Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated assessment of a large marine ecosystem : A case study of the devolution of the eastern scotian shelf, Canada

This review examines a large marine continental shelf ecosystem (the Eastern Scotian Shelf of Canada (ESS)), that has undergone dramatic hysteresis-like changes in the recent past, using a pragmatic approach that combines empirical, reductionist and holistic methods based on the integrated analysis of 55 primary and secondary biotic, abiotic, and human variables over a 43-year period. The integrated analysis reveals that the ESS ecosystem has changed states, i.e., a 'regime shift' from a community dominated by large-bodied demersal fish to one dominated by small demersal and pelagic -fish species and benthic macroinvertebrates. A dynamic interplay between ocean physics, biology and exploitation presents a more realistic casual scenario than any single component hypothesis such as fishing pressure alone. The forces contributing to the stability of the alternate state include both top-down processes involving strong trophic interactions initiated at the apex predator level and bottom-up processes involving energy flow and nutrient cycling that have fundamentally altered the matter and energy flow patterns in the ESS ecosystem. It is suggested that the ESS has been literally 'devolving' when viewed from the perspective of the theory of ecological succession. Further, higher-order variables are identified as early warning indicators, sensitive to the underlying structural and functional changes that occurred on the ESS ecosystem. They have been determined for an adjacent system where systemic changes have not yet been observed and predict a potential collapse within a decade. Integrated assessment of ecosystems is a great challenge and their management requires comprehension of ecological systems. Description alone is not sufficient to allow comprehension, especially if 'information overload' (the disconnect between system description and system comprehension) is to be avoided and meaningful insights and strategies are to emerge. Reductionistic analysis involves the dissection and identification of key processes or feedback mechanisms likely to be operative in an ecological system. However, value cannot be ascertained from variations in processes, as a directionality of time does not exist in such a perspective. In fact, the approach has accelerated the information overload experienced by all stakeholders. Holistic approaches are being increasingly used to aid in the valuation of ecological systems as the directionality of time is made explicit in this perspective. It is suggested that integrated assessment requires not only the integration of descriptive information, but also the integration of our perception of ecological systems as being both a whole and a part.
Population structure and demographic history of the chukar partridge Alectoris chukar in China

Pleistocene climate fluctuations have shaped the patterns of genetic diversity observed in extant species. Although the effects of recent glacial cycles on genetic diversity have been well studied on species in Europe and North America, genetic legacy of species in the Pleistocene in north and northwest of China where glaciations was not synchronous with the ice sheet development in the Northern Hemisphere or or had little or no ice cover during the glaciations’ period, remains poorly understood. Here we used phylogeographic methods to investigate the genetic structure and population history of the chukar partridge Alec-toris chukar in north and northwest China. A 1,152 – 1,154 bp portion of the mtDNA CR were sequenced for all 279 specimens and a total number of 91 haplotypes were defined by 113 variable sites. High levels of gene flow were found and gene flow estimates were greater than 1 for most population pairs in our study. The AMOVA analysis showed that 81% and 16% of the total genetic variability was found within populations and among populations within groups, respectively. The demographic history of chukar was examined using neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analyses and results indicated Late Pleistocene population expansion. Results revealed that most populations of chukar experienced population expansion during 0.027 ? 0.06 Ma. These results are at odds with the results found in Europe and North America, where population expansions occurred after Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 0.023 to 0.018 Ma). Our results are not consistent with the results from avian species of Tibetan Plateau, either, where species experienced population expansion following the retreat of the extensive glaciation period (0.5 to 0.175 Ma).
Life history and reproductive dynamics of the cryptogenic calcareous sponge Sycettusa hastifera (Porifera, Calcarea) living in tropical rocky shores

Life history accounts for the chance of survival and reproductive success of a species, considering, for example, when, how often and how much a species reproduces. Consequently, it is directly related to the success or failure of bioinvasions. Here, we investigated some aspects of the life history of the cryptogenic calcareous sponge Sycettusa hastifera. A population from Arraial do Cabo, Brazil (south-western Atlantic) was investigated from September 2008 to December 2009 by monthly collections and histological analyses. We observed that S. hastifera reproduced continuously throughout the year without seasonality and presented high fecundity. The fecundity was not different depending on the sponge body part (top or base), but it was related to the wet weight of the sponge (although a minimum size was not required for reproduction). Reproduction could not be predicted by the seawater temperature. The reproductive characteristics of S. hastifera were similar to those of other previously studied calcareous sponges. Sycettusa hastifera shows traits of an invasive species, such as high fecundity, short life cycle, early sexual maturity and the ability to use pioneer habitats. Consequently, it possesses several characteristics that would allow it to invade new areas.
ON THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT—BIPOLAR DIFFERENTIATION AND CLEAVAGE—OF THE ZEBRA FISH, BRACHYDANIO RERIO

