Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EXPERIMENTAL ELIMINATION OF CHROMATOPHORES AND EYE‐SPOT IN EUGLENA GRACILIS

In a previous paper (Pringsheim & Hovasse, I948) the loss of chromatophores in Euglena gracilis, discovered by Ternetz (I9I2), was described in detail, as it happens occasionally under as yet undefined circumstances, and its implications were discussed. Between I9I2 and I948 the phenomenon had only been observed once (Elmore-Sauer, I928) and had almost fallen into oblivion, although considerable interest attaches to it. It is the only well-established instance of an organism endowed with assimilatory pigments directly giving rise to a heterotrophic, colourless race; moreover, a very similar race had been described from nature as a well-characterized species (Pringsheim, I936, I942). In one important aspect the paper of I948 was unsatisfactory: the apoplastidy observed in two strains could not be induced at will, although a considerable number of experiments with various agents, which might be expected to upset the normal balance, were made (loc. cit. p. 66). The conclusion that the loss of chromatophores must be due to nuclear mutation rather than to the direct influence of an external agent was not too well founded. Soon afterwards, Provasoli, Hutner & Schatz (I948) showed that streptomycin can be used to cause the chromatophores of E. gracilis to disappear, so that apoplastidic races can be obtained under controlled conditions. Jirovec (I949) observed independently that cultures of this organism became pale in the presence of streptomycin; but did not follow up the observation. Lwoff & Schaeffer (I949) repeated the experiment of Provasoli et al. without making more detailed observations, and put forward the hypothesis that the disappearance of chromatophores has something to do with a certain chemical resemblance between streptomycin and chlorophyll. Lwoff & Schaeffer also observed an effect of streptomycin on Chlorogonium elongatum, similar to that on Euglena gracilis which, if substantiated, would be of great interest. Several indications pointed to the possibility that a prolonged influence of high temperatures might also have a similar effect and cause the destruction of chromatophores in E. gracilis without killing the cells. Prof. R. Hovasse (Clermont-Ferrand), in repeating some of our observations, kept cultures in a dark incubator the thermo-regulator of which became ineffective during the hot summer of I948. He observed cells which did not become green when returned to the light. Drs Provasoli and Hutner drew our attention to a similar experience of theirs, suggesting that it was worth further inquiry. At that time we were experimenting with certain chemicals used at 340 C. and obtained colourless races of E. gracilis. This result eventually proved to depend on the effect of temperature and not on the substance employed.
The effects of Cyclone Waka on the structure of lowland tropical rain forest in Vava'u, Tonga

On 31 December 2001, Tropical Cyclone Waka passed directly over the Vava'u island group, Kingdom of Tonga, with sustained and maximum wind speeds of 185 km h−1 and 230 km h−1 respectively. During a prior study of forest secondary succession, 44 forest plots on 13 islands had been surveyed in 1995 and their locations marked. Nineteen of the plots were resurveyed and two additional transects established in May–June 2002, 6 mo following the cyclone. Cyclone-related tree mortality averaged 6%, varied from 0–7% for lowland late-successional species, and tended to be higher for early successional plots (8–16%) and species (4–19%). Severe damage (uprooting, snapped stems) affected 25% of the 2030 stems measured. The proportion of snapped stems was disproportionately high in the 10–15-cm stem diameter class. Uprooting was more prevalent than expected by chance among larger trees (>20 cm diameter). The greatest mortality and severe damage (combined,>35% of stems) occurred in plots that were early successional. Over the 6 y prior to the storm, background recruitment and mortality averaged 1.4% and 3.3% respectively. Mortality was greater than recruitment, while basal area was increasing, in most plots that had not experienced additional anthropogenic disturbance.
A multi-systems approach to understanding the effects of antenatal distress : biological underpinnings of perinatal depressive symptoms and biobehavioural outcomes in the child

Evidence linking maternal antenatal depression with an increased risk of altered biological and behavioral outcomes in offspring is substantial. However, knowledge concerning the underlying mechanisms is strikingly less advanced. The current dissertation addresses this gap by adopting a multi-systems approach and prospectively investigating three main biological pathways, involving stress and inflammation, possibly underlying the effects of maternal antenatal depression on infants’ early development, taking into account the potential buffering role of postnatal maternal care. One-hundred-ten healthy pregnant women, together with their offspring, were studied from late pregnancy to three months after delivery as part of the Effects of Depression on Infants (EDI) Study. In Chapter 3, cross-sectional associations between maternal depressive symptoms and stress-related biology in late pregnancy and soon after delivery were examined. Chapters 4 and 5 investigated the prospective associations between antenatal variations in maternal depressive symptoms, stress and inflammation and infant behavioral and biological outcomes at birth (Chapter 4) and 3 months after delivery (Chapter 5). Lastly, Chapter 6 explored the moderating role of maternal caregiving in the association between prenatal maternal influences and 3- month-olds’ bio-behavioral outcomes. Current findings indicate that antenatal depressive symptoms are associated with an altered diurnal cortisol pattern and heightened inflammation in late pregnancy and independently predict 3-month-olds’ negative affectivity. Additionally, this thesis provides evidence that variations in maternal stress-related biology during pregnancy are associated with offspring physiological and behavioural outcomes and that the impact of antenatal maternal cortisol on infant cortisol stress reactivity may be moderated by maternal sensitive caregiving. Despite the fact that replication of these findings in larger and different samples is needed, our results are in keeping with the hypothesis that maternal antenatal stress exerts a programming effect on offspring bio-behavioral development and that the impact partially depends on the quality of the early rearing environment.
The Detailed Structure and Ultrastructure of an Acalymmate Tetrad

