Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Ball–Berry–Leuning and Tardieu–Davies stomatal models: synthesis and extension within a spatially aggregated picture of guard cell function

A new model of stomatal conductance is proposed which combines the essential features of the Ball–Berry–Leuning (BBL) and Tardieu–Davies (TD) models within a simple spatially aggregated picture of guard cell function. The model thus provides a coherent description of stomatal responses to both air and soil environments. The model also presents some novel features not included in either the BBL or TD models: stomatal sensing of intercellular (rather than leaf surface) CO2 concentration; an explanation of all three observed regimes (A, B and C) of the stomatal response to air humidity (Monteith Plant, Cell and Environment 18, 357–364, 1995); incorporation of xylem embolism; and maintenance of hydraulic homeostasis by combined hydraulic and chemical signalling in leaves (in which leaf epidermal hydraulic conductivity plays a key role). Significantly, maintenance of hydraulic homeostasis in the model does not require a direct feedback signal from xylem embolism, the predicted minimum leaf water potential being independent of xylem hydraulic conductivity. It is suggested that stomatal regulation through combined hydraulic and chemical signalling in leaves and/or roots provides a general mechanism enabling plants to maintain their water potentials above a minimum value. Natural selection of the key stomatal parameters would then set the minimum potential to a specific value determined by the most vulnerable plant process under water stress (e.g. cell growth, protein synthesis or xylem cavitation), depending on species and growth conditions.
Ecological restoration of cleared agricultural land in Gondwana Link: lifting the bar at ‘Peniup’

Summary Large scale ecological restoration in a highly heterogeneous and species-rich landscape requires big commitment to fine scale planning. In the southwest of Western Australia, in the Fitz-Stirling area of Gondwana Link, the Peniup Restoration project aimed to improve on such works. A multi-faceted approach was employed to re-establish a self-replicating biologically diverse plant system, ecologically informed in its design and consistent with the heterogeneous mosaic of plant associations found in the surrounding landscape. Outcomes from the project included a 950-ha restoration map composed of nine newly developed soil landscape/vegetation associations. A new 6 m wide direct seeding machine was developed to improve delivery and spatial configuration of establishing plants. These two developments were put to the test in 2008 through a 250 ha biodiverse carbon-funded restoration effort. This paper summarises the approaches used and initial results of those works.
Density‐dependence at multiple scales in experimental and natural plant populations

1 The survival and reproduction of individual plants may be related to the distribution of conspecific neighbours with which they interact. 2 We used 2 years’ data from a field experiment to relate the reproduction and survival of focal Silene latifolia plants to the numbers of conspecific plants and flowers within a range of distances (0.16–150 m) from the focal plants. Thus we consider spatial scale as a continuously‐varying component of population density. 3 Because the data come from a single continuous population, we fitted regression models in two stages in order to remove spatial autocorrelation induced by environmental factors before modelling density effects. As well as single‐scale models, we fitted multiple‐scale models to explore interaction kernels. We statistically standardized plant size in some analyses to isolate pollination effects. 4 Reproductive output per plant generally decreased with greater densities of plants and flowers; for example there was a negative effect of female flowers within a 70‐m radius in the second year. However, at low female densities there was a positive effect of male flowers at a scale of 13 m in the first year. Seed‐set per flower decreased with greater densities of flowers in the second year (at radii < 10 m). Seed predation was greater when more female flowers were present within 5–7 m. Plants’ survival probability increased with density within 0.28 m for all but the smallest plants. 5 We also collected data on the pattern and reproductive success of S. latifolia plants in a natural population nearby and applied similar methodology. Here the negative effects of female flower densities occurred at finer scales and gave way to positive effects above 2 m, contrasting with some patterns from the experiment. 6 Synthesis. In a sessile population interacting with mobile biota, the effects of density on individual fitness may vary with the way in which density is measured. This, together with the methodological challenges for analysing spatial data from continuous populations, should be considered when designing and interpreting studies of spatial density‐dependence. Taking these issues into account, we may begin to explain the spatial patterns of natural populations.
IL-12R2 promotes the development of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells

