Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulated carbon uptake for a canopy of two broadleaved tree species with contrasting leaf habit

1. We used an environmentally driven, process-based model to investigate the relative benefits of deciduous and evergreen leaves, in terms of net annual canopy carbon uptake, for a canopy of two tree species with contrasting leaf habit: deciduous Fuchsia [Fuchsia excorticata (J. R. Forst. and G. Forst) L. f. ]; and annual-evergreen Wineberry (Aristotelia serrata J. R. Forst. and G. Forst, W. R. B. Oliv.). 2. Parameters for the model were derived from a year of measurements at a field site with a maximum leaf area index (L) of 5.4 m 2 m -2 , of which Wineberry and Fuchsia comprised 4.9 and 0.5 m 2 m -2 , respectively. Net annual C uptake (A NET ; daily photosynthesis minus respiration at night) was 930 g C m -2 , of which Wineberry and Fuchsia contributed 850 and 80 g C m -2 , respectively. Canopy respiration at night (R N ) accounted for 29 and 18% of daily uptake for Wineberry and Fuchsia, respectively. The model was used to simulate the effects of an evergreen phenology for both species. This increased A NET relative to that estimated using the observed phenology by only 1% for Wineberry, and 4% for Fuchsia. This was attributable to increased net C uptake during winter with the evergreen phenology being offset by increased R N , and reduced A NET during summer. 3. This comparison was repeated for sites spanning the natural range of Wineberry and Fuchsia across New Zealand. In terms of net C balance, the relative advantage of an evergreen phenology decreased with average winter temperature for both species, to the point where a deciduous phenology resulted in a higher value for A NET for Fuchsia at sites where frosts limited winter uptake. 4. Our simulations suggest that there is no clear advantage, in terms of annual C balance, for a deciduous or evergreen phenology at sites with relatively mild winters. In contrast, at sites where frost-induced photoinhibition limits photosynthesis for over-wintering leaves, a deciduous phenology results in a higher value of A NET for species, such as Fuchsia, with leaves that are very active photosynthetically during spring and summer. The lack of deciduousness in the New Zealand flora may be due to the low number of tree species with such photosynthetic characteristics, and this may be attributable to the generally poor nutrient availability in forest soils.
Inbreeding depression in scarlet gilia : A reply to Ouborg and Van Groenendael

In a recent study we assessed the effects of variation in population size on fitness components in natural populations of scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata), in the San Francisco peaks region of northcentral Arizona (Heschel & Paige 1995). We showed that seed size and germination success were significantly reduced in small populations of scarlet gilia and that plants from small populations were more susceptible to environmental stress. We also provided experimental evidence that observed fitness reductions were due to genetic factors. We also addressed year-to-year variation in population size and its effects on plant fitness. Ouborg and van Groenendael (1996) suggest that our paper is "laden with statistical and methodological problems. " They raise five specific issues. First, as Ouborg and van Groenendael correctly point out, F values were incorrectly calculated in our nested analysis of variance: mean squares of one factor should have been tested against mean squares of the next, not the residual mean squares. But the highly nonsignificant F values estimated by Ouborg and van Groenendael are inconsistent with the trends shown in the data of our Figs. 1 and 2 (Heschel & Paige 1995). Here we present a corrected nested analysis table with the following alteration: population size ('100 versus >100) is used in an a priori planned comparison rather than as a nesting factor (Table 1). In retrospect, we realize that it is not statistically appropriate to test population size (small versus large) against population because population size is not a separate category in which populations are nested but represents by design a planned comparison (i.e., a contrast). As shown, the contrast supports our original contention that seed size is significantly reduced in small populations (those with ? 100 flowering plants) of scarlet gilia (Heschel & Paige 1995). The second point made by Ouborg and van Groenendael is that data on seed size were analyzed by means
Predation risk affects trade-off between nest guarding and foraging in Seychelles warblers

