Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Book Reviews

Given the recent growth of interest in the elusive concept of well-being, this book is timely. Originating in the author’s doctoral research, which was funded through the Economic and Social Research Council, its conceptual framework is grounded in the material factors that influence subjective well-being. The book has three stated aims: first, to provide a critique of the economic idea that consumption makes people happier; second, to test the idea that unequal societies are unhappy and third, to propose that well-being does not emanate from the pursuit of happiness but from contentment. Reflecting the question implied in its title, the book never really comes to terms with defining well-being, which probably was not its aim; rather it sees wellbeing as ‘an entanglement of experiences’ or a ‘process with no beginning and no end’ expressed as a cognitive assessment of satisfaction with life as a whole. Depending on the reader’s position, the book is either flawed because of its limited analysis of factors associated with individual perceptions of well-being while failing to articulate exactly what it is that these factors are associated with, or, it offers a detailed insight into the ways in which higher levels of perceived well-being might be attained and is thus a useful aid to policy development. The longitudinal research upon which the book is based was a secondary analysis of the ESRC British Household Panel Survey of a sample of 5500 households and approximately 10,000 individuals interviewed annually between 1991 and1999. The object of this was to explore subjective well-being and factors associated with it. The research showed that well-being was not a function of economic affluence but was essentially influenced by the social contexts of the respondents. Thus, while health and financial and family security featured prominently as contributory factors, satisfaction with social life, time for leisure and good leisure facilities were also variables which influenced individuals’ perceptions of wellbeing. That being so, it came as a surprise to discover that just over one of the book’s 172 pages is devoted specifically to leisure, and even this is grounded in a positivist concept of leisure time rather than in an interpretive discussion of the nature of leisure and its psycho-social benefits to well-being. Neither does the book draw from the not inconsiderable body of work on well-being published in the literature of leisure studies. This does not mean that the book is of little interest to the leisure studies community; indeed the question mark in the title positively invites consideration of the ways in which the benefits of leisure to well-being can continue to be articulated. In the final and perhaps the most interesting chapter of the book, the author presents the case for considering well-being as a welfare ideal located in social rather than in economic policy, suggesting that leisure may well become a dominant policy theme in the future. It is noted that leisure provides social support and interaction as well as a source of identity for people who are disengaged from society.
Linkage analysis in tetraploid species: a simulation study

A simulation study was performed to investigate methods for mapping single-dose (simplex) and double-dose (duplex) markers, and for identification of homologous chromosomes in an autotetraploid species, and to see how the map accuracy depends on the population size. An initial population of 1000 individuals was simulated, with 30 simplex and 10 duplex markers, and recombination fractions and lod scores were calculated between all pairs of markers. These were used to test the feasibility of mapping the simplex and duplex markers simultaneously. Smaller populations, from 500 to 75 individuals, were then simulated, and the estimates of the pairwise recombination fractions and the derived maps were compared with the true map. It was found that the accuracy of the estimates depended strongly on the type of markers involved, with simplex–simplex coupling pairs being most reliable and simplex–simplex repulsion pairs and duplex–duplex pairs in any configuration but coupling being least reliable. Maps can be assembled using recombination fractions and lod scores from pairs of simplex–simplex markers (coupling and repulsion), duplex–simplex (coupling and repulsion) and duplex–duplex (coupling). The agreement between the map order and the true order was good, although the map distance was generally underestimated at small sample sizes.
Evaluating Wolf Translocation as a Nonlethal Method to Reduce Livestock Conflicts in the Northwestern United States

Abstract: Successful nonlethal management of livestock predation is important for conserving rare or endangered carnivores. In the northwestern United States, wolves (Canis lupus) have been translocated away from livestock to mitigate conflicts while promoting wolf restoration. We assessed predation on livestock, pack establishment, survival, and homing behavior of 88 translocated wolves with radiotelemetry to determine the effectiveness of translocation in our region and consider how it may be improved. More than one‐quarter of translocated wolves preyed on livestock after release. Most translocated wolves (67%) never established or joined a pack, although eight new packs resulted from translocations. Translocated wolves had lower annual survival (0.60) than other radio‐collared wolves (0.73), with government removal the primary source of mortality. In northwestern Montana, where most wolves have settled in human‐populated areas with livestock, survival of translocated wolves was lowest (0.41) and more wolves proportionally failed to establish packs (83%) after release. Annual survival of translocated wolves was highest in central Idaho (0.71) and more wolves proportionally established packs (44%) there than in the other two recovery areas. Translocated wolves showed a strong homing tendency; most of those that failed to home still showed directional movement toward capture sites. Wolves that successfully returned to capture sites were more likely to be adults, hard (immediately) rather than soft (temporarily held in enclosure) released, and translocated shorter distances than other wolves that did not return home. Success of translocations varied and was most affected by the area in which wolves were released. We suggest managers translocating wolves or other large carnivores consider soft releasing individuals (in family groups, if social) when feasible because this may decrease homing behavior and increase release‐site fidelity.
Revealing missing isoforms encoded in the human genome by integrating genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data

