Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of water balance components with high precision weighing lysimeter in Kleče

Components of the basic water balance equation and water balance calculation for July 2011 for weighing lysimeter on water supply pumping station in Kleče, Ljubljana the presented. Lysimeter and outflow mass measured with high precision weighing cells and precipitation as determined from changes in the mass of the lysimeter were used in calculation. Precipitation measurements in the same time resolution as the lysimeter mass measurements would be needed for correct calculation of actual evapotranspiration. In time of high plant water requirements only substantial precipitation events directly contribute to immediate groundwater recharge. The low water retention of the aquifer sediments shows susceptibility of the aquifer to ground water pollution.
A critique of methods for measuring life history trade‐offs

Constraints have important effects on the evolution of life history strategies, but several difficulties have been encountered in determining constraints empirically. Here we investigate methods for measuring a specific type of constraint known as a trade‐off. A trade‐off between two traits implies a perfect negative correlation between the traits. Trade‐offs may involve more than two traits, however, and pairs of traits involved in such a higher‐dimensional trade‐off may be positively correlated. If some of the traits involved in a trade‐off are omitted from the experimental design, the trade‐off may not even be detectable. Direct measures of trade‐offs are thus complicated, and indirect means of identifying trade‐offs may often provide the only feasible measures.
The amphipod (Crustacea: Peracarida) fauna of the Aegean Sea, and comparison with those of the neighbouring seas

Examination of sampled material and review of the relevant literature revealed the presence of 299 benthic and 46 pelagic amphipod species from the Aegean Sea. Two of the species identified, Caprella hirsuta Mayer, 1890 and Apohyale crassipes (Heller, 1866), are recorded for the first time in the Aegean Sea and the Levantine Basin respectively. A checklist of the Mediterranean amphipods is given, as well as their distribution in the Mediterranean territorial areas and the Black Sea. The faunal comparison of the Mediterranean areas showed that the number of species decreases from west to east. In terms of zoogeographical categories the Atlanto-Mediterranean species dominate in all Mediterranean areas followed by the endemic species concerning the benthic amphipods while in pelagic amphipods cosmopolitan species dominate and are then followed by Atlanto-Mediterranean. Three species, Bemlos leptocheirus (Walker, 1909) and Linguimarea caesaris Krapp-Schickel, 2003, Photis lamellifera Schellenberg, 1928, are lessepsian migrants and are reported in the Levantine and Central Mediterranean Seas.
Compounds contributing to the characteristic aroma of malted barley

The volatiles from malt, sampled at stages during roasting, were examined by GC odor-port evaluation and by GC-MS. The technique of odor dilution was applied to volatile extracts from samples exhibiting strong malt-like characteristics. Seven odors from the GC column persisted through several dilutions. 3- and 2-methylbutanal were responsible for the odors with the highest dilution factors which had malty characteristics. The other five odors were malty or cereal-like; ethylmethylpyrazines and maltol may contribute to these odors, but other compounds responsible were present at very low concentrations and have not yet been identified. The levels of 2- and 3-methylbutanal increased dramatically in malt during roasting
The effects of exposure and microbes on hatchability of eggs in open‐cup and cavity nests

Many avian species initiate incubation before clutch completion, resulting in an asynchronous hatch of their eggs. Several studies suggest that early laid eggs in birds that exhibit synchronous hatching may be more vulnerable to the negative impacts of ambient temperatures and/or trans-shell infection by microbes. However, nearly all of these studies have exposed fertile eggs to environmental conditions in artificial cavity nests, and thus, the effects of exposure of eggs to environmental conditions in open-cup nests remains largely unknown. Therefore, we directly compared hatchability and rates of trans-shell infection in fertile domestic chicken eggs that were exposed for 1–5 days in either open-cup or cavity nests. Eggs in open-cup nests had significantly higher rates of trans-shell infection and lower hatchability than those in cavity nests. These differences may result from different environmental conditions in open-cup nests, as well as in rates of microbial colonization of eggs. Cavity nests maintained slightly higher temperatures than did open-cup nests in the same location; thus, eggs in cavity nests were exposed for a longer period of time to temperatures ≥27°C, the temperature at which antibacterial enzymatic activity is initiated in the albumen. Moreover, microbial growth on eggs was much higher in open-cup nests even when eggs in these nests were cleaned daily with alcohol. It may be that the increased exposure to rain events in open-cup nests may facilitate microbial growth and egg infection. Thus, our data suggest that open-cup nesters may face constraints on reproduction different from those that cavity nesters face, and therefore may make choices regarding incubation that reflect these challenges.
Evolution of anthocyanins during maturation of tempranillo grape variety (Vitis vinifera) using polynomial regression models

