Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pollen performance and male fitness in an anemophilous, monoecious tree, Betula pendula

Betula pendula Roth clones were examined to study the relationship between pollen grain size and pollen tube growth rate and pollen and seed performance. Two hypotheses were tested: (i) pollen donors with larger pollen grains have faster growing pollen tubes and (ii) maternal plants produce more seeds when inflorescences have been pollinated by pollen from donors with fast pollen tube growth. Pollen from 15 plants was collected, and pollen grain sizes and pollen tube growth rates were studied in vitro. Eight maternal clones were pollinated by pollen from seven paternal clones, pollen tube growth rates of the pollen donors were measured on each maternal plant, and the number and mass of the resulting seeds were analysed. There was no correlation between pollen grain size and pollen tube growth rate in vitro. Also, there was no relationship between pollen tube growth rate and the number of produced or aborted seeds. Thus, the hypothesis that larger pollen grains would have longer pollen tubes was not suppor.
Investigations on pelagic food webs in mountain lakes - aims and methods

A methodical approach for the assessment of pelagic biomass and the main carbon fluxes in remote and hardly accessible mountain lakes was elaborated and tested. Number and biomass of bacteria (BAC), autotrophic picoplankton (APP), heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), ciliates (CIL), phytoplankton (PHY), zooplankton smaller than 40 μm (ZOOS) and zooplankton larger than 40 μm (ZOOL) were investigated regularly during two ice-free periods in 13 European mountain lakes (1st level approach – fixed samples elaborated in specialized laboratories). Carbon fluxes measured in 9 lakes included: primary production, exudation by PHY and BAC uptake of exudates, BAC production, elimination of BAC. These processes were measured in the field by specialized teams (2nd level approach). The ranges of values found in mountain lakes were evaluated and possible methodical and interpretative errors discussed. BAC were a significant component of pelagic biomass. The intercomparison between different partners showed differences in bacterial counts lower than 10%, whereas the mean cell volumes measured fluctuated by more than 40%. APP was never found in a significant quantity, except in one lake. HNF and CIL, though regularly found, were usually scarce and only occasionally significant in terms of biomass. The main components of pelagic biomass were BAC, PHY and ZOOL+ZOOS, except for acidified lakes, where zooplankton was very low. In oligotrophic mountain lakes, the percentage of extracellular production in the total primary production was considerable. Bacterial abundance and production often reached values quite comparable with the situation found in lowland mesotrophic lakes during winter.
Fermented milks and their future trends. Part II. Technological aspects

Introduction and historical background Definition and classification Patterns of production and consumption Technology of manufacture Lactic fermentations Mesophilic Cultured buttermilk Buttermilk Ymer Laetofil Filmjolk Nordic ropy milks Thermophilic Yogurt Yogurt-related products Strained or concentrated yogurt and labneh Chakka and shirkhand Skyr Labneh anbaris Bulgarian buttermilk/sour milk or yogurt CONTENTS PAOE 281 282 282 284 285 285 285 285 286 286 286 287 287 287 292
A Study on the Growth and Disease of Chondrus ocellatus in Korea

The growth, reproduction, gametophyte(G)/tetrasporophyte(T) ratio, and diseases of Chondrus ocellatus populations were examined at 3 sites (Samcheok, Youngduk, Pohang) of East coast and at 2 sites (Hakampo, Manripo) of West coast in between July and August, 2013. Average plant lengths were 6.10~9.69 cm and it was minimum at Manripo and maximum at Pohang population. In general, average plant length and weight of C. ocellatus were greater on East coast than West coast populations. The proportion of vegetative plant was between 26.7~66.7 %, and G/T ratio of total plants including vegetative plants after testing resorcinol method was 3:2 on the East coast where is gametophyte dominant area. However, G/T ratio was 1:1 at Hakampo and 1:2.3 at Manripo representing tetrasporophyte dominance. In the present study, Korean C. ocellatus have various diseases (white colour and green colour), an endophytic alga(Ulvella sp.), and many epiphytic macroalgae and diatoms. Healthy C. ocellatus plants were about 20~40 % in summer population and most of plants had disease. Chondrus ocellatus had a filamentous green alga, endophytic Ulvella sp. which was not identified. The endophyte is easily observed in C. crispus growing in Europe and Canada and it is recognised as a pathogen destroying population and reducing yield of C. crispus. Thus more interest and research on the endophytic algae and disease of C. ocellatus are required.
Reviewing Africa in the global tourism economy