Biological and biomedical research relies on comprehensive understanding of protein-coding transcripts. However, the total number of human proteins is still unknown due to the prevalence of alternative splicing and is much larger than the number of human genes. In this paper, we detected 31,566 novel transcripts with coding potential by filtering our ab initio predictions with 50 RNA-seq datasets from diverse tissues/cell lines. PCR followed by MiSeq sequencing showed that at least 84.1% of these predicted novel splice sites could be validated. In contrast to known transcripts, the expression of these novel transcripts were highly tissue-specific. Based on these novel transcripts, at least 36 novel proteins were detected from shotgun proteomics data of 41 breast samples. We also showed L1 retrotransposons have a more significant impact on the origin of new transcripts/genes than previously thought. Furthermore, we found that alternative splicing is extraordinarily widespread for genes involved in specific biological functions like protein binding, nucleoside binding, neuron projection, membrane organization and cell adhesion. In the end, the total number of human transcripts with protein-coding potential was estimated to be at least 204,950.
The Relationship of Amphibian Abundance to Habitat Features Across Spatial Scales in the Boreal Plains

Abstract: We examined the relationship between amphibian abundance and habitat features at 8 spatial scales in boreal Alberta, Canada. Twenty-three local pond variables and 15 landscape variables at 7 scales (50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 m) were incorporated into a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for each scale. We analyzed amphibian relative abundance against the PC axis scores using regression for each species and each scale. We found that each species' abundance was best described at different spatial scales. Wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) abundance was best predicted by local, pond-linked variables, boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) abundance by 1000-m-scale landscape variables, and western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) by the 100-m scale. We found significant positive relationships with amphibian relative abundance and dissolved oxygen, deciduous forest cover, mixed forest cover, and urban cover. Pond depth, conductivity, total dissolved solids, aquatic plant density, low-shrub cover, and conifer cover showed negative relationships with abundance. We also investigated relationships between landform type and amphibian relative abundance. All 3 species were most abundant on wetlands in the moraine landform. Our research highlights the importance of developing conservation plans based on knowledge of individual species' biology because amphibians do not all respond to the same spatial scale. Nomenclature: Crother et al., 2000; Frost et al., 2006.
Australian and South African conicostomatine amphipods (Amphipoda: Lysianassoidea: Lysianassidae: Conicostomatinae subfam. nov.)

The new lysianassid subfamily Conicostomatinae is established. All genera in the subfamily are rediagnosed and distri-bution maps are provided. The new genus Amphorites is established for Amphorites annasona sp. nov., Am. hurleyi (Low-ry & Stoddart, 1983) and Am. pungapunga (Lowry & Stoddart, 1983). The Australian species Conicostoma karta Lowry& Stoddart, 1983 is redescribed with many new distribution records. Three new Australian species are described: Ocosin- go yatala sp. nov.; Scolopostoma darwinensis sp. nov.; and Sc. norah sp. nov. The South African species reported as Stomacontion prionoplax by Griffiths (1974, 1975, 1976) is described as Scolopostoma keurboomstrandensis sp. nov.
Antygomonas caeciliae, a new kinorhynch from the Mediterranean Sea, with report of mitochondrial genetic data for the phylum

Abstract Kinorhyncha is a phylum of microscopic marine metazoans living from intertidal to abyssal depths. More than 200 species are known; nevertheless, recent studies have pointed out that most of this group’s diversity has not been revealed. A survey of the peculiar Meloria Shoals seabed (Ligurian Sea, Italy) led to the discovery of a new kinorhynch named Antygomonas caeciliae sp. nov. A cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA gene is reported for the new species; hence, a morphological and molecular approach is used for the description of this new taxon, and a comparison with related species is proposed, including a key to the species of Antygomonas. Some additional COI sequences are reported for other taxa of the phylum, with the aim of developing molecular tools which will be useful for species identification, particularly when dealing with juvenile stages. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:26BD19DD-30E6-40D3-9E4C-82D117D9CEF9
Linking vegetation heterogeneity and functional attributes of temperate grasslands through remote sensing

