Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of plant water potential by membranes of the endodermis in young roots

The relationship between the flow of water through roots in young plants and the associated difference in water potential has often been found to be nonlinear. In this paper it is shown how the Casparian strip forces water, moving from the soil to the xylem of a young root, to pass through the cells of the endodermis, flushing solutes from them and reducing their turgor. It is suggested that the membranes of these cells like those of giant algal cells, respond to change in turgor by changing their hydraulic conductivity. These effects, when combined, are shown to produce a feedback system with a steady state behaviour which could account for some or all of the non-linear relations, between rate of water uptake by young plants and differences between water potentials of the xylem and rooting medium, observed by workers such as Stoker & Weatherley (1971). Some non-steady state responses of the system are explored, and it is suggested that the system also provides the link between the diurnal rhytlims of solute concentration in the xylem sap, observed by Vaadia (1960), and of resistance to uptake of water by roots, reported by Parsons & Kramer (1974) amongst others.
Ammonia exchange from corn foliage during reproductive growth

Developing solutions to atmospheric environmental problems requires a better understanding of chemical processes occurring in each component of the ecosystem. Volatile NH 3 loss from plant foliage complicates the assessment of NH 3 emissions from agricultural activities. The objective of this study was to use 15 N methodology to identify time of occurrence, magnitude, and direction of NH 3 exchange between corn (Zea mays L.) fertilized with enriched 15 N and the atmosphere during reproductive growth. Ammonia was collected by drawing air over leaves, ear shoots, and whole plants and trapping the NH3 on oxalic acid-impregnated filter disks. Filter disks were analyzed by ANCA-MS procedures for total N and atom % 15 N. An exchange of NH3 between corn plants and the atmosphere was found to occur during all sampling periods. This suggests that the release and capture of free NH 3 is an active component of the metabolic processes taking place in corn plants during reproductive growth. For corn under nonlimiting N fertility, the direction, rate, and magnitude of NH 3 exchange from leaves does not appear to be a function of ambient atmospheric NH3 concentrations. Determining the true loss or gain in N between corn plants and the atmosphere during reproductive growth is very difficult as a result of this continuous exchange of NH 3 . The amount of net N lost from a corn crop will be less than the amount indicated by measurements of isotopic loss, because both interchange between plants and deposition on soil and plants may take place within the field.
A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

The enormous interest generated by SCM-Supply Chain Management and the lack of consensus on its definition, as well as the scope of its practical applications, are the main incentive to develop this work. In this paper, we reviewed the litterature on SCM focusing on the different trends or so-called schools to define SCM. We discuss the basic concepts we need to propose a conceptual framework for a critical analysis of the definitions of SCM. The conceptual framework considers three basic perspectives: (a) Business Process, (b) Business Functions and Logistics and (c) Systems approach. We compare and analyze the differences between SCM, Suppply Chain and Logistics. Finally it is proposed a definition of Supply Chain and Supply Chain Management based on the concepts of SC, systems and business processes concepts discussed throughout the article.
Geographic variation in the advertisement calls of Gekko gecko in relation to variations in morphological features: implications for regional population differentiation

Geographic variations in vocalizations and morphological characteristics of the tokay gecko (Gekko gecko L.) complex were identified using subjects recorded and/or collected in China and Southeast Asia. Populations in south China and northeast Vietnam (the black tokay) were compared with those in Thailand, Laos and south Vietnam (the red tokay). Red tokays possess gray- or dark green-colored skin with brick red spots interspersed on the dorsum, while black tokays possess dark-green skin with black spots or spots of other colors except brick red. Each group produces advertisement calls which consist of distinct acoustic phases. In both groups the first call phase consists of a series of pulses and the second phase consists of a series of two-note syllables. Only red tokays produce a third phase consisting of single notes. Frequency modulation patterns were profoundly different for call elements produced between the two groups. Calls of the black but not red tokay exhibit intricate frequency modulated elements with silent periods between pulses in the first phase and between syllables in the second phase. In the red tokay little or no frequency modulation was observed and no silent intervals were found between pulses or syllables. For both groups the acoustics of the pulses produced in the first phase varied among animals, suggesting it may function for individual identification while the second phase appears to identify the group (red vs black tokay). Thus the tokay complex has become differentiated geographically not only in terms of morphological characteristics but also in terms of call acoustics.
Determination of certain reproductive and productive