Africa is a small but expanding region of the global tourism economy. This article has two objectives. The first is to provide a profile of tourism in Africa and indicate the continent's position in the global tourism economy. The second is to offer an overview of African tourism research and more specifically to highlight core issues in recent scholarship and debate about tourism development across the continent. The article argues that, at a time when many African governments and international organisations are acknowledging the developmental significance of tourism, a foundation of research is being consolidated to inform the development of new policy and initiatives for tourism in Africa. 1Professor of Human Geography, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Thanks are due to Wendy Job for preparing the diagrams for this article and to Caroline Kihato for encouraging the preparation of this special tourism issue of Development Southern Africa.
The Effect of Hunting With Dogs on the Numbers and Movements of Feral Pigs, Sus-Scrofa, and the Subsequent Success of Poisoning Exercises in Namadgi-National-Park, Act

A week-long hunting trial with dogs, Canis familiaris, to control feral pigs, Sus scrofa, in Namadgi National Park, A.C. T. , did not cause the pigs to disperse from the area or adversely affect the success of two subsequent poisoning exercises. Hunting was generally not as effective in reducing pig numbers as poisoning with warfarin, but could be useful for obtaining samples of pigs for monitoring disease during the first few days of an exotic disease outbreak, and also for killing pigs that have survived other control methods.
Data Quality: Dimensions, Measurement, Strategy, Management and Governance (Book Review)

For those who only have one slot on their shelf for a book about data quality, this should definitely be the one. Rupa Mahanti, who is one of the associate editors of Software Quality Professional, has done a masterful job compiling, organizing, and explaining all aspects of data quality. She takes a cross-industry perspective, producing a handbook that is applicable for solving quality challenges associated with any kind of data. The book has eight chapters, each covering a critical aspect of data quality. In chapter 1, the foundation is set by discussing general categories of data and what causes bad data quality. Cost of poor data quality is introduced as a mechanism for assessing and improving data quality in a quantitative way. Chapter 2 explains different ways to store data, including data models, schemas, relational databases, and data warehouses. Next, Chapter 3 explores 25 different data quality attributes and why they are important to organizations. Chapter 4 extends the previous chapter and explains how to measure each of the attributes. Chapter 5 steps back to start examining the management and leadership aspects of data quality. Data quality strategy is explained in terms of a five-stage maturity model that reflects the Capability Maturity Model for Integration (CMMI). This chapter also explains how a chief data officer might apply these approaches. Chapter 6 examines enterprise-scale data management, including master data management, cleaning, migration, and integration. In Chapter 7, 21 critical success factors are explored by debunking myths, which makes it particularly useful for building the business case for data quality. Finally, Chapter 8 explores how effective governance processes can solidify the gains from data quality management. Throughout the book, examples and stories are emphasized. Explanations supplement most concepts and topics in a way that it is easy to relate one’s own challenges to the lessons within the book. In short, this is the best data quality book on the market, and it will provide immediately actionable guidance for software engineers, development managers, senior leaders, and executives who want to improve their capabilities through data quality.
Structure of the Proboscis and Rays of the Star-Nosed Mole, Condylura cristata