The fitness costs of egg loss for Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) on Cousin Island are considerable because warblers have a single-egg clutch and no time to lay a successful replacement clutch. On the islands of Cousin and Cousine, with equal densities of Seychelles fodies (Foudia sechellarum), nearly 75% of artificial eggs placed in artificial nests were predated by fodies after 3 days. On Aride Island with no fodies present, loss of artificial eggs was not observed. Female warblers incubate the clutch, and male warblers guard the clutch when females are absent. Deterrence of fodies by male warblers is efficient: loss rate of eggs from unattended warbler nests was seven times as high as from attended nests, and the more nest guarding, the lower the egg loss and the higher the hatching success. Egg loss is independent of the amount of incubation by females. There is no trade-off between incubating and foraging by females. Nest guarding competes with foraging by males, and this trade-off has a more pronounced effect on egg loss when food availability is low The transfer of breeding pairs from Cousin to either Cousine with egg-predating fodies or to Aride without fodies allowed us ro experimentally investigate the presumed trade-off between nest guarding and foraging. On Cousine, individual males spent the same amount of time nest guarding and foraging as on Cousin, and egg loss was similar and inversely related to rime spent nest guarding as on Cousin. Males that guarded their clutch on Cousin did not guard the clutch on Aride bur allocated significantly more time to foraging and gained better body condition. Loss of warbler eggs on Aride was not observed. Time allocation to incubating and for-aging by individual females before and after both translocations remained the same.
Can information from marine protected areas be used to inform control-rule-based management of small-scale, data-poor stocks?

McGilliard, C. R. , Hilborn, R. MacCall, A. , Punt, A. E. , and Field, J. C. 2011. Can information from marine protected areas be used to inform control-rule-based management of small-scale, data-poor stocks? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 201–211.Many small-scale, nearshore fisheries lack the historical catch and survey information needed for conventional stock-assessment-based management. The potential use of the ratio of the density of fish outside a marine protected area to that inside it each year (the density ratio, DR) in a control rule is evaluated to determine the direction and magnitude of change in fishing effort in the next year. Management strategy evaluation was used to evaluate the performance of this DR control rule (DRCR) for a range of movement rates of larvae and adults and other biological scenarios, and the parameters of the control rule that maximized cumulative catch (over 95 years) for each scenario were found. The cumulative catch under the optimal DRCR was 90% of the cumulative catch from an optimal constant effort rule (CER). A small range of parameter values for the DRCR produced 75% or more of the cumulative catch produced from optimal CERs for a variety of assumptions about biology and initial stock status. The optimal DRCR was most sensitive to the movement patterns of larvae and adults and survey variability.
Modeling evolution of behavioral resistance by an insect to crop rotation

Crop rotation has traditionally been a valuable method for managing pests, but now a serious insect pest of maize (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae]) has developed behavioral resistance to rotation. A simple model of adult behavior and population genetics can explain how this resistance may have developed. This general model indicates that evolution may be caused by selection on a single gene for adult movement and that behavioral resistance only develops at high levels of rotation (>80% of plant landscape). In less diverse landscapes, crop rotation selects for the expansion of host preferences (polyphagy) by adults. More diverse landscapes may delay the evolution of resistance to crop rotation depending on the fitness costs and the nature of the genetic system.
On the Competition Occurring Between Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) in Italy

Abstract Aedes albopictus (Skuse) was detected for the first time in Italy in 1990. Thanks to its high biological adaptability, it spread rapidly to colonize various urban areas in central and northern Italy. The purpose of this study was to examine the ecological niche occupied by Ae. albopictus and the role of competition with Culex pipiens L. , which is a widespread indigenous species, in urban areas. The larval development cycle and competition for food between the two species was also studied under laboratory conditions. The study showed that both species can colonize any type of artificial water container. Ae. albopictus mainly occupies saucers under flower pots and other, usually smaller-sized, containers, whereas Cx. pipiens tends to develop more in large tanks (100–200 liters) used in residential gardens and other larger-sized containers. It would seem that the two species interact mainly in medium-sized containers (10–50 liters) such as manholes and tires. Laboratory studies showed that, at 25°C, the food-biomass conversion coefficient is significantly higher in Ae. albopictus than in Cx. pipiens, indicating that the new established species is more efficient in transforming food into biomass. As a consequence, it has a greater capacity to exploit food resources and therefore grow more rapidly than Cx. pipiens. In larval association where food was scarce, it was noted that competition between the two species takes place and is influenced by temperature: at 25 ± 2°C, Ae. albopictus prevails but is much less likely to do so at 20°C.
Development, Characterization, Efficacy and Mode of Action of Ambisome, A Unilamellar Liposomal Formulation of Amphotericin B