In general, the anthocyanin content of grapes increases during ripening but presents a concentration minimum a few days before physiological maturity. This minimum is sharper for the acyl derivatives. Significant behavioural differences were found between monoglucosides and their acyl derivatives. A polynomial model was used to describe the evolution of anthocyanins in the maturation of Tempranillo grapes (Vitis vinifera L).
Are the vegetation structure and composition of the shrubby Caatinga free from edge influence

A influencia de borda, ou efeito de borda, leva a diversas alteracoes biologicas em paisagens fragmentadas. Embora muito estudada em ecossistemas florestais, a influencia de borda permanece desconhecida para a Caatinga. Baseada nas condicoes fisicas e biologicas da Caatinga arbustiva, nossa predicao a priori foi que este tipo de vegetacao nao sofre influencia de borda em termos de estrutura e composicao de especies. Nos amostramos arbustos, cactos e arvores em 20 parcelas de 200 m2 em bordas antigas (> 60 anos de idade) e interiores de um fragmento de 690 ha, parcialmente isolado e circundado por Opuntia ficus-indica. Altura das plantas, diâmetro ao nivel solo, densidade de individuos e riqueza e diversidade de especies foram estatisticamente iguais entre os habitats de borda e interior. A magnitude da influencia de borda variou de -0,027 a 0,027, indicando baixa importância ecologica da criacao de bordas para as variaveis analisadas. Adicionalmente, a similaridade floristica entre os habitats alcancou 90% e uma analise de componentes principais mostrou que a composicao de especies varia de forma similar na borda e no interior. O conjunto dos resultados indica que a vegetacao do fragmento estudado nao e ecologicamente afetada pela criacao de bordas e sugere que alteracoes nas condicoes fisicas e na disponibilidade de recursos apos a criacao das bordas sao insuficientes para eliminar plantas ja estabelecidas ou alterar o recrutamento e a sobrevivencia de novos individuos.
Estren (4-Estren-3α,17β-diol) Is a Prohormone that Regulates Both Androgenic and Estrogenic Transcriptional Effects through the Androgen Receptor

Alternative mechanisms of steroid action, through both traditional nuclear receptors and indirect pathways of gene activation, are emerging. Recent studies suggest that the synthetic steroid, 4-estrene-3α,17β-diol (estren), has nongenotropic as well as sex-nonspecific osteogenic effects in ovariectomized and orchidectomized mice. We found limited estrogen receptor-dependent effects by estren on gene expression in primary osteoblast cultures and showed that it binds poorly to estrogen and androgen receptors in vitro. However, estren potently regulated direct and indirect androgen receptor-dependent effects on gene expression by osteoblasts. Consistent with this, osteoblasts produced the potent androgen 19-nortestosterone from estren by way of a 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-like activity. Moreover, recombinant 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C9) and osteoblast-derived cell lysate each effectively converted estren to 19-nortestosterone in vitro, and mRNA encoding this enzyme occurs in osteoblasts. In.
Movements of, and habitat utilisation by, threespot tilapia Oreochromis andersonii (Teleostei: Cichlidae) in the Upper Zambezi River, Namibia