Abstract Descriptions are given of the tetrad of Drimys winteri, Winteraceae, as revealed by light and electron microscopy. It is shown that the thickness and appearance of the layers of the sporoderm vary considerably in the different areas of the pollen grain. There is neither fusion nor direct contact between the walls of the four monads; the cohesion of the tetrad is ensured by some internal baculae alone. The calymmate tetrad of Victoria cruziana, Nymphoeaceae, is compared with this acalymmate tetrad
Phenolic content and heritability of resistance in four hybrid populations of Theobroma cacao L. after leaves inoculation with Phytophthora megakarya Bras. et Grif

Cocoa is cultivated in Cameroon for its broad beans. The commercialization of cocoa seeds constitutes a major source of income to farmers. Nevertheless, cacao black pod disease caused by Phytophthora megakarya is responsible of about 80% of cocoa production loss in Cameroon without any protection method. To assess the resistance of cocoa plants against this pathogen, necrotic lesions and phenolic content were conducted on 3 clones (SNK16, ICS40, Sca12) and their progenies (families F40, F12, F20 and F25) after leaves inoculation. The existence of strong hybrid vigour has been shown. All hybrid genotypes manifested a positive heterosis effect for this symptom suggesting the existence of hybrid vigour. Some hybrids like F40.6, F40.7, F40.8, F40.9, F40.10, F12.10, F12.15, F20.7, F20.10, F25.2, F25.5 and F25.7 were characterized by localized lesions. A negative correlation between the size of necrotic lesions and the total phenolic compound was demonstrated. Three genotypes of the F40 family (F40.8, F40.9 and F40.13), one of the F12 (F12.15) and two of the F25 (F25.2 and F25.8) had small lesions and high concentrations of phenols. These six genotypes can be considered as elite clones with high tolerance to P. megakarya . The values of the heritability of lesion size and the total phenolic content in offsprings don’t show the maternal effect. Keywords: Cocoa, Phytophthora megakarya, heterosis, heritability, necrosis, phenols
Adaptive regulation of body reserves in reindeer, Rangifer tarandus: a feeding experiment

The costs and benefits of body reserves fluctuate according to predictable factors such as season and life-cycle stage. Theory suggests that individuals at any time should regulate their body reserves according to the current balance between costs and benefits. Most studies on adaptive body mass regulation have been done on small passerine birds. In large vertebrates the costs associated with body reserves are assumed to be small and the reserves of these species are therefore thought to be dictated by environmental limitations. In this study we present experimental evidence for adaptive body mass regulation in female semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer t. taratidus). The risk of starvation in this species is highest in late winter. During snow melt this risk is reduced and the females should direct their effort towards the protection of their new born calf. To test how these seasonal and life-cycle changes are related to body mass regulation, we conducted a crossed experiment with two treatments where females were fed ad libitum during winter and spring respectively. During winter, the females from the fed group gained on average 12% of their initial body weight while the females from natural pastures lost on average 6% of their initial body weight. This strong response to winter feeding had no effect on reproductive performance, and the previously fed females lost their excess of body reserves during feeding in spring. This suggests that body reserves during winter primarily is used as an insurance against stochastic periods of starvation and that the females regulate their body reserves down to a set point in spring when the risk is reduced. We found however a positive correlation between initial female body weight and reproductive performance suggesting a close relationship between body weight and intrinsic individual qualities.
Classification of Lung Nodules by Artificial Neural Network with Pixel-Based Learning

In medical image processing, classification of medical images using conventional classifiers is challenging as they involve different procedures such as feature selection, feature extraction and segmentation. These processes may cause inaccurate feature calculation and segmentation and cause errors in classification. However, these kind of errors can be avoided by implementing pixel-based learning in image classifiers where feature calculation or segmentation is not required. In this paper, a process of pixel-based machine learning in Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to classify lung nodules on Computed Tomography (CT) image is discussed. In the experiments, we use Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) to perform the classification. The training and testing data are collected from the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) and Image Database Resource Initiative (IDRI) as well as The Reference Image Database to Evaluate Therapy Response (RIDER) database is used in the experiment. By using original pixel values in the training of ANN classifier, lung nodules are able to be detected in the output images.
Quantifiable Long-term Monitoring on Parks and Nature Preserves