The 22 anemone-like rays of the star-nosed mole, Condylura cristata , constitute a unique mammalian structure. These rays, 11 surrounding each nostril, have at least three distinct lengths and are covered on the front, back, and sides with sensory receptors or Eimer organs. The conduit for these incoming stimuli, the infraorbital branch of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve, is extremely large and composed of at least three distinct bundles (receiving fibers from rays 1–3, 4–7, and 8–11). The proboscis moves on a unique nasomax-illary articulation by means of highly differentiated nasolabial musculature. Elongation of the proboscis during the evolution of Condylura appears to have weakened the masticatory mechanism. As a consequence, the procumbent central incisors, the spatial separation among the lateral incisors and premolars, slender mandibular rami, and the fragile coronoid and angular processes distinguish Condylura from all other talpids but recall specialized vermivores (among the tenrecs and civets) and termite-eaters (among the hyenas). Varied lengths of the rays, uniform distribution of the sensory papillae containing the Eimer receptors, and proximity of the nerve endings to the surface of the stratum corneum support the hypothesis of electrosensitivity in addition to tactile function for this adaptive complex.
Aminosäurenzusammensetzung und -retention in Ganzkörper, Muskelpartien, Innereien und Blut bei 60 kg und 100 kg schweren Mastschweinen beiderlei Geschlechts

Zusammenfassung 60 kg und 100 kg schwere weibliche und kastrierte mannliche Mastschweine der Deutschen Landrasse wurden geschlachtet und in Muskelpartien, Innereien, Blut und Restkorper zerlegt. Die gewonnenen Teilstucke wurden auf den Gehalt an Aminosauren untersucht. Mit der Methode der vergleichenden Schlachttechnik wurde der Aminosaurenansatz ermittelt. Das Aminosaurenmuster des im Ganzkorper retinierten Proteins (98,1 g/Tag) setzte sich im Mittel je 16 g N folgendermasen zusammen: 6,0 g Arg, 3,9 g His, 3,4 g Ile, 7,9 g Leu, 7,2 g Lys, 2,9 g Met, 3,6 g Phe, 3,6 g Thr, 1,0 g Trp, 4,5 g Val, 6,8 g Ala, 8,7 g Asx, 1,5 g Cys, 14,8 g Glx, 11,8g Gly, 5,1 g Pro, 2,2 g Pro-OH, 3,8 g Ser und 2,7 g Tyr. Wahrend der Mast von 60 auf 100 kg Lebendmasse verringerte sich der Anteil von Innereien und Blut am Schlachtkorper. Die Aminosaurenzusammensetzung der Ganzkorper blieb jedoch fast konstant, so das das Aminosaurenmuster von Ganzkorperprotein und Proteinansatz ahnlich war. Eine Verschiebung trat lediglich bei den Anteilen von Glycin und Prolin auf. Jedoch liesen die gegensatzliche Richtung sowie der fehlende Effekt auf das bindegewebsspezifische Hydroxyprolin keine Schlusfolgerungen auf einen veranderten Bindegewebsanteil zu, der im Ganzkorperprotein auf 14,9% geschatzt wurde. Weibliche Masttiere wiesen zu Versuchsende im Vergleich zu den mannlichen Kastraten einen hoheren Muskelanteil bei unverandertem Anteil von Innereien und Blut auf. Das Aminosaurenmuster der untersuchten Teilstucke und der Ganzkorper wurde jedoch im wesentlichen nicht signifikant vom Geschlecht beeinflust. Eine Gegenuberstellung von Ergebnissen zum Aminosaurenmuster im angesetzten Protein beim Schwein und den gegenwartigen Empfehlungen fur die Zusammensetzung des Futterproteins (“ideales Protein”) wurde vorgenommen.
Review on the Bone Chemistry for Prehistoric Anthropology

The dietary reconstruction based on stable isotopes and trace elements have been adapted for the excavated human remains since 1970’s. However, the methodology have some uncertainties to be overcome. In this paper, we review the following issues; the fluctuation on the isotopic shift between dietary protein and collagen, the fluctuation on the primary isotopic values in a specific ecosystem, and the diagenetic effects on collagen and apatite. The status and perspective of the prehistoric anthropology by bone chemistry will be discussed.
A PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF THE SECURITY AND DEFENCE TECHNOLOGICAL AND INDUSTRIAL BASE IN SPAIN