We have previously shown that mice lacking the IL-12-speciﬁc receptor subunit (cid:1) 2 (IL-12R (cid:1) 2) develop more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis than wild-type (WT) mice. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon is not known; nor is it known whether deﬁciency of IL-12R (cid:1) 2 impacts other autoimmune disorders similarly. In the present study we demonstrate that IL-12R (cid:1) 2 (cid:3) / (cid:3) mice develop earlier onset and more severe disease in the streptozotocin-induced model of diabetes, indicating predisposition of IL-12R (cid:1) 2-deﬁcient mice to autoimmune diseases. T cells from IL-12R (cid:1) 2 (cid:3) / (cid:3) mice exhibited signiﬁcantly higher proliferative responses upon TCR stimulation. The numbers of naturally occurring CD25 (cid:2) CD4 (cid:2) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the thymus and spleen of IL-12R (cid:1) 2 (cid:3) / (cid:3) mice were comparable to those of WT mice. However, IL-12R (cid:1) 2 (cid:3) / (cid:3) mice exhibited a signiﬁcantly reduced capacity to develop Tregs upon stimulation with TGF- (cid:1) , as shown by signiﬁcantly lower numbers of CD25 (cid:2) CD4 (cid:2) T cells that expressed Foxp3. Functionally, CD25 (cid:2) CD4 (cid:2) Tregs derived from IL-12R (cid:1) 2 (cid:3) / (cid:3) mice were less efﬁcient than those from WT mice in suppressing effector T cells. The role of IL-12R (cid:1) 2 in the induction of Tregs was conﬁrmed using small interfering RNA. These ﬁndings suggest that signaling via IL-12R (cid:1) 2 regulates both the number and functional maturity of Treg cells, which indicates a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of autoimmune diseases by the IL-12 pathway. The Journal of Immunology, 2008, 181: 3870–3876. doses of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, an autoimmune disorder in which autoreactive T cells attack pancreatic islets (24). Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, IL-12R (cid:1) 2 (cid:2) / (cid:2) mice exhibited earlier onset and more severe STZ-in-duced diabetes, with pronounced insulitis. To address the mechanism underlying enhanced autoimmunity in mice lacking IL-12 responsiveness, we tested our hypothesis that CD4 (cid:1) T cells from IL-12R (cid:1) 2 (cid:2) / (cid:2) mice have a reduced capacity to differentiate into Tregs. Our results indicate that IL-12R (cid:1) 2 plays an important role in the development of CD4 CD25 Tregs.
Hiding Traces of Status Seeking: Contradictory Tagging Strategies on Instagram

The prevailing presence of social media in the twenty-first century has changed processes of self-presentation. This study questions how Instagram users employ the platform’s tagging features to claim and seek status. Content analysis on a random sample of 787 posts carrying the hashtag “instagood” revealed that they utilize the tagging affordances to make their audience aware of their capital. In addition to displaying their capital through tags, however, users employ hashtags and account tags to increase their visibility on the platform. Interestingly, analysis shows the prevalence of attempts to conceal these obvious paratextual status-seeking strategies. Over half of the Instagram posts in the sample showed traces of the creators taking active steps to hide their use of like-hunter hashtags, through which users explicitly ask other Instagrammers for likes and follows. This finding builds upon Marwick’s concept of aspirational production: The perfecting of one’s online presentation does not only happen by producing a high-status image, but also by concealing the “inauthentic” nature of this production. Furthermore, the fact that traces of obvious status seeking can be found online implies that the lines between Goffman’s front- and backstage are blurred in the digital age.
DIGITAL HERITAGE: SPOTLIGHT FROM EUROPE