A detailed description of the early development of the egg of B. rerio is presented. The observations are made chiefly on the living egg. The measurements are made on a moving picture, taken by time accelerator. This proved to be a valuable help in discovering facts which could not be detected by simple observations. After fertilization the egg as a whole takes up water, but the cell itself shrinks. Later the cell itself begins to swell and to take up water.The bipolar differentiation is first indicated by the position of the nucleus and a small amount of protoplasm around it. A conspicuous separation of protoplasm from yolk begins when the cell first takes up water and ceases during a complete resting phase before the first mitosis. With the beginning of the first mitosis a separation process of different nature takes place. This consists in a streaming of protoplasm through the yolk towards the blastodisc. In addition, a counterstream towards the vegetal pole is clearly visible in the film. The changes .
LES RECEPTEURS 5-HT1B : IMPLICATION DANS LE MECANISME D'ACTION DES ANTIDEPRESSEURS

It is generally accepted that about two thirds of patients treated for depression respond only after several weeks (2 to 8 weeks) whilst a third do not respond at all. A depressed patient’s response to a treatment is defined by at least 50% reduction of the symptoms evaluated on a standard instrument (i.e., Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). Thus, a response to an antidepressant treatment cannot be considered as a remission. Remission can take many months to occur. It is then crucial to find new targets for antidepressants development or co-administration strategies in order to reduce the long delay in onset of action and improve the efficiency of current treatments. According to their mechanism of action, current antidepressants induce an increase in serotonin and/or noradrenaline neurotransmission by increasing the monoamine extracellular level available in the synaptic cleft. It is then highly possible that the antidepressant effect depends on the synaptic receptor(s) activated. In the case of serotonergic compounds, 14 subtypes of receptors could be stimulated. In this short review, we focus on the impact of 5-HT1B receptor activation in the mediation of antidepressant-like effect. Drug Dev. Res. 65:141–146, 2005. c 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The human CMV IE1 protein: past and present developments

Human CMV (HCMV), a member of the β-herpesvirus subfamily, is an important pathogen that infects the majority of the human population. The evolutionary success of HCMV largely depends on its ability to evade host defense systems and establish a lifelong persistence after primary infection. In fact, HCMV has dedicated a considerable part of its gene products to manipulate or disable immune effector processes. This review focuses on the major immediate-early protein IE1 - a multifunctional key regulator that has the capacity to counteract the first host defense activities. We summarize the known structural and mechanistic features by which IE1 modulates innate immune mechanisms as well as other cellular processes, and discuss how the individual functions of IE1 contribute to the success of a lytic HCMV infection.
Conflict in Crocker: applying ethical analysis to constructive dialogue in a co-managed protected area in Sabah (Malaysia)

SUMMARY Over a 10-year period, a valley in Crocker Range Park in Sabah (Malaysia) has witnessed a conflict between a community located inside its boundaries – the Ulu Senagang/Mongool Baru – and the state government's parks department – Sabah Parks. Sabah Parks sought to designate the area as a co-managed community use zone (CUZ) in which sustainable practices are allowed to continue, but disagreement over how the zone was to be governed resulted in a prolonged impasse. This paper assesses whether conflict management tools could overcome the impasse. This study assessed the CUZ conflict via a systematic methodology known as ethical analysis (EA), which aims to reveal stakeholder interests, values and principles and identify barriers and bridges to negotiated settlements. First developed in the medical field and subsequently employed in the analysis of forestry disputes, this is the first time that EA has been utilized in the context of protected area management. The EA revealed significant misalignments between stakeholders’ positions that were sufficient to prevent a perfect win–win solution from emerging. As such, at least one party would have to make compromises in order for the CUZ to be established. The EA revealed that whilst both sides in this conflict were willing to move forwards with negotiations, they had been prevented from doing so by mutual mistrust and a number of misconceptions that had developed during the negotiation process. The EA tool was fit for purpose in identifying the underlying causes of the CUZ conflict, which were determined to be resolvable so long as both sides were willing to make compromises. The study concludes that other co-managements could similarly benefit from the employment of EA, which can be easily incorporated into existing protected area conflict management models and structures. We propose that the utility of EA can be further enhanced in the conservation management context by incorporating assessments of stakeholder priorities and worldviews into its analysis structure.
The distribution and significance of enamel and enameloid in the dermal skeleton of osteolepiform rhipidistian fishes