This study analyses the performance of the productivity of the main industrial subsectors composing the security and defence technological and industrial base (SDTIB) in Spain from 1996 to 2009. Accordingly, we have used the non-parametric data envelopment analysis and bootstrapping techniques to compute Malmquist productivity indexes that allow us to split productivity growth into efficiency change and technical progress. The results obtained show productivity improvement in the SDTIB as a whole due mainly to advances in technology and to a lesser extent to the contribution of technical efficiency. The bootstrap approach yields further evidence, as for many cases, productivity growth or decline, is not statistically significant. This is the first time a study of this kind has been carried out on the production process of this sector in Spain.
Isolation and characterization of starch-utilizing mutants of Escherichia coli

Starch-utilizing mutants of Escherichia coli which can grow well on starch or amylose as the sole carbon source were isolated. The maximal viable cell number of the starch-utilizing mutants on the polysaccharide media reached the same level (4 × 109 cells/ml) as that with glucose medium after incubation for 24 hours at 37°C. The isolated mutants could produce more intracellular α-amylase than the wild-type strain, and the enzyme activity was detected in the extracellular fluid. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the intracellular and extracellular enzymes had similar electrophoretic mobilities. These observations suggested that the ability of growth on the polysaccharide media was due to the excreted α-amylase, which appeared to be identical with the intracellular enzyme.
Inhibitory Control Across the Life Span

Findings from previous research suggest that inhibitory control improves during early childhood and declines during late adulthood. Very few researchers, however, have examined life-span changes in this ability in single studies. Within this life-span context, we investigated 1 type of inhibitory control-the ability to inhibit a prepotent response and generate an incompatible response-in individuals ranging from 6 to 82 years of age. Examination of raw reaction time data revealed a significantly larger inhibitory control effect for children and older adults than for young adults. Using proportional and z score transformations, we demonstrated that a processing speed explanation is sufficient to account for the differences in performance between children and young adults; this explanation, however, did not adequately explain the discrepancy between young and older adults. Taken together, these findings suggest that, above and beyond differences in processing speed, inhibitory control was less efficient in older adults. Our findings are consistent with the assertion that inhibitory control develops quite early and declines at the later end of the developmental spectrum.
Genetic Differentiation in Silene dioica Metapopulations: Estimation of Spatiotemporal Effects in a Successional Plant Species

Silene dioica is a diploid, dioecious, perennial, insect-pollinated herb and part of the deciduous phase of primary succession in Skeppsvik Archipelago, Gulf of Bothnia, Sweden. These islands are composed of material deposited and left underwater by melting ice at the end of the last ice age. A rapid and relatively constant rate of land uplift of 0.9 cm per year continually creates new islands available for colonization by plants. Because the higher deposits appear first, islands differ in age. Because it is possible to estimate the ages of islands and populations of plant species belonging to early stages of succession, the genetic dynamics occurring within an age-structured metapopulation can be investigated in this archipelago. Fifty-two island populations of S. dioica of known ages, sizes, and distances from each other were studied through electrophoretic data. A number of factors increase the degree of genetic differentiation among these island populations relative to an island model at equilibrium. Newly founded populations were more differentiated than those of intermediate age, which suggests that colonization dynamics increase genetic variance among populations. The very old populations, which decrease in size as they approach extinction, were more differentiated than intermediate-aged populations. Isolation by distance occurs in this system. Colonizers are likely to come from more than one source, and the migrant pool model best explains colonization events in the archipelago. Degree of environmental exposure also affects population differentiation.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of Reovirus Attachment Protein σ1 Reveals Conformational Changes in σ1 Structure