During the pandemic, a consortium of libraries in the Milan area (Italy) interviewed the community and applied sentiment analysis to quickly understand the community’s feelings toward online services. The model compares both sentiment analysis and topic detection using algorithms that identify sentiments and topics. The results highlight the preference for paper books but the interest in learning more about digital services.
Sclereid development during fruit ripening in two lines of Tabasco pepper (Capsicum frutescens)

Abstract Fruit development was examined in two lines of Tabasco pepper (Capsicum frutescens) which had previously been selected for hard-to-pick persistent fruit (HP) or easy-to-pick (EP) fruit. Four plants of each line were grown under glass. Random selections of ten flowers of each line were tagged at three or four-day intervals until the first-tagged flowers were in the “mature red” harvest condition. At that point all samples were collected and paraffin-processed for anatomical examination. Cells in the separation zone were examined morphometrically to determine the rate of sclerenchyma differentiation. Although cells in both the central and peripheral regions of the separation zone become sclerified in both lines, sclereid differentiation is faster and more complete in the HP line. In both lines sclerenchyma in the peripheral zone matured significantly faster than sclerenchyma in the corresponding central zone. Although degree of sclerification may have some role in tenacity of the HP fruit to the subtending pedicel, it does not correlate strongly with detachment force, especially in the EP line.
Rhizospheric and heterotrophic components of soil respiration in six Chinese temperate forests

Partitioning soil respiration (RS) into heterotrophic (RH) and rhizospheric (RR) components is an important step for understanding and modeling carbon cycling in forest ecosystems, but few studies on RR and RH exist in Chinese temperate forests. In this study, we used a trenching plot approach to partition RS in six temperate forests in northeastern China. Our specific objectives were to (1) examine seasonal patterns of soil surface CO2 fluxes from trenched (RT) and untrenched plots (RUT) of these forests; (2) quantify annual fluxes of RS components and their relative contributions in the forest ecosystems; and (3) examine effects of plot trenching on measurements of RS and related environmental factors. The RT maximized in early growing season, but the difference between RUT and RT peaked in later summer. The annual fluxes of RH and RR varied with forest types. The estimated values of RH for the Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.), Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.), aspen‐birch (Populous davidiana Dode and Betula platyphylla Suk.), hardwood (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Juglans mandshurica Maxim. and Phellodendron amurense Rupr.), Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch.) and mixed deciduous (no dominant tree species) forests averaged 89, 196, 187, 245, 261 and 301 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively; those of RR averaged 424, 209, 628, 538, 524 and 483 g C m−2 yr−1, correspondingly; calculated contribution of RR to RS (RC) varied from 52% in the larch forest to 83% in the pine forest. The annual flux of RR was strongly correlated to biomass of roots <0.5 cm in diameter, while that of RH was weakly correlated to soil organic carbon concentration at A horizon. We concluded that vegetation type and associated carbon metabolisms of temperate forests should be considered in assessing and modeling RS components. The significant impacts of changed soil physical environments and substrate availability by plot trenching should be appropriately tackled in analyzing and interpreting measurements of RS components.
Short term effects of latex tapping on micro-changes of trunk girth in Hevea Brasiliensis

Latex tapping has a well-known negative effect on the long term radial growth of rubber trees (Hevea Brasiliensis). The additional carbon sink induced by latex yield is considered as the main cause. However the potential contribution of a tapping induced water stress has received little attention. In Northeast Thailand, we applied an exploring approach comparing the diel cycle of girth change between days of rest and days with tapping in conditions of relatively stable evaporative demand and soil water availability. Trees were tapped at dark in the early morning for two consecutive days and rested for one day. Five standard trees were equipped with high accuracy girth bands above the tapping panel. The sampling included one tree with additional measurements, one below the tapping cut and the other at the trunk bottom. Data were recorded at 30 min interval over 14 days at the onset of the dry season in November. Results demonstrated a significant short-term shrinkage within two hours after tapping. However, the nighttime expansion maximum diurnal shrinkage and midnight recovery were not significantly influenced by the tapping cycle. As a result the daily growth was not negatively impacted on tapping days. Finally, in conditions of low average growth, our results refute th e hypothesis of a negative impact of tapping on radial growth at a daily scale through a simple dehydration. A substantial loss of tu rgor was confirmed but trees seem to quickly react and smooth the consequences on nighttime recovery and diurnal shrinkage.
Approaches to impact evaluation in academic libraries