Teeth and other dermal skeletal elements from three osteolepid and two eusthenopterid rhipidistians were examined with the scanning electron microscope to establish whether the hypermineralized outer layer was enameloid or enamel. Using Smith's (1978) morphological criteria to infer the developmental history of enamel and enameloid, enamel was found in the teeth and dermal bones of the osteolepids, whereas enameloid was identified in scales. Hyneria and Eusthenopteron teeth also had enamel. As enamel has also been found in teeth of living lungfishes and extant Latimeria, the presence of enamel in tetrapod teeth represents a primitive character retained from a lobe-finned ancestor and is not useful for phylogenetic studies within the lobe-finned/tetrapod group. Shellis and Miles' (1974) hypothesis that the transition from enameloid to enamel occurred via a fairly simple regulatory change is discussed.
Monitoring and characterization of DC electrical penetration graph waveforms of tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii, on tea plants

The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), is a serious pest of “Yabukita”, the most popular tea cultivar in Japan. This study investigated its stylet‐probing behavior with a direct current (DC) electrical penetration graph (EPG) system. The EPG signals were classified into four distinct waveforms according to amplitude, frequency, voltage level and electrical origin. The waveforms were then characterized by fast Fourier transformation. The waveforms were correlated with distinct feeding behaviors: Np, non‐probing, when stylets were not inserted; Eo1, putative pathway and channel‐cutting phase, when stylets were inserted but not ingesting sap; Eo2, putative phloem phase, when the leafhoppers were probably ingesting from phloem; and Eo3, putative non‐phloem phase, when the leafhoppers were probably ingesting from mesophyll. Mean durations of waveforms showed that E. onukii likely ingested plant fluid mainly from phloem and partly from mesophyll. The description of DC EPG waveforms associated with feeding behaviors of this serious pest constitutes a fundamental step toward the understanding of the resistance mechanisms of the host plants against herbivorous insects.
An experimental methodology for arterial walls = Análise experimental de paredes arteriais

Numerical simulations of arterial walls allow a better understanding of the interaction between biological tissue and endoprosthesis ( stents ), which are used in aneurysms or atherosclerosis stenosis treatment. A reliable understanding of this interaction may help one to select, or even design, the best structure for a given clinical indication. The development of a realistic numerical simulation requires an appropriated definition of a constitutive model and the obtainment of experimental data useful to a parameter identification procedure. Biological tissues have different mechanical characteristics of materials commonly used for engineering applications, however the experimental data acquisition is a major challenge. Some examples of technical difficulties of experimental test in biological tissue are associated to the obtainment of samples, temperature and humidity control during storage, suitable gripping and geometric and strain measurements methods. Therefore, this paper presents an experimental methodology to perform uniaxial mechanical tests in pig arteries in order to provide useful information for material models of arterial walls. This study proposes the experimental procedure from the sample obtainment to the uniaxial experimental testing of the tissue in two directions (circumferential and longitudinal) at two strain rates. In order to shown the use of the experimental data into a suitable numerical model for arterial walls, a parameter identification procedure was performed to obtain material parameters of a viscoelastic anisotropic model with fiber dispersion for finite strains. Through the experimental methodology proposed it was possible to obtain useful data for the parameter identification. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the arterial walls mechanical behavior was properly represented by the selected model.
Digestible lysine for broilers from different commercial strains in the final phase

This study aimed to evaluate different digestible lysine levels in diets for broilers chickens from different commercial strains, from 49 to 56 days of age, on performance and carcass characteristics. A total of 432 male broilers from 49 days old were used, with an average weight of 3560±250 g. It was used a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement 3x4, and the birds, from three strains (Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex and Ross 308) were divided into four levels of digestible lysine (0.800, 0.950, 1.100 and 1.250%), with four replicates of 12 birds each. It was evaluated the weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, breast yield, breast meat yield and the yield of the thigh and drumstick. There was no interaction between lysine levels and commercial strains of broiler chickens. The different lysine levels did not influence (p ≥ 0.05) performance and carcass yield. There are significant differences between strains for feed intake and carcass characteristics. The Cobb 500 strain had higher breast yield and breast meat (p < 0.05), while the Hubbard Flex and Ross 308 strains had higher yield of the thigh and drumstick (p < 0.05).
A first-principle for the nervous system

Higher brain functions such as perception and memory are first-person internal sensations whose mechanisms can have options to concurrently activate motor neurons for behavioral action. By setting up all the required constraints using available information from different levels, a theoretical examination from a first-person frame of reference led to the derivation of a first-principle of the structure-function units. These units operate in synchrony with the synaptically-connected neural circuitry. These units are capable of explaining and interconnecting findings from various levels and enable triangulation of a large number of observations from both the normal and “loss of function” states of the system. Indirect evidence for the presence of a comparable circuitry in a remote species − Drosophila − suggests the universal presence of these units across the animal kingdom. The key features of the basic unit meet the expectations of the K-lines proposed for the development of artificial intelligence.
Fundamentals of hop chemistry

