Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neo- and Paleo-Limnological Studies on Diatom and Cladoceran Communities of Subsidence Ponds Affected by Mine Waters (S. Poland)

Plankton assemblages can be altered to different degrees by mining. Here, we test how diatoms and cladocerans in ponds along a river in southern Poland respond to the cessation of the long-term Pb-Zn mining. There are two groups of subsidence ponds in the river valley. One of them (DOWN) was contaminated over a period of mining, which ceased in 2009, whereas the other (UP) appeared after the mining had stopped. We used diatoms and cladocerans (complete organisms in plankton and their remains in sediments) to reveal the influence of environmental change on the structure and density of organisms. The water of UP pond was more contaminated by major ions (SO42−, Cl−) and nutrients (NO3−, PO43−) than the DOWN ponds. Inversely, concentrations of Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb were significantly higher in sediment cores of DOWN ponds in comparison to those in the UP pond. Ponds during mining had higher diversity of diatoms and cladocerans than the pond formed after the mining had stopped. CCA showed that diatom and cladoceran communities related most significantly to concentrations of Pb in sediment cores. Comparison of diatom and cladoceran communities in plankton and sediment suggests significant recovery of assemblages in recent years and reduction of the harmful effect of mine-originating heavy metals. Some features of ponds such as the rate of water exchange by river flow and the presence of water plants influenced plankton communities more than the content of dissolved heavy metals.
Modelling the reproductive efficiency in a beef cow herd: effect of calving date, bull exposure and body condition at calving on the calving–conception interval and calving distribution

SUMMARY A model of reproductive performance was developed to study the influences of breeding management decisions and animal characteristics on the reproductive performance and the calving distribution in a beef herd. In the model, reproductive performance is formalized as a sequence of events (parturition, ovulation, conception), each of which modifies the reproductive status of the simulated cow. With respect to reproduction, a cow can be in one of three possible states: open-not-cycling, open-cycling or pregnant. The length of the different intervals that are included between two successive reproductive events (calving to first cycle interval, length of oestrous cycles, calving–conception and calving intervals) is formalized using stochastic or empirical laws that may be influenced by numerous animal or environmental factors or by management decisions (feeding strategy, breeding season and length of the breeding period). Within the herd, cows are considered to differ from each other by their parity, calving date, body condition at calving and their bull exposure. Calving to first oestrous interval (postpartum anoestrous interval (PPAI)) is expressed as the sum of three equations which formalize the respective effects of calving date, body condition score at calving (BCScalving) and the response to early bull exposure in interaction with BCScalving. The influences of these variables on reproductive performance were quantified by analysing data sets (three bibliographical and two experimental) or by expertise. Special attention was paid to the influence of calving date on PPAI and a biological interpretation of this effect is proposed. Probabilities of natural insemination success were estimated according to the number of oestrus and the number of matings. The model was fitted to data from primiparous Charolais cows (n=139) bred at the experimental station Laqueuille (French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA)). Its ability to simulate PPAI was tested using an independent data set of primiparous Charolais cows (n=188) from the experimental farm Le Pin. The model only accounts for 39% of the observed inter-individual variability. However, the analysis of the mean square deviation components led to validation of the structure of the model. In particular, the assumption that the influence of calving date on PPAI can be attributed to a sensitivity of the reproductive function to the variation of the photoperiod during the month preceding parturition was confirmed. Simulations also revealed that fat cows could have similar anoestrus to thin cows when they are exposed early to a bull. Such a result emphasized the necessity to investigate further and better calibrate the combined effects of BCS at calving and bull exposure on PPAI.
Efeitos do manganês sobre o desenvolvimento e a composição mineral de quatro leguminosas forrageiras tropicais