AmBisome is a lyophilized formulation of amphotericin B incorporated into small unilamellar liposomes composed of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine, distearoyl phosphatidylglycerol, and cholesterol. In aqueous solution AmBisome is quite stable; less than 5% of the drug dissociates from the Iiposomes during a 72 hour incubation period in human plasma. This stability to loss of drug is a key factor, accounting for the ability of AmBisome to markedly reduce the well known acute and chronic toxicities associated with the administration of amphotericin B. Numerous animal and clinical studies have documented the therapeutic efficacy of AmBisome for a wide range of fungal infections. Mechanism of action studies indicate that AmBisome liposomes specifically bind to the fungal cell surface, damage the cell membrane, and kill the fungus. In some cases, AmBisome had a slightly lower potency than amphotericin B itself, but much higher doses of AmBisome could be administered safely resulting in an improved therapeutic profile.
Purificación de inmunoglobulina A secretora a partir de calostro humano

Immunoglobulin A is the most abundant antibody isotype in secretions from mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts and in external secretions such as colostrums, breast milk, tears and saliva. In this study, secretory immunoglobulin A was obtained from human colostrum by a combination of chromatographic methods which was demonstrated by Dot blot. IgA fraction was analyzed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis under reducing conditions, obtaining a high purity product by identifying the presence of secretory component, heavy and light chains of the immunoglobulin, with a migration pattern corresponding to their respective molecular mass.
Characterization of Adventitious Root Development in Sweetpotato

Additional index words. storage root development, storage root anatomy, Ipomoea batatas Abstract. Adventitious roots of 'Beauregard' and 'Georgia Jet' sweetpotato were observed and anatomically characterized over a period of 60 days of storage root development. The majority of 'Beauregard' and 'Georgia Jet' adventitious roots sampled at 5 to 7 days after transplanting (DAT) possessed anatomical features (five or more protoxylem elements) associated with storage root development. The majority of 'Beauregard'(86%)and'GeorgiaJet'(89%)storagerootssampledat60to65DATwere traced directly to adventitious roots extant at 5 to 7 DAT. The two varieties, however, differed in the timing in which regular and anomalous cambia were formed. Regular vascular cambium development, i.e., initiation and completion, was observed in both varieties at 19 to 21 DAT. Formation of complete regular vascular cambium was negligible for 'Beauregard' (4%) in comparison with 'Georgia Jet' (32%) at 26 to 28 DAT. However, anomalous cambia development adjacent to xylem elements was greater in 'Beauregard' (30%) in comparison with 'Georgia Jet' (13%). Nearly 40% to 50% of samples in both varieties showed extensive lignification in the stele region. At 32 to 35 DAT, 62% to 70% of the adventitious roots for both varieties had either been initiated (developed anomalous cambium) or were lignified. The remaining adventitious roots showed intermediate stages of vascular cambium development. The adventitious root count increased up to 19 to 21 DAT and then remained constant up to 32 to 35 DAT. These accumulatedresults suggestthatthe initialstages ofadventitiousrootdevelopment are critical in determining storage root set in sweetpotato.
Isolation and characterization of a rice cDNA encoding B1-type cyclin-dependent kinase

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are central players that control the cell cycle. In plants, A- and B-type CDKs are directly involved in cell cycle regulation. B-type CDK (CDKB) is unique to plants; however, only limited information on this kinase has been accumulated thus far. In the present study, we identified a rice cDNA encoding CDKB1;1 and studied its expression in suspension-cultured cells and plant tissues. We found that this enzyme was expressed in actively dividing cells in suspension cultures and was downregulated by the depletion of sucrose from the medium. In plants, the CDKB1;1 transcripts were highly expressed in the shoot and root apical meristems, but not in mature plant organs. These results suggested that CDKB1 is mainly involved in mitotic cell division during plant development.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTION OF SHORT CHAIN ALCOHOLS AND GLYCOLS

Antimicrobial activities of various short chain alcohols and diols against a staphylococcus, a lactobacillus and a yeast, have been determined using a liquid culture system. There appears to be a relationship between carbon chain length and antimicrobial activity, and between molecular asymmetry and antimicrobial activity. Microorganisms which are resistant to the antimicrobial activity of propylene glycol have been found to be resistant to that of ethanol as well, as demonstrated by dilution plating of suspension cultures, and observations of single cells or small groups of cells in hanging drops. Cell membrane function interference is suggested as a mechanism of action since the inhibitory activity increases directly with reduced surface tension capability in the alcohol series.
Inhibition of cell proliferation by 2-fluorobenzaldehyde retinoic acid conjugate through suppression of STAT3 activation in human glioma cells

