Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elaboration of a non-destructive methodology for establishing plant developmental patterns in cereals

The transitions between various developmental phases are critical in determining the ecological adaptation and yield of cereals. In order to elaborate a methodology for establishing the timing of the consecutive plant developmental phases from germination to the fully developed plant, regular measurements of changes in developmental components were carried out on one winter (Kompolti Korai) and one spring (Morex) barley cultivar in a model experiment. Under the controlled environmental conditions linear regression was characteristic of the associations between the chronological time and all or most of the time course data of plant height, tiller and leaf numbers. The initial growth of the spring barley was twice as intensive as that of the winter barley. The length of the stem elongation phases was similar for the two varieties, but the winter barley cultivar showed significantly more intensive stem growth compared to the spring barley. The spring barley reached all the plant developmental phases signific.
Development of N2‐fixing nodules on the wetland legume Lotus uliginosus exposed to conditions of flooding

Seeds of the wetland legume, Lotus uliginosus, were germinated and grown in vermiculite which was either continuously flooded or well-drained. Plants from both treatments were infected by Mesorhizobium loti strain DUS341 via a ‘classical’ root hair pathway, although some flooded plants appeared to be infected via enlarged epidermal cells. Subsequent to infection by M. loti, nodule meristems, which had developed within the root outer cortex, were penetrated by infection threads that released bacteria into the meristematic cells. The infection threads and infection droplets were immunogold labelled with monoclonal antibodies (MAC265 and MAC236) that recognize epitopes (at approx. 155/170 and 170/210 kDa, respectively) on a glycoprotein component of the matrix that surrounded the bacteria within the threads or droplets. Although labelling of infection threads or infection droplets with MAC236 was stronger than that with MAC265, both antibodies strongly labelled material occluding intercellular spaces in the cortices of developing nodules that had not yet expressed nitrogenase (as determined by a lack of signal after immunogold labelling with an antibody raised against nitrogenase component II). After 60 d, nitrogenase activity, shoot and root dry weights, and nodule fresh weight per plant did not differ between the treatments. After a further 30 d submergence, the flooded stems developed extensive aerenchyma and there was profuse development of (nodulated) adventitious roots. Nodules also formed at the junction of adventitious roots and the subtending stem and these were connected vascularly to a small stalk of tissue which gave rise to both a nodule and an adventitious root. The flooded nodules had prominent lenticels, and possible air pathways from the atmosphere to the nitrogen-fixing bacteroids are discussed.
Population changes of Greater horseshoe bats studied near Bristol over the past twenty-six years

Capture censuses of Greater horseshoe bats involving about 35 hibernacula were consistently carried out over twenty-six years in two separate areas. Hibernacula were visited three times per winter. A control area (reduced disturbance) was visited once annually. Censuses showed similar trends in all three areas, and counts of bats at a breeding site showed similar trends to those hibernacula, hut much greater stability. All numbers fell sharply to about 50%, of the original level between the winters or 1962/3 and 1966/7, then more-or-less stabilized until the mid 1970s; rose in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and finally declined precipitiously in all areas in 1986 to about 30% of the 1962/3 figure. Numbers of juveniles born annually showed no relationship to the numbers reaching hibernacula during the subsequent winter, but was negatively related to the mean birth time in July. The final forearm length of juveniles is negatively related to birth time. A population control mechanism based on birth timing and subsequent growth is postulated and supported by reproductive studies.
The role of spatial scale in understanding responses of medium-sized carnivores to forest fragmentation

Increased predation has been suggested as a proximate factor causing the decline of vertebrate diversity in many human-altered landscapes. Previous studies on this topic have provided conflicting results, perhaps as a consequence of the limited spatial scale used in these investigations. We incorporated a multiscaled approach (using site, plot (1.44 km2), and landscape (54 km2)) to investigate the distribution of activity of medium-sized carnivores relative to habitat edges and the numeric responses of these predators to habitat diversity. Among the taxa surveyed, raccoons (Procyon lotor) did not show an affinity for habitat edges at any spatial scale. However, raccoons were more abundant in landscapes characterized by a diversity of cover types. Free-ranging domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis domesticus) did not respond to the proximity of habitat edges in summer but showed a strong affinity for edge habitats (especially those associated with human dwellings) during winter. Wild canids (Vul.
Population structure, distribution and harvesting of southern geoduck, Panopea abbreviata, in San Matías Gulf (Patagonia, Argentina)