ABSTRACT Question: How are plant communities of the Flooding Pampa grasslands spatially distributed? How do canopy dynamics of the different communities vary among seasons and years? Location: Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Methods: We characterized the distribution of communities through a supervised classification based on four Landsat 5 TM images. We sampled species composition of 200 sites, with 130 of them corresponding to natural communities. Of the sampling areas 60% were used to classify, and the remaining areas to assess classification accuracy. We characterized the seasonal and interannual variability of canopy dynamics using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data provided by MODIS /Terra images. Results: Overall accuracy of the classification was satisfactory. The resulting maps showed a landscape formed by a matrix of extended lowlands with small patches of mesophytic and humid mesophytic meadows. The October scene (near the peak of productivity) was particularly important in discriminating among communities. The seasonal pattern of NDVI differed among communities and years. Mesophytic meadows had the highest NDVI mean and the lowest interannual coefficient of variation, halophytic steppes had the lowest mean, and vegetated ponds were the most variable. Conclusions: These grasslands have a fine-grained heterogeneity at the landscape scale. Each plant community has distinct seasonal and interannual canopy dynamics. These two features of grassland structure and functioning represent key information for rangeland management that may be obtained through a combination of minor field sampling and remote sensing.
The economic impact study of maritime policy issues: application to the German case

Input-output analysis basically provides an estimation of a sector's economic impact by taking into account the indirect effects on all other sectors. For purposes of policy making, however, this may produce rather rigid and inaccurate results. This paper, therefore, introduces some extensions to the basic impact analysis. These extensions secure flexibility, completeness and accurateness of the outcomes. First, an accurate cost structure is determined in a bottom-up approach, i.e. by using data from a sample of representative companies. This allows for reliable outcomes and a flexible definition of sub-sectors. Secondly, the analysis is made in an intercountry context. Thirdly, the expenditure effects of generated income are determined by a macroeconomic module. Fourthly, company-level responses to alternative policy scenarios are investigated and translated into changing model parameters. These four basic elements are applied in a case study concerning the shipping sector of Germany. The scenarios are a continuation of the present policy, a laissez-faire policy, and two framework policies in which the government creates a favourable environment for shipping companies. For each scenario, the effects on value added, employment, tax revenues and expenditures are analysed and evaluated. This paper, thus, shows the relevance of accordingly amplified input-output analysis for policy purposes.
Kin recognition and competition in plants

Summary Plants recognize their kin and respond to growing with relatives with changes in functional traits. Here, we integrate competition and evolutionary theory to evaluate these changes. We draw parallels between the definitions and empirical measurement of competitive effect and competitive response from competition theory, and the costs and benefits of altruistic and selfish behaviours from kin selection theory. Do plants compete less with relatives, as these parallels suggest? While functional traits respond to the presence of relatives or strangers, no study has directly demonstrated that plants are less competitive with siblings. However, there are empirical challenges in identifying the competitive value of traits that are measured destructively, such as root allocation. If these challenges can be addressed, kin recognition responses can offer new insights into plant competition.
N‐Linked Glycosylation of the α‐Amino‐3‐Hydroxy‐5‐Methylisoxazole‐4‐Propionate(AMPA)‐Selective Glutamate Receptor Channel α2 Subunit Is Essential for the Acquisition of Ligand‐Binding Activity

Abstract: The N‐linked glycosylation of the α2 subunit of the mouse α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate(AMPA)‐selective glutamate receptor (GluR) channel was characterized. The receptor subunit protein has five putative N‐glycosylation sites. The recombinant receptor proteins were identified by [35S]methionine/[35S]cysteine metabolic labeling, western blot analysis, immunocytochemical detection, and [3H]AMPA binding experiments when expressed in insect Spodoptera frugiperda cells using a baculovirus system. The effect of tunicamycin on the metabolic labeling and immunoblots suggested that the two products, a major protein species of ∼102 kDa and a minor species of ∼98 kDa, correspond to glycosylated and unglycosylated forms, respectively, which was also supported by the enzymic deglycosylation experiments. Immunofluorescence staining of tunicamycin‐treated cells expressing only the unglycosylated form differed little from that of tunicamycin‐nontreated cells expressing both glycosylated and unglycosylated forms. The lack of AMPA‐binding activity of the unglycosylated form expressed in the presence of tunicamycin suggested that N‐glycosylation is required, directly or indirectly, for functional expression in insect cells for ligand binding. These results demonstrate that occupancy of at least one N‐glycosylation site is required for the formation and maintenance of the GluRα2 subunit protein in an active conformation for ligand binding. Possible roles of N‐glycosylation of GluRα2 subunit protein are discussed.
The massive water scarcity now threatening Africa - why isn't it being addressed?