This article is a review and summary of the ISO Standard 16439, Information and Documentation: Methods and Procedures for Assessing the Impact of Libraries which gathers together recent thinking and approaches to the difficult question of seeking and finding evidence that an academic library indeed makes a tangible difference to its users. Both librarians and library administrators who are grappling with the increasingly imperative need to demonstrate the value of their services will find this article of interest.
Differential colonization and defence responses of resistant and susceptible melon lines infected by Fusarium oxysporum race 1·2

A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing strain of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis race 1·2 (FOM 1·2-GFP) was used to visualize infection of a susceptible melon cultivar, Ein Dor (ED). At 1-2 days post-inoculation (d.p.i.), the fungus grew on the root epidermis and adhered to epidermal cell borders. By day 4, the mycelium crossed the cortex and endodermis through narrow pores in cell walls and reached xylem vessels, where it sporulated and produced secondary hyphae that grew upwards. Colonization dynamics of ED seedlings were compared with those of a genetically resistant line, BIZ. FOM 1·2-GFP colonized the resistant plant's vascular system, but the incidence of seedling infection was lower than in ED, suggesting stronger defence responses in BIZ expressed at the pre-xylem stage of infection. Infection of the vascular system of BIZ was slower: at 11 d.p.i. , FOM 1·2-GFP only colonized the lower hypocotyl sections of BIZ, whilst the upper hypocotyls of ED were already infected, indicating that BIZ also restricted FOM 1·2 movement in the xylem. The expression patterns of three defence genes were compared between the resistant and susceptible genotypes using real-time PCR. Transcript levels of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chitinase (CHI) and hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) were induced to a greater extent in BIZ than in ED. A constitutive two- to fourfold difference between BIZ and ED in the basal levels of all three transcripts was also apparent. Both the constitutive and inducible defence responses could contribute to reduced vascular colonization of the resistant genotype.
Carotenoids accumulation and expression of carotenogenesis genes during seedling and leaf development in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis).

To investigate the regulation mechanisms of carotenoid biosynthesis in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis), carotenoids accumulation and carotenogenesis genes (BrPSY, BrPDS, BrZDS, BrLCYB, BrLCYE, BrCHXB, BrZEP, and BrNCED) involved in carotenoids biosynthesis were analyzed during seedling and leaf development using real-time PCR. For seedling, some of carotenogenesis genes were showed similar to expression pattern between under dark and light condition. Carotenogenesis genes reached the maximum transcription at 8 days after sowing and this was similar to the highest contents of most detected carotenoids. Carotenoids contents (mainly lutein and beta-carotene) in light-grown seedlings were several time higher than those in dark-grown ones. For leaf development, direct lighted-outer leaves contain a 30-fold higher carotenoid amount compared to inner and middle leaves. However, expression level of carotenogenesis genes in outer leaves did not show a big different with those in inner and middle leaves. These results suggest a considerable role of light in carotenoids biosynthesis during seedling and leaf development.
DERIVATION OF A BAYESIAN CRAM ÉR-RAO BOUND FOR DYNAMICAL PHASE OFFSET ESTIMATION

In this paper, we derive a closed-form expression of a Bayesian Craḿer-Rao bound (BCRB) for the estimation of a dynamical phase offset. We consider the scenario of an uncoded AWGN transmission and a Wiener phase-offset model. We provide an analytical expression of this bound in both the so-called off-line andon-linecontexts. Taking benefit from the derived BCRB expression, we study its asymptotic behavior.
Application of Backpropagation Algorithms in Predicting the Quality of Component Based Software Systems