The objective of the present study was to determine certain productive and reproductive parameters of female goats (Syrian Mountain: Jabali and crossbred: Damascus x Mountain) during different age stages. Thirty female goats from each breed kept at Ura Station for Improving the Mountain Goats, located about 15 km south of Sweida city (115 km south of Damascus), were used at an age of about three months with an average weight of around 13 kg. Jugular blood samples were collected to determine plasma progesterone concentrations using radioimmunoassay. Statistical analyses were carried out using StatView-IV programme. Individual variations among the females in both weight and age at puberty were observed, averaging 24.2 and 22.8 kg, 316.1 and 297.8 days for female Syrian Mountain and crossbred goats, respectively with no significant (P>0.05) differences between them in either parameter. Mating and kidding rates in both breeds were 100 and 93.3%, respectively, whereas fecundity rate was 143 and 161% for Syrian Mountain and crossbred female goats, respectively, with no significant (P>0.05) differences between them. Average weight of kids born to the female Syrian Mountain and crossbred goats was 3.1 and 3.4 kg, respectively, with no significant (P>0.05) differences between them. While, in both breeds, weight of single births was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of twin ones (3.5 and 2.8, and 3.8 and 3.2 kg for Syrian Mountain and crossbred goats, respectively). Progesterone concentration in blood plasma was very low at the start of the study until the puberty stage (below 1 nmol L), indicating an ovarian quiescence. However, the concentration rapidly increased at puberty stage averaging 11.1 and 11.6 nmol L for female Syrian Mountain and crossbred goats, respectively. At the sponge insertion and withdrawal, average progesterone concentration was 1.09 and 0.23, 0.2 and 0.2 nmol L for Mountain and crossbred females,
Dynamic Bond-Stock-Commodity Portfolio Optimization: A Numerical Example

This research aims at examining an explicit investment policy of mixed bond-stock-commodity dynamic portfolio problems under a simple interest rate model and mean-reverting commodity prices with estimated parameters. The policy recommends a relatively negative relationship between risk-aversion factor and riskier assets, stocks and commodities, while it proposes a positive relationship to that of zero-coupon bonds. This is consistent with the professional advice that investors who can tolerate more risk should invest more in riskier assets such as stocks and commodities. The paper also finds a positive relationship between bond investment and time horizon. A relationship between investment in commodity and time horizon, however, is more complicated; investors reduce their portions with longer investment horizon but will finally increase allocation in the long run. Finally, the study of correlation and financial allocation results in various outcomes depending on estimated parameters. In summary, allocation in each asset will be increased when relevant correlations convert to -1.
Data Mining Process Related Problems in Financial Applications

: This paper describes data mining process related problems in financial applications for financial analytics and explores methodologies and techniques in data mining area combined with predictive analytics for application driven results for financial data. The application of DM techniques on financial data can contribute to the solution of classification and prediction problems and facilitate the decision making process The basic idea is to apply patterns on available data and generate new assumptions and anticipated behavior using predictive analysis. It includes applications like Surveillance and Warning Systems, Predicting Abnormal Stock Market Returns, Predicting Corporate Bankruptcies, Financial Distress, Management Fraud. Data mining methods used in these applications are Regression analysis
Modeling of the Angelique’s regeneration (Dicorynia Guianensis)

Reasoning on the future land use in the Amazon region and the Guiana must take care of the type of forestry applied in timber production area. The management of an important part of the Guyanese forest tries to strive to a sustainable exploitation. Sustainable management requires defining practices environmental respectfulness (low felling cut, wood removal.). The lake of knowledge on the local tree species and its regeneration impose to develop research. This study deals with the tree Angelique (Dicorynia guianensis), a large canopy tree species, and endemic to the French Guiana. This species is the first exploited and commercialized species in this region. This study complements the knowledge about the Angelique’s dispersion and regeneration on the first stages of seedling life. Different developmental stages were defined, and the seedling where sampled on three different isolated mature trees on the Paracou experimental site. The isolated trees allow defining a prior model of dispersion and recruitment on this species that is aggregate and gregarious. The spatialization of this sample permits to define dispersion for each stage by a gamma law and defining a global generalized linear model. Environmental distance dependant filter causes mortality on the first stages. The filter applied in the first 25 meters and is more expressed in the first 15 meters. This results in a more distant dispersal of the older stages. Modeling of the Dicorynia guianensis regeneration
Comparison between immediate implants placement in periapically versus periodontally infected sites