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of 2-fluorobenzaldehyde retinoic acid conjugate on activation of STAT3 pathway in human glioma cells. The results revealed that the compound exhibited inhibitory effect on the activation of STAT3 induced constitutively and by interleukin-6. The inhibitory effect on STAT3 activation was found to be concentration- and time-dependent. In U373 glioma cells, 2-fluorobenzaldehyde retinoic acid conjugate treatment caused a significant enhancement in the expression of proapoptotic proteins like Bax and Bak. Its treatment inhibited the expression of genes including, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin, Mcl-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in U373 glioma cells. Furthermore, the conjugate inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and caused accumulation of cells in G1-G0 phase of cell cycle. Thus, 2-fluorobenzaldehyde retinoic acid conjugate acts as a potent inhibitor of STAT3 activation that can be promising importance for the prevention and treatment of gliomas.
TRANSCRIPTIONAL CHANGES IN SALT-RESPONSIVE GENES OF BARLEY SUBJECTED TO SALT STRESS

Salinity is one of the major constraints for crop yield because it limits plant growth and reduces both the crop yield and the use of agricultural land. Increased salt tolerance requires new genetic sources of salt tolerance, and more efficient techniques for identifying salt-tolerant germplasm.The DD-RT-PCR technique (Differential Display-Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Chain Reaction) is one of these techniques, which are able to compare and identify changes in gene expression at the mRNA and the cDNA levels between any pair of contrasting genotypes. It was performed using mRNA extracted from the aerial part of two contrasting Tunisian barley genotypes (Sabra: tolerant and kelibia: sensitive accessions) subjected or not to salt stress.In this study, we have used this technique (RT-PCR) to identify cDNAs corresponding to transcripts up- or down-regulated by salt stress in barley. Within 18 primer combinations (3 Oligod(T) x 6 arbitrary primers), we have identified a total of 58 differential display products which are over-expressed or disappeared in stressed samples indicating a qualitative and quantitative difference in the gene expression. ***The up-expressed fragment were eluted and sequenced at the Pasteur Institute of Tunis and then compared to those of the bank data (Genbank Barley) to determine sequences having an optimal alignment with the query.The result was the identification of many salt-responsive transcripts fragments corresponding to hypothetic proteins (T17F15.140-like and Mei2-like), to some proteins involved in oxidative and heat stress (GAD1= Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase) or to proteins involved in the resistance to pathogens (s-1,3-glucanase) and to anionic flux resistance. But the most important finding is the identification of genes encoding the Na+/H+ antiporter which sequestrate sodium into vacuole in the tolerant barley genotype.These two last transcripts encoding the sequestration of Na could be used as markers for selecting salt tolerant genotypes in the program of varietals improvement to salt stress tolerance.
Brushpiles and dung as rehabilitation patches: effect on soil resources in degraded succulent thicket, Eastern Cape, South Africa

A substantial portion of the Thicket Biome in the Eastern Cape has been transformed by overgrazing. An experimental rehabilitation study of degraded succulent thicket was initiated to determine whether increasing the patchiness on the landscape would result in an increase in soil resources. Five types of treatments were used for the rehabilitation trials, namely: piles of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) dung placed so as to mimic rhino latrines; Portulacaria afra brushpiles; brushpiles of woody Thicket species; brushpiles of woody Thicket species over-sown with seed; and the control (area left unchanged). Measurement occurred before and three years after treatment and change was related to an untransformed reference site. All of the treatments did increase the litter in the patches, which resulted in an increase in soil organic content especially in the top 3cm of soil. All of the rehabilitation patches were successful in accumulating basic elements (pH and electrical conductivity results) as well as available phosphorus. The dung treatment had the greatest effect on the soil resources underneath and surrounding the patches. The dung treatment significantly increased the electrical conductivity as well as the available phosphorus and available organic nitrogen. The rehabilitation trial has shown that by increasing the patchiness of degraded areas in succulent thicket it is possible to initiate "islands of fertility".
A home-based smart health model

This article is about an architectural hardware-software model creation—home-based smart health model—to boost healthcare to a higher position within society. As an emerging field, smart health modeling is still insufficient. Current smart health services are hospital centered, data are scattered and application dependent, and health service provision presents attention delays. Analyses of Internet of things, Internet of medical things, and smart health applications potentials are the bases for the proposed home-based smart health model. The model aims to facilitate the smart health development and strengthening. To evaluate whether the model does what it must do, first, check lists on how the model complies with current and future devices and applications, smart health impacts and smart health potentialities, and second, a case study analyses the model conformity through an Internet of things sophisticated cloud app.