are shown. In summary, results from using a number of strategies demonstrate a connection between PDE3B and OPNas well as a role for protein kinase CK2 inpancreatic β-cells.
Entoloma species from New South Wales and northeastern Queensland, Australia

Seven new species in the Prunuloides clade of the Entolomataceae are described here: Entoloma hymenidermum is diagnosed by blackish blue basidiomata, isodiametric basidiospores and moderately broad pileocystidia; E. violaceotinctum has a violet-tinged pileus, violaceous-tinged stipe, and broad inflated pileocystidia; E. discoloratum possesses a subviscid yellow-tinged white pileus; E. kewarra is distinguished by its yellow pileus and stipe, both with a white and then eventually greenish yellow context; E. pamelae has a smooth, bright yellow, dry pileus; E. rugosiviscosum has a yellow-brown, rugose viscid pileus; and E. guttulatum is distinguished by lamellae with droplets that become reddish brown on drying.
HOW EFFICIENT IS OUT-OF-SCHOOL STUDY TIME? A STOCHASTIC FRONTIER APPROACH APPLIED TO MENA COUNTRIES

The process of learning is a complicated one. Many factors (or inputs) are supposed to have a significant impact on learning. In the educational production function developed by Alexander and Simmons (1975), various variables were used in the research studies as educational inputs including the variables that measure the socioeconomic status of students, the school variables such as class size, school resources, teacher quality. and the variables related to the design of curriculum. Nonetheless, very few studies have focused on time devoted to studies and mainly the out-of-school study time.