Movements of and habitat utilisation by radio-tagged threespot tilapia (body length 25–50cm) were studied in the Upper Zambezi River between 23 November 2000 and 8 May 2001. Although utilising a relatively large stretch of river (average 5.4km) during the study period, the fish mainly stayed within defined home ranges, with an average 95% utility distribution of 0.3km2. The individual variation was large, with the largest home range being 28 times larger than the smallest. A broad spectrum of habitats was used, with 39% of the 'fixes' lying in the main stream of the river, 26% in backwaters, 0.5% in the mouths of backwaters, 12% in channels, 16% in permanent swamps, and 7% on the floodplain. Mean width of the waterbody where the fish were positioned was 493m. Mean distance to the nearest shore was 158m, constituting 31% of the total river width. On average, 51% of the fixes were at vegetation, 39% away from vegetation, and 11% near vegetation. Mean water depth where the fish were recorded was 3.4m. Hence, adult threespot tilapia did not appear to be habitat specialists, but displayed flexible movement behaviour and habitat utilisation, with a large degree of individual variation.
Nitrogen saturation in Japanese forested watersheds.

Biogeochemistry of nitrogen was evaluated in a series of small watersheds in Gunma Prefecture, 100 km northwest of Tokyo in Japan. The forest vegetation ranged in age from 7 to 86 yr and included conifer plantations and naturally regenerated hardwoods. In a watershed with 24-yr-old stands of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) and hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa), stream water NO3− concentrations were lower (21 μmol/L) than watersheds composed of 7-, 84-, and 86-yr-old stands (62, 64, and 100 μmol/L, respectively). These differences among watersheds were mostly attributable to differences in the increments of N by forest vegetation. The absence of seasonal variation of stream NO3− concentration in watersheds with either coniferous or hardwood forests suggests that N availability was in excess of biotic demands during all seasons. Over 6 yr, inorganic N output by stream water (13.5 kg N·ha−1·yr−1) exceeded N input as bulk precipitation (10.5 kg N·ha−1·yr−1) in an 86-yr-old coniferous stand. The high N output was rela.
Antibacterial activity of some essential oil components against five foodborne pathogens

Antibacterial activity of 11 essential oil constituents against Escherichia coli, E. coli O157 :H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Vibrio vulnificus was tested at 5, 10, 15, and 20% in 1% Tween 20 using a paper disk method. Eight constituents were then tested in liquid medium to determine minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC, respectively). V. vulnificus was most susceptible using disk assay. Carvacrol showed strong bactericidal activity against all tester strains, while limonene, nerolidol, and β-ionone were mostly inactive. Carvacrol was highly bactericidal against S. typhimurium and V. vulnificus in liquid medium (MBC 250 μg/mL). Citral and perillaldehyde had MBCs of 100 and 250 μg/mL against V. vulnificus. Terpineol and linalool were least potent against tester strains, with MBCs of 1000 μg/mL. Citral, geraniol, and perillaldehyde at 500 μg/mL completely killed E. coli, E. coli O157 :H7, and S. typhimurium, while citronellal at 250 μg/mL killed V. vulnificus. Therefore, these compounds could serve as potential antibacterial agents to inhibit pathogen growth in food.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production Is Differently Regulated in γδ and αβ Human T Lymphocytes*

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a crucial role in the early defense against pathogens. This cytokine is produced by several cell types including T lymphocytes expressing the αβ as well as the γδ T cell receptor (TcR). In human, the circulating γδ T cells, which mostly express Vγ9Vδ2 TcR, have been strongly suggested to play an important protective role against infectious agents. These activated cells early produce high amounts of TNF-α, which induce a determinant beneficial effect against development of intracellular pathogens; however, sustained production of this cytokine can result in immunopathological diseases. The signals that regulate TNF-α production in Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are totally unknown. In primary αβ T cells, TNF-α production was shown to necessitate engagement of the TcR and CD28, and to be independent of the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase pathway. We demonstrate herein that, in contrast to αβ T cells, TNF-α production in Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes is independent of CD28 costimulation and highly dependent on TcR-induced p38 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 pathway activation for optimal cytokine release. Moreover, we bring elements supporting the idea that the “activation threshold” of γδ T cells leading to cytokine production is lower than that of αβ T cells.
Spatial synchrony in the dynamics of moth and aphid populations