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed using the recently determined crystal structure of the reovirus attachment protein, σ1. These studies were conducted to improve an understanding of two unique features of σ1 structure: the protonation state of Asp345, which is buried in the σ1 trimer interface, and the flexibility of the protein at a defined region below the receptor-binding head domain. Three copies of aspartic acids Asp345 and Asp346 cluster in a solvent-inaccessible and hydrophobic region at the σ1 trimer interface. These residues are hypothesized to mediate conformational changes in σ1 during viral attachment or cell entry. Our results indicate that protonation of Asp345 is essential to the integrity of the trimeric structure seen by x-ray crystallography, whereas deprotonation induces structural changes that destabilize the trimer interface. This finding was confirmed by electrostatic calculations using the finite difference Poisson-Boltzmann method. Earlier studies show that σ1 can exist in retracted and extended conformations on the viral surface. Since protonated Asp345 is necessary to form a stable, extended trimer, our results suggest that protonation of Asp345 may allow for a structural transition from a partially detrimerized molecule to the fully formed trimer seen in the crystal structure. Additional studies were conducted to quantify the previously observed flexibility of σ1 at a defined region below the receptor-binding head domain. Increased mobility was observed for three polar residues (Ser291, Thr292, and Ser293) located within an insertion between the second and third β-spiral repeats of the crystallized portion of the σ1 tail. These amino acids interact with water molecules of the solvent bulk and are responsible for oscillating movement of the head of ∼50° during 5 ns of simulations. This flexibility may facilitate viral attachment and also function in cell entry and disassembly. These findings provide new insights about the conformational dynamics of σ1 that likely underlie the initiation of the reovirus infectious cycle.
Can there be such a thing as a ‘wrongful birth’?

With the growing application of modern genetic technology to everyday healthcare provision, concern over its moral defence is increasing. This paper discusses pre‐natal genetic testing, currently the healthcare situation in which the technology is most frequently applied. In doing this it addresses the justification for the resulting marked increase in legal cases compensating those thought to have suffered a wrongful birth, as well as the fears surrounding these developments that, to some, resonate of the dangerous mind‐set of the 19th and early 20th century, which led to the atrocities defended under the name ‘eugenics’. The discussion is presented in terms of Beauchamp and Childress’ (1994) ethical principles for healthcare: autonomy, beneficence, non‐maleficence and justice. The conclusion emphasises the role of context, both societal and individual in shaping the outcome of the difficult decisions involved in undertaking pre‐natal genetic testing.
A human CD4 transgene rescues CD4−CD8+ cells in β2‐microglobulin‐deficient mice

The specificity of the αβ T cell receptor for class I or class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules determines whether a mature T cell will be of the CD4−CD8+ or CD4+CD8− phenotype, respectively. We show here that a human CD4 transgene can rescue a significant fraction of CD4−CD8+ T cells in β2‐microglobulin‐deficient mice. Cells with this phenotype could be induced to become potent killers of targets expressing allogeneic MHC antigens, indicating that lineage commitment can precede the rescue of developing cells by the T cell receptor for antigen and the CD4 coreceptor.
Increased Population Density and Suppressed Prey Biomass: Relative Impacts on Juvenile Atlantic Salmon Growth

Abstract Individual growth rates of fish often depend on both population density and resource availability, both of which are subject to anthropogenic impacts and can be manipulated in the interest of restoring or enhancing fish populations. However, direct tests of the relative contribution of these factors to growth variation are lacking for most populations and are critically needed to guide management. We used a large-scale field experiment to evaluate the relative effects of increased population density and suppressed prey biomass on the growth of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. We directly manipulated salmon population density by releasing newly hatched salmon fry from uniform initial conditions at three density treatments in natural streams (18 sites total, repeated over 2 years). We arrayed the density treatments across sites that encompassed a more than 10-fold range in the biomass of benthic invertebrate prey for salmon, a low prey biomass being associated with heavy shading from riparian .
Biogeochemistry of C, N, and P in a Soil Catena of the Shortgrass Steppe

Measurements of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content were carried out in the soils of a hillslope of shortgrass steppe. Plant biomass, soil morphology, and soil physical properties were also measured. Soil morphology indicated that the site had undergone several cycles of rapid erosion and deposition. Total mass of C, N, and P increased downslope, following a trend in soil depth, but the summit A horizon had higher C, N, and organic P concentrations than the backslope, reflecting a higher clay content. Laboratory and field incubations showed that N availability increased downslope, while relative N mineralization (N mineralized: total N) decreased. Organic matter content and mineralization rate were closely coupled to physical properties of the soil, which reflect the geomorphic history of the site.