Southern geoduck is the most long-lived bivalve species exploited in the South Atlantic and is harvested by divers in San Matias Gulf. Except preliminary data on growth and a gametogenic cycle study, there is no basic information that can be used to manage this resource in terms of population structure, harvesting, mortality and inter-population comparisons of growth. Our aim was to analyze the spatial distribution from survey data, population structure, growth and mortality of several beds along a latitudinal gradient based on age determination from thin sections of valves. We also described the spatial allocation of the fleet’s fishing effort, and its sources of variability from data collected on board. Three geoduck beds were located and sampled along the coast: El Sotano, Punta Colorada and Puerto Lobos. Geoduck ages ranged between 2 and 86 years old. Growth patterns showed significant differences in the asymptotic size between El Sotano (109.4 mm) and Puerto Lobos (98.06 mm). The maximum age decreased from north to south. Natural mortality was estimated for each bed according to a catch curve ( M = 0.105 – 0.177 yr -1 ), with a method based on mean age ( M = 0.212 – 0.233 yr -1 ) and a method based on maximum longevity recorded ( M = 0.062 – 0.13 yr -1 ). Population features were integrated into the harvest analysis to generate a preliminary management proposal that includes subdivision of the coastal zone, limited entry, harvest rate and individual vessel quotas.
Evaluation of Aerial Transect Surveys for Wintering American Black Ducks

We used an experimental aerial transect survey with stratified random sampling, to estimate the size of the population of wintering black ducks (Anas rubripes) in coastal New Jersey during 2 winters, and the coastal Atlantic Flyway (Me. to S.C.) during 4 years. Population estimates were precise (CV 2 x MWS. Because of the lack of statistical design, precision cannot be estimated. Also, because an attempt is made to survey all waterfowl habitats and species, the results are likely not precise for any 1 species. Our objectives were to design a survey to provide precise estimates of the size of the Atlantic Flyway black duck population during winter, compare our results with those of the MWS during the same periods in terms of ac' Present address: Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
A fundamental model and predictions for the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic

The spread of the novel coronavirus is characterized by two phases: (I) a natural exponential growth phase that occurs in the absence of intervention and (II) a regulated growth phase that is affected by enforcing social distancing and isolation. We have developed a fundamental spreading model for the COVID-19 epidemic that has two parameters: the community transmission rate and a metric describing the degree of isolation and social distancing in a given community or region (country, state, county, or city). These two parameters are calibrated to data from the community, so the model uncertainty depends on the quality of the data and ability to test for COVID-19. The model shows that social distancing significantly reduces the epidemic spread and flattens the curve. The model predicts well the spreading trajectory and peak time of new infections for a community of any size and provides an upper estimate for the total number of infections and daily new infection rate for weeks into the future, providing the vital information and lead time needed to prepare for and mitigate the epidemic. The theory has immediate and far-reaching applications for ongoing outbreaks or similar future outbreaks of other emergent infectious diseases.
Exposure assessment and analysis for biological agents

Airborne biological agents have become prominent safety and health issues in agriculture, biotechnology, industrial settings, and the indoor environment. Each of these environments presents unique exposure concerns due to the nature of the encountered biological agent, the microbial concentrations, the modes of exposure, and the susceptibility of the exposed population. Acceptable levels of airborne microorganisms have not been established and the sampling methods and analytical techniques employed to assess airborne biocontaminants are varied and non-standardized. This paper reviews and compares the different air sampling methods for biological agents and classical analytical methods (i.e., culture and microscopy), analysis for specific microorganism constituents (i.e., ergosterol, muramic acid, glucans, allergens, mycotoxins, endotoxins) and molecular methods (i.e., polymerase chain reactions). Each of the described methods has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Selection of sampling and analytical methods depends upon the nature of the information that is sought; there is no one ideal sampling or analytical method. Combinations of sampling and analytical methods can provide a wide range of data that can be effectively tailored to many different environmental settings.
Gross Anatomy of the Malpighian Tubules and Internal Male Genitalia of Scelioninae (Hymenoptera; Platygastroidea; Platygastridae) with Phylogenetic Implications

Abstract. — The gross morphology of the male internal genitalia of 16 scelionid genera and Malpighian tubules of 17 scelionid genera were studied for the first time. The number of Malpighian tubules is likely to he correlated to the body size, therefore is not informative for further phylogenetic analyses. Analysis of internal male genitalia in scelionids reveals that they are relatively uniform in both Teleasinae (only type IV (Trimorus-type)) and Telenominae (only type V (Trissolcus-type)), but are more diverse in Scelioninae with type I (Sparasion-type), type II (Scelio-type), type III (Apegus-type), and type IV (Trimorus-type) observed.
Triple negative breast cancer: proven and promising systemic therapies

1. Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. 2. Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. 3. Department of Medical Oncology, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia. 4. Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. 5. Parkville Integrated Familial Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Environmental factors, regional body size distributions and spatial variation in body size of local avian assemblages

Aim: To determine how well variation in median body size of avian assemblages is predicted by (1) the environmental models usually employed in analyses of Bergmann's rule and (2) random sampling from the regional body size frequency distribution. If body size frequency distributions of local assemblages represent a random sample of a regional frequency distribution, then geographical variation in body sizes of assemblages might be a consequence of the determinants of spatial variation in species richness rather than direct influences on body size per se. Location: Southern Africa. Methods: Median body masses (as a measure of body size) of avian assemblages were calculated for quarter-degree grid cells across South Africa and Lesotho. The relationship between median body mass and four environmental variables (minimum and maximum monthly temperatures, precipitation and seasonality in the normalized difference vegetation index, as a measure of seasonality in productivity) was examined using general linear models first without taking spatial autocorrelation into account, and then accounting for it by fitting an exponential spatial covariance structure. Model fit was assessed using the Akaike information criterion and Akaike weights. At each species richness value, random assemblages were sampled by either drawing species randomly from the regional body mass frequency distribution, or drawing species from the regional body mass frequency distribution with a probability proportional to their geographical distribution in the area. The ability of randomizations to predict actual body masses was examined using two-tailed Fisher exact tests. Results: Seasonality in productivity was the only environmental variable that remained a significant predictor of body mass variation in spatially explicit models, though the positive relationship was weak. When species richness was included in the models it remained the only significant predictor of size variation. Randomizations predicted median body mass poorly at low species richness, but well at high richness. Main conclusions: Environmental models that have previously been proposed explain little of the variation in body mass across avian assemblages in South Africa. However, much of the variation in the median mass of assemblages could be predicted by randomly drawing species from the regional body mass frequency distribution, particularly using randomizations in which all species were drawn from the regional body mass frequency distribution with equal probability and at high species richness values. This outcome emphasizes the need to consider null expectations in investigations of the geographical variation in body size together with the probable environmental mechanisms underlying spatial variation in average size. Moreover, it suggests that in the South African avifauna, spatial variation in the body sizes of assemblages may be determined indirectly by the factors that influence geographical variation in species richness. © 2008 The Author Journal compilation
Molecular cloning, expressional profiling, DNA binding and trans-activation property studies of QRAP2 from Arabidopsis thaliana

Based upon analysis of data obtained from the ATH1 microarrays, a cDNA that was highly induced after drought treatment, was isolated from Arabidopsis seedlings. RT-PCR and Quantitative Real-Time (QRT)-PCR experiments showed that expression level of the gene increased significantly upon drought, UV, abscisic acid, high salinity and salicylic acid treatments. It was classified as a DREB subfamily member based on multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic characterization. Since it encoded a protein with a typical ERF/AP2 DNA-binding domain and contained a glutamine-rich region near its N terminus, we named it QRAP2 (for glutamine-rich AP2). Gel retardation assay revealed that QRAP2 was able to form a specific complex with the previously characterized DRE element while did not show any affinity to the GCC box or the mutant DRE box. When fused to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain, either fulllength QRAP2 or its N-terminus functioned effectively as a trans-activator in the yeast one-hybrid assay with its C-terminus completely inactive. Our data indicate that QRAP2 could be a new member of the AP2/EREBP transcription factor family involved in activation of down-stream target genes in response to environmental stress, especially under drought conditions.
Appraisal of Civil Service Reforms in Nigeria and Options for Stability

Civil service remains an expedient spring board upon which every nation takes off her developmental strides. The institution is fundamental and strategic particularly to Nigeria as a developing country. Development of civil service in Nigeria is tied to the colonial administration even as the period recorded unprecedented reforms. Quest for reform in the civil service became very essential and regular given the observed poor condition of service. The crux of this paper is to appraise several reforms in the civil service of Nigeria with the view to finding the flaws that necessitated further reforms. The appraisal is justifiable given the increasing clamor for more reforms, a situation that dovetailed into incessant labour unrests. Nigerians are the main beneficiary of a stable civil service sector particularly the workers as the sector remains the highest employer of labour.This paper adopted comparative and analytic approaches. In the end recommendations were made. Keywords : Civil Service, Reforms, Options for Stability
Physiological variables determined under laboratory conditions may explain the bloom of Aphanizomenon ovalisporum in Lake Kinneret