Most of Africa already experiences water scarcity. These same areas even face interannual fluctuations in precipitation resulting in large-scale problems and migration of peoples to more water-rich areas. Yet many water specialists do not recognize the considerable water scarcity problem in Africa. Most African countries have inadequate hydrological networks and have not conducted large-scale resource assessments to use for development planning including national water master plans. Nations depend on precipitation + inflowing waters (rivers and aquifers) - evaporation losses form vegetation and wet surfaces - outflowing water (rivers and aquifers). Self-sufficiency in food production relies on water from rain and technical supplies (irrigation). Continual population growth in Africa cause water consumption levels to go so high that many countries have already reached the water stress level (>500 persons/flow unit). By 2000 12 African countries with a population of 250 million people will be water stressed. 150 million of these people will live in countries with absolute water scarcity. Tunisia will be beyond the water barrier. By 2025 the total number of water-stressed African countries will be 21 (1.1 billion people). Kenya Rwanda Burundi and Malawi will be beyond the water barrier. Population growth accounts for the difference between 2000 and 2025. Yet many engineers and economists do not accept the existence of water barrier. They do not consider the fact that many African leaders do not have the mechanisms and tools available to meet water demand. This man-induced water scarcity is exacerbated by the fact than many of these countries are in arid climates and at constant risk of intermittent drought. Poor land management in Africa further increases the risk of desiccation. Population control is needed. In addition policymakers must develop sound water strategies and integrate them with land management.
Adult:Child Differences in the Intraspecies Uncertainty Factor: A Case Study Using Lead

Adults and children differ in their susceptibility to the toxic effects of lead. Lead was therefore used as a case study to evaluate intraspecies differences by comparing the adult and child minimal Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) or the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL), allowing an evaluation of the ten-fold intraspecies uncertainty factor (UF). The lead intakes (in µg/kg/d) necessary to achieve target blood lead (PbB) levels reflecting the minimal LOAEL or NOAEL were determined using biokinetic slope factors (BKSFs), which relate lead uptake to PbB levels. The analyses assumed chronic, low-level oral exposure to lead, and the response of a typical adult and child. Child analyses used a target geometric mean (GM) PbB of 4.6 µg/dL (95% of population <10 µg/dL), resulting in lead intakes of 1.9 µg/kg/day (assuming 100% soluble lead) and 4.9 µg/kg/day (assuming 25% soluble lead and 75 % soil lead). Adult analyses assumed intake of 100 % soluble lead, and used target GM PbB levels of 4.2 µg/dL (95% of population <11.1 µg/dL) and 11.4 µg/dL (95% of population <30 µg/dL), resulting in lead intakes of 1.9 µg/kg/day and 5.1 µg/kg/day, respectively. The results indicate that despite the greater vulnerability of young children to the effects of lead as compared to adults, the minimal LOAEL or NOAEL for lead is remarkably similar between children and adults. In this case, the application of a tenfold intraspecies uncertainty factor to adjust the adult minimal LOAEL or NOAEL for a child would be unnecessary, despite the well-established vulnerability of children to lead.
Changes in grain weight as a consequence of de-graining treatments at pre- and post-anthesis in synthetic hexaploid lines of wheat (Triticum durum x T. tauschii)

Grain weight is a trait which has hardly been exploited for raising genetic yield potential of wheat. A clearer understanding of physiological determinants of grain weight potential would be useful in establishing the potential value of this trait in future breeding programs. The objective of this study was to improve understanding of how intra-spikelet competition for assimilates pre- and post-anthesis affect grain weight potential, and to evaluate possible mechanisms determining final grain weight in wheat. Two experiments were carried out under field con-ditions. Proximal or distal grains from the two central spikelets of spikes of three synthetic hexaploid lines were detached at heading or 7 d after anthesis. Synthetic wheats were used since they represent a potential source of genetic variability for grain weight potential. Carpel size at anthesis and grain weight during the grain filling period were measured. The de-graining treatment at heading significantly increased grain weight, especially in distal posi-tions. On the contrary, the de-graining treatment carried out after anthesis caused no increase in final grain weight. The largest response to pre-anthesis de-graining occurred in grain positions with the lowest grain mass. In addition, the effect of de-graining prior to anthesis was associated hyperbolically with weight of carpels at anthesis within each grain position. Therefore, carpel weight at anthesis could be partially associated with the regulation of grain weight potential.
Identification of lymphocytes in the epidermis of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson

The presence of lymphocytes in the epidermis of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, was confirmed by light and electron microscopical observation and by the use of an indirect immunocytochemical technique utilizing peroxidase-labelled antibody. These results are compared with those of other workers and the source and function of these cells in the epidermis of teleosts is discussed.