: Component-based software engineering is a development approach that uses existing software components as a means of accelerating delivery of quality software systems, within time and budget constraints. Metrics for evaluating the quality of component-based systems have been developed and validated. However, most of the existing metrics are based on aggregation models, linear regression and multivariate modeling techniques. Artificial Neural Network techniques have been found powerful in modeling Software quality metrics compared to traditional statistical techniques. This study aims at researching on the applicability of neural network ensembles for analyzing and validating the interface complexity metrics for JavaBeans components. This study utilizes the Backpropagation training algorithms to predict quality attributes for component-based systems. Specifically the study the performs an empirical analysis of the performance of the Backpropagation training methods based on algorithm's rate of convergence and the network's root means square error.
Efficient Replication by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Involves Activation of the IκB Kinase-IκB-p65 Pathway

ABSTRACT Infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) induces a persistent nuclear translocation of NFκB. To identify upstream effectors of NFκB and their effect on virus replication, we employed mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF)-derived cell lines with deletions of either IKK1 or IKK2, the catalytic subunits of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex. Infected MEFs were assayed for virus yield, loss of IκBα, nuclear translocation of p65, and NFκB DNA-binding activity. Absence of either IKK1 or IKK2 resulted in an 86 to 94% loss of virus yield compared to that of normal MEFs, little or no loss of IκBα, and greatly reduced NFκB nuclear translocation. Consistent with reduced virus yield, accumulation of the late proteins VP16 and gC was severely depressed. Infection of normal MEFs, Hep2, or A549 cells with an adenovirus vector expressing a dominant-negative (DN) IκBα, followed by superinfection with HSV, resulted in a 98% drop in virus yield. These results indicate that the IKK-IκB-p65 pathway activates NFκB after virus infection. Analysis of NFκB activation and virus replication in control and double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-null MEFs indicated that this kinase plays no role in the NFκB activation pathway. Finally, in cells where NFκB was blocked because of DNIκB expression, HSV failed to suppress two markers of apoptosis, cell surface Annexin V staining and PARP cleavage. These results support a model in which activation of NFκB promotes efficient replication by HSV, at least in part by suppressing a host innate response to virus infection.
Withdrawal strength ofbright and galvanized annulary threaded nails

hreaded nails, initially used in shoe, T automobile and boat industries (Stern 1950a), have expanded into wood and post frame construction markets. Stern (1956) advocated their use in wood construc­ tion because of the increased withdrawal strength and extensively researched the use of threaded nails in pallets. Based on post frame construction experience, Geisthardt et al. (1991) reported that published design values for large thread­ ed nails are conservative. It is speculated that the conservative design values result from the lack of experimental data for large nails and spikes and the lack of standardization of thread characteristics. RecentlyASTM F1667, Table 45 (ASTM 2006) was modified to standardize the characteristics of annularly threaded nails. The standardization of a specific type of annularly threaded nails, called post-frame ring shank nails, creates the opportunity for both manufacturers and designers to take advantage of the increased withdrawal design capacity of these types of nails. This report details a research study investigating the with­ drawal strength of nails manufactured to the ASTM F1667 post-frame ring shank standard.
Understanding low success trapping invasive sea lampreys: an entry-level analysis

Invasive sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes are the target of binational control. Trapping of adults could be used for control if trap success was higher. At a hydro-generating station on the St. Marys River, we tested whether the probability of trap entry is low (0.2–0.3) because (i) lampreys spend insufficient time near traps to find and enter the trap, (ii) high discharge at trap sites makes attractant flow from traps difficult to detect or trap openings difficult to reach, and (iii) conspecifics impede trap entry. Discharge at the site was manipulated nightly, and the behaviour of lampreys at trap openings was video-recorded. Odds of a lamprey reaching a trap opening and entering the trap were 3.4 and 1.6 times higher, respectively, with every second spent at a trap. The probability of reaching a trap was not lower on nights when discharge was high or when conspecifics were present at the trap opening. Improved trap entry will require manipulation of stimuli other than dis.