Quatro leguminosas forrageiras tropicais (Galactia striata (Jacq) Urb; Glycine wightii cv. Tinaroo, Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro e Stylosanthes guianensis cv. IRI 1022) foram cultivadas em solucao nutritiva recebendo doses de manganes de 0, 5, 10 e 20 ppm, com o objetivo de se verificarem os efeitos das doses crescentes do elemento sobre as diferentes especies. Submetendo-se os dados de producao de materia seca e de concentracoes de macro e micronutrientes a analise estatistica, observou-se o seguinte: a) O estilosantes foi o que se mostrou mais tolerante, nao apresentando variacao significativa na producao de materia seca com o aumento dos teores de manganes. Nao se observaram sintomas severos nas folhas ou nas raizes. A galactia tambem mostrou-se tolerante, apresentando queda significativa de producao em presenca de 100 ppm de manganes e sentomas mais severos de toxidez que os apresentados pelo estilosantes. b) O Siratro e a soja mostraram-se sensiveis ao excesso de manganes. A soja mostrou a minima producao em presenca de 25 ppm do elemento nao havendo modificacao significativa nas concentracoes mais elevadas. O siratro apresentou a minima producao de materia seca total em presenca de 50 ppm de manganes. Os sintomas de toxidez apresentados pela soja foram mais severos que os apresentados pelas plantas de siratro. c) A adicao de manganes provocou uma diminuicao nas concentracoes de calcio, potassio e magnesio nas partes aereas ou raizes das plantas estudadas; elevacao dos teores de zinco e cobre nas aereas ou raizes e de manganes na planta toda.
Genotyping‐in‐Thousands by sequencing reveals marked population structure in Western Rattlesnakes to inform conservation status

Abstract Delineation of units below the species level is critical for prioritizing conservation actions for species at‐risk. Genetic studies play an important role in characterizing patterns of population connectivity and diversity to inform the designation of conservation units, especially for populations that are geographically isolated. The northernmost range margin of Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) occurs in British Columbia, Canada, where it is federally classified as threatened and restricted to five geographic regions. In these areas, Western Rattlesnakes hibernate (den) communally, raising questions about connectivity within and between den complexes. At present, Western Rattlesnake conservation efforts are hindered by a complete lack of information on genetic structure and degree of isolation at multiple scales, from the den to the regional level. To fill this knowledge gap, we used Genotyping‐in‐Thousands by sequencing (GT‐seq) to genotype an optimized panel of 362 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from individual samples (n = 461) collected across the snake's distribution in western Canada and neighboring Washington (USA). Hierarchical STRUCTURE analyses found evidence for population structure within and among the five geographic regions in BC, as well as in Washington. Within these regions, 11 genetically distinct complexes of dens were identified, with some regions having multiple complexes. No significant pattern of isolation‐by‐distance and generally low levels of migration were detected among den complexes across regions. Additionally, snakes within dens generally were more related than those among den complexes within a region, indicating limited movement. Overall, our results suggest that the single, recognized designatable unit for Western Rattlesnakes in Canada should be re‐assessed to proactively focus conservation efforts on preserving total genetic variation detected range‐wide. More broadly, our study demonstrates a novel application of GT‐seq for investigating patterns of diversity in wild populations at multiple scales to better inform conservation management.
Generation of broadcasting for fractal adaptive Internet of things reconfiguration under the swarm intelligence paradigm

Recently, a wide range of small devices, such as Wi-Fi Internet of things development boards, which are a kind of the microcontroller units in a general purpose board, are interrelated throughout the planet. In addition, certain microcontroller units interact inside our homes when turning lights on or detecting movements, measuring various parameters, such as gas concentrations, C O 2 , humidity, and the temperature inside a room, or adjusting the intensity of the lights inside and outside of the house. Likewise, there is a great diversity of microcontroller units, ranging from smart cellular telephones or reduced general purpose devices, ESP8266 or RaspberryPi3 to any type of Internet of things devices. Therefore, the general way of connecting the microcontroller units to the Internet is through hub nodes, so that the information can be propagated and shared among them. The main purpose of this article is to yield an adaptive reconfiguration algorithm to link all the sensor nodes (microcontroller units) of a network based on the fractal topology, avoiding the use of hub nodes, in order for the microcontroller units to share all the parameters established in the Internet of things network only through two adjacent sensor nodes as long as any sensor node in the network knows all the parameters of the other ones, even if the sensor nodes are not adjacent. To achieve the above, in this work, an Internet of things network was built based on the Hilbert fractal for being a filling-space curve yielded from the L-systems paradigm, so this fractal Hilbert topology allows access to the entire Internet of things network in a dynamic way, and it is possible to reconfigure the network topology when a new sensor node is attached by applying artificial intelligence to intelligent and dynamic environments.
Compartmentation in Vicia faba Leaves. III. Photosynthesis in the Spongy and Palisade Parenchyma