The alpha & beta acids are the principal bittering components of hops. The alpha acids are transformed into iso-alpha acids in the brew kette. Very little unisomerized alpha and no beta acids are found in finished beer. Alpha & beta acids, in the presence of oxygen, are oxidized in the hop during storage to other more water soluble compounds. The bittering potential of the alpha acids is reduced because of this process, but the contribution of the beta is increased, because the beta oxidation products are bitter and end up in the finished beer. This results in qualitative differences in bitterness and foam. The degree of oxidation of hops is measured by the Hop Storage Index (HSI). Hop polyphenols (tannins) are believed by some to contribute to astringency and add body to beer, and may inhibit staling. The essential oil of the hop is responsible for the aroma of hops themselves and for most hop aroma in beer. Different hopping practices result in different types of hop aroma. Hop oil is changed by the boiling, fermentation and storage of the hops.
Pemberian Ekstrak Etanol Akar Purwoceng pada Tikus Bunting Selama Masa Organogenesis Memperpanjang Ukuran Tulang Anak Tikus (ADMINISTRATION ROOTS ETHANOL EXTRACT OF PAMPINELLA ALPINA TO PREGNANT RATS DURING ORGANOGENESIS EXTENDS THE BONE OF THEIR PUPS)

Pregnancy is an integral part of the circulatory system between pups and mother. Growth anddevelopment of pups is determined by intake from their mother. The purpose of this study was to measurethe growth of pup’s bones given ethanol extract purwoceng (Pampinella alpine) for 1 to 13 days of ratgestation. Eight pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group and purwoceng group that wasgiven ethanol extract purwoceng at a dose of 25 mg/300 g bw. The born pups were observed for 70 days tomeasure the growth and development of head bone, back bone, front legs bone, and hind legs. The resultsshowed that the growth and development of all bones parameters of female pups were higher on purwocenggroup than control the bone while male pups did not difference between purwoceng and control group exceptback bone and hind leg bone. The conclusion of this study is that administration of purwoceng roots ethanolextract on pregnant rats during organogenesis phase can extends the bone length of their pups.
"k"-vecinos más cercanos difuso para clasificación monotónica

Resumen—La clasificación con restricciones monotónicas proviene de una necesidad de algunos problemas reales, en los que la variable de salida no disminuyen con un aumento de las entrada, o viceversa. Los conjuntos de datos reales con frecuencia tiene una gran cantidad de ruido de clase. Este incrementa el número de violaciones monotónicas y repercute negativamente en el rendimiento de los clasificadores. Por lo que, algunos métodos deben recurrir a técnicas de re-etiquetado que pueden alterar el conocimiento del problema. Además, la inclusión de estas restricciones obligan a los clasificadores a diversificar sus objetivos entre precisión y monotonicidad. Con esta contribución, se propone un nuevo modelo basado en los k-Vecinos más Ceranos Difuso para la clasificación con restricciones monotónicas, MonFkNN. Este clasificador incorpora un nuevo cálculo de pertenencias difusas, que lo dota de robustez frente ruido monotónico sin necesidad de re-etiquetado. Asimismo, se ha diseñado para ser adaptable a las diferentes necesidades del problema. Tras varios estudios experimentales, ha demostrado ser tremendamente más preciso igualando el grado de monotonicidad de los mejores métodos de la literatura. Palabras Clave—Ciencia de datos, aprendizaje perezoso, vecinos más cercanos difuso, restricciones monotónicas, clasificación ordinal, regresión ordinal
Apport de la biologie moléculaire pour détecter les virus entériques humains dans les coquillages

Les virus enteriques humains, par leurs proprietes physico-chimiques, sont capables de persister dans l'environnement et peuvent etre ensuite concentres par les coquillages, avec, pour consequence eventuelle, l'apparition d'epidemies de gastro-enterites ou d'hepatites. Le developpement de la biologie moleculaire a permis la mise au point de methodes fiables et sensibles pour detecter ces virus. Cependant, des etapes preliminaires de preparation de l'echantillon sont necessaires pour concentrer les particules virales mais aussi pour purifier les acides nucleiques extraits. Ces nouvelles methodes ont mis en evidence la presence de ces virus dans des echantillons preleves dans plusieurs pays et des similitudes sont observees concernant les frequences de detection et le caractere saisonnier de la contamination. L'epidemiologie moleculaire a clairement implique des virus dans des epidemies liees a la consommation de coquillage, en demontrant une identite de sequence entre la souche amplifiee a partir des prelevements de l'environnement et celle amplifiee dans les echantillons cliniques. Dans le futur, ces methodes seront importantes pour surveiller la qualite des aliments et pour comprendre l'historique et l'evolution de ces importants pathogenes.