Abstract Herpetofauna have declined globally, and monitoring is a useful approach to document local and long-term changes. However, monitoring efforts often fail to account for detectability or follow standardized protocols. We performed a case study at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary, NC to model occupancy of focal species and demonstrate a replicable long-term protocol useful to parks and nature preserves. From March 2010 to 2011, we documented occupancy of Ambystoma opacum (Marbled Salamander), Plethodon cinereus (Red-backed Salamander), Carphophis amoenus (Eastern Worm Snake), and Diadophis punctatus (Ringneck Snake) at coverboard sites and estimated breeding female Ambystoma maculatum (Spotted Salamander) abundance via dependent double-observer egg-mass counts in ephemeral pools. Temperature influenced detection of both Marbled and Red-backed Salamanders. Based on egg-mass data, we estimated Spotted Salamander abundance to be between 21 and 44 breeding females. We detected 43 of 53 previously documented herpetofauna species. Our approach demonstrates a monitoring protocol that accounts for factors that influence species detection and is replicable by parks or nature preserves with limited resources.
Controlling grey and blue mould diseases of apple fruits using acetic acid vapours

Abstract The effect of acetic acid vapours at three application times on grey and blue moulds on the incidence of apple fruits was studied. Acetic acid vapour at 6 µl/l caused complete inhibition of linear growth and spore germination of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium sp. The most effective concentration was AA at 4 µl/l, which reduced spore germination and linear growth by more than 82.4 and 68.3% of both fungi respectively compared with un-fumigated fungi. On other trials the diameter of the inhibited growth zone of both fungi gradually increased as AA concentrations increased. The highest increase in inhibition zone diameter was obtained with AA at 12 µl/l followed by AA at 8 µl/l, meanwhile AA at 4 µl/l had a moderate effect. Apple fruits were divided into three groups, the first was fumigated at 24 h before inoculation, the second at zero time the and third at 24 h after inoculation and storage for 30 days. Results indicate that the higher reduction of grey and blue mould incidence was obtained with AA at 12 µl/l of three application times which reduced the disease incidence by more than 81.0, 81.0 and 73.5% before, at zero time and after inoculation, respectively. Acetic acid at 8 µl/l reduced the incidence of both diseases more than 52.0% with all application times. As for application times the most effective times were 24 before and at the zero time of inoculation which reduced both diseases more than 81.0 and 75.5 with AA vapours at 12 and 8 µl/l, respectively. Meanwhile treated apple fruits after inoculation was less effective. The same trend between disease incidence and percentage of rotted tissue parts was observed. It could be suggested that acetic acid vapours might be safely used commercially for controlling post-harvest disease of apple fruits during storage.
Geographical structuring of mitochondrial DNA in Chalcides sexlineatus within the island of Gran Canaria

The skink Chalcides sexlineatus shows clear north–south ecology–correlated variation in morphology within the island of Gran Canaria. Detailed study of this variation previously supported the hypothesis of in situ differentiation arising through climate–mediated variation in selection pressures. The more recent discovery of substantial within–island mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence divergence suggested an alternative historical vicariance scenario. This paper provides a detailed analysis of geographical structuring in mtDNA, based on a fragment amplified from the 12S rRNA region in 96 individuals. A very clear phylogeographic pattern was detected: three ‘deep’lineages were evident corresponding to northern, south–eastern and south–western parts of Gran Canaria with generally low levels of mtDNA introgression. The pattern of among–site differentiation was highly concordant with the pattern of morphological variation. It also provided a close fit to a simple microevolutionary model based on population vicariance during volcanic eruptions known to have occurred during the past 2.8 million years in the north of the island. The minimum number of historical migration events required to explain the mtDNA tree was calculated and a novel randomization test used to show that there were a lower number of putative migrations across the morphology transition zone, relative to migrations within northern and southern zones. Differential adaptation to the two major habitat types and selection against hybrids may explain why the morphology transition zone coincides with the main ecotone and is relatively narrow, respectively.
The development of feeding behaviour in the lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus

This study concerned the development of feeding in larval lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus, and tested the hypothesis that these large, well-developed larvae would not use typical ‘larval-like’ modal action patterns (MAPs) in high frequency during early feeding. The early behavioural repertoire of larvae is unique, owing to a well-developed, ventral adhesive disk used to adhere (Cling) to available surfaces. Most early feeding MAPs were performed from the Cling position; larvae did not swim in the water column to chase and capture prey during the first three weeks post-hatch. Changes in feeding were not as predicted. The original hypothesis was refined to include a ‘state of development’ criterion as well as larval size.
Tree life history strategies: the role of defenses