Relative rates of photosynthesis in the palisade and spongy parenchyma were found to be dependent upon the intensity of incident photosynthetically active radiation. The rate of photosynthesis in the spongy parenchyma relative to the rate in the palisade parenchyma increased with increasing light intensity. We attribute this behaviour to shading of the spongy parenchyma by palisade parenchyma. The kinetics of photosynthetic carbon metabolism were qualitatively similar in the two tissues. Immediately after a 6-s 14CO2 pulse, phosphoglyceric acid plus sugar phosphates represented about 85 % of the 14C in the water-soluble compounds in both the palisade and spongy parenchyma, and were the only compounds in which radioactivity declined. Sucrose was the main end-product of photosynthesis and represented 30% of the water-soluble radioactivity after 104 s in both these tissues. Other compounds (phosphoglycollic acid plus phosphoenolpyruvic acid, malic acid plus glyceric acid, and alanine) represented smaller, similar amounts of radioactivity in each tissue. A higher proportion of activity due to 14C-labelled (glycine plus serine) in the water-soluble fraction of the spongy parenchyma may reflect a difference in the proportion of photosynthate being respired there.
Heme oxygenase promotes B‐Raf‐dependent melanosphere formation

Biosynthesis and degradation of heme, an iron‐bound protoporphyrin molecule utilized by a wide variety of metabolic processes, are tightly regulated. Two closely related enzymes, heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) and heme oxygenase 2 (HMOX2), degrade free heme to produce carbon monoxide, Fe2+, and biliverdin. HMOX1 expression is controlled via the transcriptional activator, NFE2L2, and the transcriptional repressor, Bach1. Transcription of HMOX1 and other NFE2L2‐dependent genes is increased in response to electrophilic and reactive oxygen species. Many tumor‐derived cell lines have elevated levels of NFE2L2. Elevated expression of NFE2L2‐dependent genes contributes to tumor growth and acquired resistance to therapies. Here, we report a novel role for heme oxygenase activity in melanosphere formation by human melanoma‐derived cell lines. Transcriptional induction of HMOX1 through derepression of Bach1 or transcriptional activation of HMOX2 by oncogenic B‐RafV600E results in increased melanosphere formation. Genetic ablation of HMOX1 diminishes melanosphere formation. Further, inhibition of heme oxygenase activity with tin protoporphyrin markedly reduces melanosphere formation driven by either Bach1 derepression or B‐RafV600E expression. Global transcriptome analyses implicate genes involved in focal adhesion and extracellular matrix interactions in melanosphere formation.
A Critical Reappraisal of Off-Label Use of Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Non-Neoplastic Skin Conditions