1. We report patterns of intraspecific spatial synchrony (cross-correlation with lag zero) in the dynamics of British moths and aphids sampled at 57 and 21 localities throughout the UK. 2. Spatial synchrony was substantially higher in aphids than in moths. In both taxa, spatial synchrony declined with increasing distance between conspecific populations, but synchrony remained positive at all distances up to 800 km. 3. Species with large slopes (>2) of the spatial variance-mean regression had spatially asynchronous dynamics, as predicted by a theoretical model. 4. In noctuid moths and in aphids, but not in geometrid moths, there was a significant positive correlation between the degree of spatial synchrony and the level of temporal variability in local populations. 5. We discuss the two main hypotheses about the causes of spatial synchrony, migration and regional stochasticity (spatially correlated weather conditions). We conclude that our results on large-scale spatial synchrony in moths and aphids are better explained by regional stochasticity than by migration.
Simulations on Staged Laser Wakefield Acceleration

Electron Laser Wakefield Acceleration (LWFA) is a novel approach of producing high energy electrons and X-Rays. In the late 1970s Tajima and Dawson proposed the concept of accelerating electrons with plasma-waves driven by ultrashort laser pulses [36]. These plasma-waves have phase velocities near the speed of light and accelerating fields of >100 GV/m, which allow for acceleration up to the GeV-regime within several mm acceleration length. However, the maximum energy which a particle can gain in a wakefield is mainly limited by electron dephasing. Staging might overcome this limits by successively accelerating an electron beam in multiple independent wakefields. The goal of this work was to discuss and simulate possible setups for a two-staged laser wakefield accelerator at the ATLAS facility. The major topics are the guiding of an electron beam between two stages, and the injection and acceleration in the second stage. For the guiding of the electron beam tree cases are considered, a free drift between the stages, and a combination of two and three magnetic quadrupole lenses. Additionally, each of these cases is discussed under the constraints, that either the laser driver, is coupled into the second stage via a parabolic mirror with a hole for the electrons, or a plasma mirror. It is observed, that for the free drift as well as the focusing via quadrupole lenses, the electron beam becomes transversely too large to be fully trapped in the second wakefield. The guiding via quadrupole lenses was observed to be superior to a free drift, as it decreases the transverse beam radius and thus leads to an increase in injected charge. Also the lenses are found to act as an energy filter. In summary, simulations in this work show, that staged laser wakefield acceleration at the ATLAS facility can boost the energy of a part of an LWFA accelerated electron beam by additional 500 MeV in a second stage, up to a total of ∼1.1 GeV.
Proteogenomics of glioblastoma associates molecular patterns with survival

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of glioma, with poor prognosis exhibited by most patients, and a median survival time of less than two years. To examine survival-associated patterns, we assembled a cohort of 87 GBM patients whose survival ranges from less than 3 months and up to 10 years, most of which are not bearing isocitrate-dehyderogenase (IDH)-1 mutation and did not undergo prior treatment. We integrated high-resolution mass-spectrometry proteomics and RNA-sequencing to examine the yet unresolved proteomic contribution to poor patient outcome, and compared it to the more established transcriptomic contribution and to published single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Discovering both layer-specific and shared processes, we found that immune, metabolic and developmental processes distinguish short and long survival periods. Additionally, we observed a significant discrepancy in tumor classification between expression layers. Overall, our integrative findings establish proteomic heterogeneity in GBM as a gateway to understanding poor patient survival.
Tree Measurements: An Outdoor Activity for Learning the Principles of Scaling

The activity described in this article deals with some fundamental principles of scaling, which provides a mathematical basis for explaining many biological differences between small and large organisms. I have used this activity in college level courses, both in botany courses for biology majors and in introductory biology courses for general studies. Since it builds upon simple mathematical principles, it can also be used in high school biology courses. The students go outside to measure heights and trunk diameters of trees, and return to the class to analyze and discuss their results. This activity also provides experience with hypothesis-testing and elementary statistical analysis.
Nutrient Compositions and Properties of Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Muscle and Processing By-Products