Aim: To compare the clinical periimplant status, survival rate, marginal bone level loss and bone density around the immediate implant placement in periapical infected versus periodontal infected sites. Patients and methods: Twenty patients were selected, ten patients suffering from non-restorable periapically infected tooth subjected to immediate implant placement in upper anterior region (Group1) and ten patients suffering from periodontally hopeless tooth subjected to immediate placement in upper anterior region (Group 2). After extraction of each infected tooth, the socket was debrided and the implants were placed immediately. The final restorations and loading were achieved 3 months following placement. Clinical parameters including modified Plaque Index (m PI), modified Gingival Index (m GI) and Pocket Depth (PD) were evaluated in the four surfaces of each implants at intervals 6, 9 and 12 months post-surgically. The marginal bone loss (MBL) and bone density (BD) were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 12 months of implant placement. Descriptive analysis, paired and unpaired t-test were performed. Results: After 12 months, the survival rates were 100% in each group. The means scores of marginal bone level loss in group 1 were significant higher than group 2 at the different intervals. The means scores of bone density in group 1 were significant higher than group 2 at the different intervals. At baseline the mean scores of bone density were very highly significant difference between the two groups. This difference gradually decreased during the follow up periods and become non-significant at 12 months interval. Conclusions: Immediate implant replacement of periapically and periodontally infected teeth could be considered promising modality in restoring upper esthetic teeth with high survival rate. [Fathey Abdel Aziem Ebrahiem Abo Zaid. Comparison between immediate implants placement in periapically versus periodontally infected sites. Life Sci J 2016;13(1s):134-141]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online) http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 14. doi:10.7537/marslsj1301s1614.
Detection of Tetrodotoxin by High Performance Liquid Chromatography in Lined-Moon Shell and Puffer Fish

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescent detection following post-column alkaline degradation and a sample preparation procedure for the analysis were established to quantitatively detect tetrodotoxins (TTXs) in gastropods and puffer fishes. The analysis showed 91% recovery of TTXs using the sample preparation described in this article and a wide (10-2000 ng) linear relationship between the tetrodotoxin amount and its fluorescent response. A good correlation between the results of mouse bioassay and HPLC was also obtained in this research. Each specimen of lined-moon shell, Natica lineata Roeding, collected from Tungkang from October 1994 to September 1995 was analyzed by HPLC to detect the presence and quantity of TTXs. Overall results showed that 45% of the gastropods contained TTXs with an average content of 54. 5μg in toxic specimens. The rate of toxic specimens in the ten samples collected monthly varied, but there were no seasonal trends. Random sampling of cultured tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes rubripes Temminck & Schlegel, and field-collected balloonfish, Diodon holocanthus Linnaeus, trace amounts of TTXs were found only in ovaries of balloonfishes. Muscle tissues of balloonfishes, and the livers, ovaries, and muscles of cultured tiger puffers showed no tetrodotoxin (< 0.2 μg/g tissue) in this screening procedure.
A New Region-based BCI Speller Design using Steady State Visual Evoked Potentials

Introduction: To implement a brain computer interface (BCI) system, one approach is to use repetitive visual stimuli that develop stable voltage oscillation pattern in electroencephalogram (EEG), namely steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP). Paradigm presented in this paper was designed to create a SSVEP BCI speller that is based on our previous work in P300 region-based speller [1]. Material, Methods and Results: Figure 1 depicts the visual stimuli as presented on a computer screen. Instead of LED light sources [2], a computer monitor is used to present fast flickering graphical display which is also efficient for instant manipulation of the types of characters including their size, color and adjacency [3]. The implementation was done using PsychToolbox [4] inside MATLAB. The speller paradigm in this study contains seven different group of characters placed on seven locations on the screen [1]. In our earlier study, four different paradigms (single character; row/column; regions with alphabetical order; and regions with the frequency of the characters’ usage) were compared [5]. However, the region based paradigm with the frequency of characters’ usage outperformed others with more than 90% spelling accuracy. In the proposed SSVEP design (Figure 1), the outermost circular boundary of each region encloses a combination of different geometrical shapes such as a cross vanishing point and a flickering circular bubble. SSVEP frequencies of 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 Hz were selected for seven regions. In this two-level paradigm, after a region is selected in the first level (Figure 1.a), a character from the same region is identified in the following level (Figure 1.b). In this design, seven objects were flickering simultaneously and the distance between two such adjacent objects was maintained at as high as 5 cm, thereby reducing the subjects’ annoyance and fatigue caused by the crowding effect [5]. It was shown that the user acceptability is higher in region-based paradigm than single character and row/column paradigms [5]. The minimum energy method and a linear discriminant analysis has been applied to classify these EEG signals.
Sexual behaviour of the Montandon's newt, Triturus montandoni (Boulenger) (Caudata: Salamandridae)

In its general pattern the sexual behaviour of Triturus montandoni most resembles that of Triturus helveticus. The courtship consists of three phases: orientation, static display and retreat display, followed by a spermatophore transfer phase. During display the male performs three tail movements: the fan, the whip, and the wave. The relative frequencies of tail movements and the duration of fanning bouts are the main difference between T montandoni, T. helveticus, and T. vulgaris. The phylogenetic relationships between these three species are discussed.
Relationship Between Physicochemical Properties of Wheat Flour, Wheat Protein Composition, and Textural Properties of Cooked Chinese White Salted Noodles