Background: In the past 30 years, topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been investigated for the treatment of a broad spectrum of cosmetic, inflammatory, and infectious skin conditions with variable, and often contrasting, results. However, the non-expert clinician may be in difficulty evaluating these results because different sensitizers, concentrations, formulations, light sources, and irradiation protocols have been used. In addition, many of these studies have poor quality design being case reports and uncontrolled studies of few cases. Summary: With the aim to clarify the potential usefulness of PDT for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory skin diseases as well as selected cosmetic indications, we searched for randomized controlled clinical trials, non-randomized comparative studies, retrospective studies, and case series studies with a number of at least 10 patients, published since 1990. Later, we reappraised the results in order to give a simple critical overview. Key Messages: Evidence from the literature seems to strongly support the use of ALA- and MAL-PDT for the treatment of common skin diseases such as acne, warts, condylomata, and Leishmania skin infection and for photorejuvenation, i.e., the correction of selected cosmetic changes of aging and photoaging. For other disorders, the level of evidence and strength of recommendation are lower, and controlled randomized studies with prolonged follow-ups are necessary in order to assess the clinical usefulness and other potential advantages over current treatment options.
Neurodynamic modeling of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster

This manuscript describes neuromechanical modeling of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster in the form of a hexapod robot, Drosophibot, and an accompanying dynamic simulation. Drosophibot is a testbed for real-time dynamical neural controllers modeled after the anatomy and function of the insect nervous system. As such, Drosophibot has been designed to capture features of the animal’s biomechanics in order to better test the neural controllers. These features include: dynamically scaling the robot to match the fruit fly by designing its joint elasticity and movement speed; a biomimetic actuator control scheme that converts neural activity into motion in the same way as observed in insects; biomimetic sensing, including proprioception from all leg joints and strain sensing from all leg segments; and passively compliant tarsi that mimic the animal’s passive compliance to the walking substrate. We incorporated these features into a dynamical simulation of Drosophibot, and demonstrate that its actuators and sensors perform in an animal-like way. We used this simulation to test a neural walking controller based on anatomical and behavioral data from insects. Finally, we describe Drosophibot’s hardware and show that the animal-like features of the simulation transfer to the physical robot.
Variation between and within Species of Rapeseed (Brassica campestris and B. napus) in Response to Drought Stress. III* Physiological and Physicochemical Characters

Genotypic variation in physiological and physicochemical parameters associated with drought resistance was observed between cultivars in Brassica napus and B. campestris. Significant variation in proline accumulation, chlorophyll stability, germination rate and percentage, relative turgidity, growth rates and water use efficiency were found in plants grown under simulated drought conditions in a glasshouse. No variation was detected between cultivars for leaf diffusive resistance or heat tolerance. A yield index for each cultivar was derived from yield performances in nine different field environments. Chlorophyll stability and proline accumulation in leaf tissue and germination percentage in solution equivalent to - 17.5 bars osmotic potential was clearly related to this yield index in B. napus and to a lesser extent in B. campestris. The winter cultivars of B, napus also possessed drought resistance characteristics, and they may be a valuable resource for the development of cultivars for droughted environments. Parameters were measured in a glasshouse, prior to anthesis, and therefore offer potential as ancillary selection criteria for drought resistance in oilseed rape growing in Western Australia.
Coercive, Normative and Mimetic Pressures as Drivers of Environmental Management Accounting Adoption

This paper explores the impact of institutional pressures on the adoption of environmental management accounting (EMA). EMA has been recognized as a valuable mechanism to deal with environmental issues. This paper uses institutional theory to explain the drivers of EMA adoption in Pakistan. Data were collected from the manufacturing sector in Pakistan through a questionnaire-based survey. The study concludes that coercive, normative and mimetic pressures have a significant and positive impact on the adoption of EMA.
A new species in the lichen genus Peltigera from northern China based on morphology and DNA sequence data

Abstract In an investigation of Peltigera species in montane forests of northern China, a new species, P. isidiophora was identified based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data. It differs morphologically from other members of the P. canina-group by its laminal clustered isidia occurring in pits, shiny upper surface, and its slender, scattered and simple rhizines. It also differs chemically from morphologically similar species by two unnamed terpenoid metabolites detected by thin layer chromatography in solvent systems C and G. Comparisons of the ITS sequences, both in phylogenetic analysis and secondary structure models of ITS2, support the taxonomic distinctiveness of this species. A synoptic table to morphologically similar species, and a key to the species in the Peltigera canina group from China are provided.
Preservation Planning: Redeveloping Public and Affordable Housing