Response of Aphanizomenon ovalisporum to certain environmental parameters was studied to gain a better understanding of the conditions which may have stimulated its autumnal bloom in Lake Kinneret. Optimal temperature for A. ovalisporum growth was 26–30 °C, resulting in growth rates of 0.2–0.3 day−1, similar to those observed in the lake. Maximal rate of CO2 fixation (assimilation numbers of 6–8 μg C μg−1 Chl h−1) was obtained at low irradiances (I k of 40–100 μmol photons m−2 s−1), 200 μM Pi and low N:Pi ratios. Growth was strongly affected by phosphorus availability, reaching a maximum at Pi concentrations above 40 μM. The high demand for phosphorus was indicated by an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. The relative abundance of Pi in the cells increased by 4-fold in Pi-rich compared with Pi-limited cultures. Uptake of Pi was faster in Pi-depleted compared with Pi-sufficient cells. Maximal photosynthetic rates and K1/2(HCO3 −) were 140–220 μmol O2 mg−1 Chl h−1 and 10–24 μM, respectively. At pH 7.0 the K 1/2(CO2) was 2.2 and fell to 0.04 μM at pH 9.0. These data indicated that A. ovalisporum is a HCO3 − user, and can explain its high photosynthetic rates during the bloom, under high pH and low dissolved CO2 conditions. Na+ concentrations of about 5 mM were essential for A. ovalisporum growth at high pH approaching values in the lake.
Regulation of Airway Epithelial Cell NF-κB-Dependent Gene Expression by Protein Kinase Cδ1

Airway epithelial cells synthesize proinflammatory molecules such as IL-8, GM-CSF, RANTES, and ICAM-1, the expression of which is increased in the airways of patients with asthma. We investigated the regulation of these NF-κB-dependent genes by the novel protein kinase C (PKC) isoform PKCδ in 16HBE14o- human airway epithelial cells, focusing on IL-8 expression. Transient transfection with the constitutively active catalytic subunit of PKCδ (PKCδ-CAT), and treatment with bryostatin 1, an activator of PKCδ, each increased transcription from the IL-8 promoter, whereas overexpression of PKCε had minor effects. Expression of a dominant negative PKCδ mutant (PKCδ-KR) or pretreatment of cells with rottlerin, a chemical PKCδ inhibitor, attenuated TNF-α- and phorbol ester-induced transcription from the IL-8 promoter. Bryostatin 1 treatment increased IL-8 protein abundance in primary airway epithelial cells. Selective activation of PKCδ by bryostatin also activated NF-κB, as evidenced by p65 RelA and p50 NF-κB1 binding to DNA, NF-κB trans-activation, and IκB degradation. The sufficiency of PKCδ to induce NF-κB nuclear translocation and binding to DNA was confirmed in a 16HBE14o- cell line inducibly expressing PKCδ-CAT under the tet-off system. Deletion of the NF-κB response element severely attenuated PKCδ-induced IL-8 promoter activity. Finally, PKCδ-CAT induced transcription from the GM-CSF, RANTES, and ICAM-1 promoters. Together these data suggest that PKCδ plays a key role in the regulation of airway epithelial cell NF-κB-dependent gene expression.
A comparative study between Lithothamnion minervae and the type material of Millepora fasciculata (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)

Abstract Lithothamnion minervae is a crustose coralline alga recognized as a common rhodolith-forming species in the western Mediterranean basin. The species was erected in order to give a correct name and an unequivocal definition to the coralline mjsidentified for a long time as Lithothamnion fruticulosum. Details of the plant, such as the epithallial cells and the tetrasporangial or bisporangial and uniporate conceptacles are described on recently collected samples. It is shown that the two plants in the original collection of Millepora fasciculata belong to different taxa, and therefore a - previous lectotypification (Woelkerling in Woelkerling & Lamy 1998) is superseded. The smaller of the two plants, which belongs to an undescribed species of Clalhromorphum, is selected here as the new lectotype of M. fasciculata. The larger plant in the collection belongs to a species of Lithothamnion; it differs from L. minervae in having a smaller range of chamber diameters of multiporate conceptacles, embedded multiporate conceptacles filled with palisade cells and smaller perithallial cells.