ABSTRACT Physicochemical properties and protein composition of 39 selected wheat flour samples were evaluated and correlated with the textural properties of Chinese hard-bite white salted noodles. Flour samples were analyzed for their protein and wet gluten contents, sedimentation volume, starch pasting properties, and dough mixing properties by farinograph and extensigraph. Molecular weight distribution of wheat flour proteins was determined with size-exclusion (SE) HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and acid-PAGE. Textural properties of Chinese hard-bite white salted noodles were determined through texture profile analysis (TPA). Hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of cooked noodles were found to be related to the dough mixing properties. Both protein content and protein composition were found to be related to TPA parameters of noodles. The amount of total flour protein was positively correlated to hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of noodles. The absolute amounts of different peak proteins obtained from SE-H.
International Journal of

Oral route offers a convenient way of dosing medications, but the hurdle is low erratic bioavailability. The various challenges faced by the pharmaceutical scientists leads to the improve bioavailability enhance the approach of self emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) . It has gained exposure of their ability to increase solubility and improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. SEDDS being a lipid based formulations consists of oils, surfactants, dispersions, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes and emulsions. SEDDS encompasses many different concepts but it more generally encountered for hydrophobic drugs being encapsulated as unit dosage forms for per oral administration. Hence, Self Emulsifying drug delivery system is a promising approach for enhancement of dissolution of lipophilic drugs, address the ethical and value concern of society large by reducing the ever growing pressure of erratic drug bioavailability. This review focuses the importance and techniques of SEDDS as an efficient technique for enhancing the dissolution rate.
Histamine H4 and H2 Receptors Control Histamine-Induced Interleukin-16 Release from Human CD8+ T Cells

Histamine is known to trigger the release of interleukin (IL)-16 from human CD8+ cells. However, the individual roles of the presently known histamine receptor subtypes (H1-H4) in this inflammatory response have not been fully characterized. Histamine stimulation of human CD8+ T lymphocytes purified from peripheral blood led to a 5- to 8-fold increase in the basal release of IL-16 within 24 h, and this increase was significantly blocked by the H2-selective antagonist, cimetidine, or by thioperamide, an antagonist of H3 and H4 receptors, respectively. The H1 antagonist pyrilamine showed limited effects. Agonists selective for H2 (dimaprit), H3/4 (R-(−)-α-methylhistamine), and H4 (clobenpropit) were capable of inducing the release of bioactive IL-16 because CD8+ cell supernatants induced CD4+ cell migration, which was abrogated by an anti-IL-16 antibody. Furthermore, preincubation of lymphocytes with pertussis toxin abolished IL-16 release triggered by activation of the Gi/o-coupled H4 receptor but not by the H2 receptor. Messenger RNA expression studies confirmed H4, H2, and H1 expression in human CD8+ lymphocytes, whereas H3 mRNA was completely absent. All leukocyte populations investigated expressed mRNA for H4, with highest levels found in eosinophils, dendritic cells, and tonsil B cells. H4 expression was also detected in human lung, trachea, and various cells of human lung origin, such as fibroblasts, bronchial smooth muscle cells, epithelial, and endothelial cells. Since many of those are known sources of IL-16, immune cell- and lung cell-expressed H4 receptors may have a general role in the control of this mediator of inflammatory disorders such as asthma.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND IN VITRO RELEASE STUDIES ON SOTALOL MONOLITHIC FILMS PREPARED BY EUDRAGIT POLYMERS

The objective of this study is to investigate physical characteristics of monolithic films and in vitro release of sotalol, prepared by either Eudragit E1 00 (E100) or Eudragit RL100 (RL100) combined in a ratio of 50 % w/w with Eudragit NE40D (NE40D). Films including 3 % w/w sotalol of dry polymer weight were prepared from methanol:acetone solvent mixture moulded onto a PVA backing membrane. The pore former effect of adipic acid or citric acid monohydrate (1.5 % w/w and 5% w/w) was evaluated on the E100:NE40D film in order to modify the release of sotalol. Uniformity of films was evidenced by low standard deviations of thickness and drug amount studies as well as high sotalol contents. The in vitro release studies carried out by vertical Franz cells. Films formulated with RL100 polymer gave higher degrees of swelling accompanied with higher in vitr o release rates of drug that could attributed to the higher permeability of this polymer. The existence of organic acids inside of films affected the release profiles and acid pKa value with low aqueous solubility of adipic acid caused a rapid release of drug rather than citric acid. Morphological analysis of acid containing films performed by scanning electron microscopy supported the drug release data. Obtained kinetic data from in vitro dissolution profiles indicated that drug release governed by diffusion mechanism.
Ecosystem Services Related to Carbon Dynamics

Policies aimed at integrating social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability have to explicitly consider evaluating the influence of human activities on the provision of ecosystem services (ESs). The decision-making process for land use planning requires ES inventory along with an estimation of the ES provision rates and the effects of related human activities. ESs are commonly evaluated on the basis of indicators that do not provide a proper representation of the whole territory and/or do not capture CONTENTS