Analysis of energy partitioning between defensive investments and growth in woody plants indicates that increasing a tree's life-span should require increased energy investment in protective measures such as thick bark and defensive chemicals. Increased investment in such defenses, however, logically must slow down the growth rate, thereby raising the mortality rate for juveniles in competition for height growth. Early reproduction should also reduce the growth rate. It is hypothesized that rapid growth can substitute for these defenses, but the consequence is rapid decline upon reaching maturity. These predictions are tested with data compiled from the literature for 159 species of North American trees. Data analysis supports predictions. Longevity of angiosperms, but not of gymnosperms was correlated with increased investment in defenses as measured by volumetric heat content of the wood. Wood density was not as good a measure. Longevity of gymnosperms was predicted by resistance to wood decay. For both.
Resistant Starch-rich Powders Prepared by Autoclaving of Native and Lintnerized Banana Starch: Partial Characterization

Powdered preparations enriched in resistant starch (RS) were obtained from native and lintnerized (prolonged acid treatment) banana starches by consecutive autoclaving/cooling treatments. The preparations were tested for indigestible starch content, swelling and solubility properties, thermal analysis and pasting profile. The autoclaved samples had higher RS content than their parental counterparts, but the chemical modification (lintnerization process) allowed development of higher RS proportions (19%, dry matter basis, dmb). The autoclaved samples (RS-enriched products) showed similar swelling values (α = 0.05) at the temperatures assessed. These RS-rich products exhibited a lower solubility in water than the corresponding raw materials. The peak temperatures of the thermal transition were 155.5 and 145.8°C for native autoclaved and lintnerized autoclaved starch, respectively. These values indicate that RS products have a marked thermal stability. The pasting behavior of the RS products was less pronounced than that of the raw counterparts. Hence, their potential use as processed food ingredients should not impact final product viscosity. These RS-enriched products appear suitable for the formulation of functional foods.
The Purchase Decision-making Process forRenewable Heating Technologies:A Consumer Perspective

The discussion about energy has become an important topic in recent years. For end users, issues, such as price increases for oil and gas, limited resources, and alternative energy sources, have become increasingly important, attracting the attention of scholars and politicians alike. Political discussions on energy issues form part of the daily news. For example, pollution of the environment with carbon dioxide (CO2) and global warming due to the greenhouse effect have become hot topics for debate. Considering the growing importance of renewable energy for households, this investigation focuses on the factors that drive homeowners to purchase renewable energy technologies, as well as on the implications of these factors on the design of future business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing models that can contribute towards an increase in the use of renewable energy. Contextually, the research is based on heating consumption in German households. This thesis examines the potential purchase of existing renewable energy technologies by end users in the German housing market. The increased use of renewable energy is not studied with a view towards future technologies, but rather in terms of the decisionmaking process of end users to possibly invest in already available renewable heating technologies. Decision-making processes are seen as discrete activities which involve individuals over a period of time. These processes include selection and implementation, and have an end point (Wilson, 2004). Based on a grounded research methodology, a series of interviews have been carried out with homeowners as decision-makers for the purchase of existing renewable energy heating systems. The interviewees are homeowners who live in old houses with bad insulation and heating technology standards, still constituting a high proportion of homeowners in Germany. The understanding of their decision-making process can help managers of renewable energy companies, politicians, and local authorities develop viable strategies for increasing the purchase of renewable heating technologies. This research indicates the importance of not only rational decision-making factors as strongly economical related issues affecting the purchase of renewable heating technologies, but also of bounded rational factors influenced by the personal insights of homeowners and their relationship to involved stakeholders within the market for renewable heating technologies.
Variability in sediment microbial communities in a semipermanent stream: impact of drought

Abstract Terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) is a DNA-based technique used to examine microbial community structure. We used this technique to examine variability in microbial community structure in 3 pools and a riffle in a semipermanent stream that becomes a chain of pools during the summer. We examined microbial communities under 3 hydrological conditions: predrought (all sites inundated), drought (all sediments dried for ≥2 mo), and rewet (1 mo after inundation). We used nonmetric multidimensional scaling to ordinate microbial communities and analysis of similarity to test whether communities differed among sites and whether community structure within sites changed in response to drought and rewetting. Microbial communities within sites differed with respect to hydrological condition, with most within-site variability occurring within the riffle section of the stream. Sediment drying significantly changed the microbial community structure at all sites. One month after rewetting at all sites, the microbial communities had not returned to their predrought structures and were significantly different from the predrought and drought microbial communities. Within-site variability in microbial community structure was much lower after the drought than before the drought. T-RFLP proved to be a powerful method for resolving microbial community structure, and its application helped address our limited understanding of microbial community dynamics.