Urban planners face an affordable housing crisis compounded by federal programs that eliminated subsidized housing. Prior work indicates profit-making motivations and race influenced housing removal but overlooks planning efforts to rebuild affordable housing. This paper explores the neighborhood factors affecting the redevelopment of subsidized housing under the Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) program, using multivariate regression analysis of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Census data. Findings show housing market indicators, racial composition, and poverty rates do not predict the mix of rebuilt units, which suggests opportunities for planning to promote affordable housing goals in public–private development projects.
Nodule growth and activity may be regulated by a feedback mechanism involving phloem nitrogen

We present a mechanism of regulation of growth and activity of legume root nodules which is consistent with published experimental observations. The concentration of reduced nitrogen compounds, probably amino acids, flowing into the nodules from the phloem, is sensed by the nodules; growth and activity of the nodules is adjusted accordingly. In many legumes this response may involve changes in the oxygen diffusion resistance of the nodule cortex. A straightforward feedback mechanism in which nodule activity is lowered when reduced N in the phloem is high and increased when it is low is envisaged. Almost all import into nodules is via the phloem sap originating in the lower leaves. As a plant develops, these mature leaves no longer utilize nitrogen delivered in the xylem and so export it in the phloem. In plants with an adequate nitrogen supply (from nodules or combined nitrogen in soil), a high concentration of nitrogen containing compounds in the phloem from the lower leaves may inhibit nodule growth as well as activity. This suggestion is an alternative to the hypotheses of carbohydrate deprivation or nitrate inhibition which are commonly used to explain the effects of combined nitrogen on nodule growth and activity.
Distribution of function and structure in chloroplast lamellae

observations in chloroplast bio­ chemistry but also to formulate a number of predictions which can be ex­ perimentally tested. We will first present data relating to models proposed for chloroplast lamellar ultrastructure. We shall then propose a model for distribution of functions within the lamellar system and will consider the relationship of this model to studies on electron transport, on chemical and mechanical fractionation of chloroplasts, and on the agranal chloroplasts of mutant and C4 plants. INTERNAL MEMBRANE STRUCTURE IN CHLOROPLASTS In this review we consider lamellar structure at two levels. The first level is the general arrangement of these membranes into densely packed regions, the grana, and into a more loosely organized system of membranes which interconnect the grana. The second level is the substructure of these membranes as it has been revealed by various kinds of probing radiation and antibody studies. Since earlier structural studies on these membranes have been well reviewed elsewhere, this review is concerned mainly with investigations occurring since
A Novel Microgrid Responsive Appliance Controller

Due to the myriad of devices and loads that are collected under the Commercial Building Energy Management Systems (EMS) focused on the Industry 4.0 paradigm, it is important to ensure their proper electrical operation. The power quality here requires a granular monitoring approach, reaching a point where each device connected to the microgrid can diagnose that its power supply is optimal. Otherwise, it can participate cooperatively in decision-making to avoid faults or blackouts in the microgrid. In this work, we present a novel Controller to make smart appliances responsive to the grid, either autonomously or managed under Demand Response policies. Apart from a TRIAC acting as an AC switch, the main advantage lies in its embedded Power quality internet of things (IoT) sensor. It measures a wide spectrum of electrical disturbances, far exceeding the capabilities of other solutions such as the Grid Friendly Appliance Controller, so it is possible to customize a battery of alarms at will, in e.g. according to IEEE-1547. Moreover, although it can act autonomously, its main mission will be to act in coordination, either cooperatively or under the supervision of the EMS. The IoT platform where the controller would be incorporated is also presented. Finally, two case studies are presented to show their capabilities. With the integration in the microgrid of these distributed submetering systems, with wireless connectivity and under standard communication protocols, a further step will be taken in the development of the Digital Energy Platform, and the improvement of the quality of consumption by the user, as well as information support systems for smart meters.