ABSTRACT This study investigated the morphometrics, proximate chemical compositions, pH, total amino acid (TAA), fatty acid profile, and minerals of the processing by-products of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). The nutrient compositions and properties of the by-products were revealed by being compared to those of Antarctic krill muscle and the economically important species of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense) and penaeid shrimps (Metapenaeus ensis). The by-products are worthy of utilization because of the high ratio to the total weight (65.7%). The crude protein contents in the muscle and by-products of krill are 17.4 and 11.7%, respectively. The krill proteins have higher contents of essential amino acids (EAAs). The EAAs constitute 42 and 37% of the TAAs in muscle and by-products, respectively. The krill processing by-products contain high levels of total lipid (3.3%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids constitute 34% of fatty acids with high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 19.08%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 10.02%). Krill meat provides considerable iron, zinc, calcium, selenium, and copper. It is imperative to lower the fluoride level (70.1 mg/kg, wet basis) in krill muscle. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) reveals that myosin heavy chain (MHC) and actin are the major proteins in muscle, and their contents vary between species.
Synthesis, Characterization, AMDET and DOCKING studies of novel diclofenac derivatives containing phenylalanine moiety acting as selective inhibitors against cyclooxygenase (COX-2)

The present work aims to synthesize novel diclofenac derivatives containing L-phenylanline moiety. In order to gain inhibition actions of the synthesized compounds against cyclooxygenases, its compounds were docked into the active sites of (COX-1 and COX-2). The calculations in-silico were predicted that, lowest energies of docked poses for compounds were interacted with residues of active site, perhaps making them possible selective inhibitors against (COX-2) and physiologically active. The binding scores of some compounds like 7, 12 and 16 were compared with reference drug, and show extensive interactions with the targets, which may considered them a suitable selective inhibitor against (COX-2). Keywords: Phenylalanine, Diclofenac, COX, DOCKING, ADMET.
Improvement of seed germination and in vitro propagation of Bupleurum latissimum Nakai through embryogenesis

Abstract: Bupleurum latissimum Nakai is a critically important endangered plant belonging to the family Apiaceae. Seed germination was promoted by soaking in the dormancy breaker gibberellic acid (GA3) (50% germination as compared with 4% of the control). An optimal temperature for germination of seed previously soaked in GA3 solution was determined by incubation at various temperatures. Seed germination of 31.8% was observed at 25 °C. These results indicate that the seeds of B. latissimum are difficult to germinate, even when treated with GA3. The greatest callus induction (94.8%) was observed in root explants of seedlings grown on MS medium containing a specific concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (1.0 mg L-1) and N6-benzyladenine (BA) (3.0 mg L-1). Induction of somatic embryo was observed in 78.5% of the root segment cultured on MS medium containing 3.0 mg L-1 2,4-D alone. The highest shoot induction rate was obtained in MS medium containing 30 g L-1 sucrose (number of shoots, 6.8; average length of shoot, 8.8 cm). After acclimation in artificial soil (1:1:1 mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand) and transfer to the greenhouse, 98% of plantlets survived over 2 months. This in vitro propagation protocol will be very useful for the conservation of this critically endangered plant.
HBPL: a Framework for Debating, Developing, and Reusing Foundational Models of Musical Metacreativity

A modular framework for musical metacreativity (MUME) promotes several desirable attributes of MUME systems, namely opportunities for model reuse, collaboration, and focused debate on subproblem solutions. We argue that hierarchical Bayesian program learning (HBPL) is an ideal framework for MUME systems because of its ability to effectively learn by modu-larly decomposing concepts into independently-learned subconcept models. We illustrate how the framework can be used to model music composition. Because sub-concept models represent musical constructs, the language of the framework can be used for articulating and comparing different perspectives of the music composition process. We use the framework to examine differing perspectives on the relationships between the concepts of harmony and melody and between melody and lyrics.