Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of Thallus Form and Survival Strategies in Benthic Marine Macroalgae: Field and Laboratory Tests of a Functional Form Model

A synthetic "functional form" paradigm concerning hypothetically important adaptive features of algal structure and function was developed and tested by a costs/benefits strategic approach. Successional manipulations were performed by disturbing mature, environmentally constant intertidal communities; from the array of colonizing macroalgae, Ulva sp. was chosen as an opportunistic representative of pioneer seral stages, Egregia menziesii and Gelidium purpurascens/robustum as intermediate to late seral species, and Pelvetia fastigiata and Corallina officinalis as characteristic of more mature climax communities. The ranking from high to low primary producers (Ulva > Gelidium > Egregia > Pelvetia > Corallina) indicates that selection in fluctuating environments has favored opportunistic species having high net productivity, while those species able to persist in benign predictable habitats do so at the cost of lower photosynthetic rates and presumably slower growth. The kilocalories per ash-free gram dry weight from highest to lowest species were Ulva (5.44), Gelidium (4.62), Pelvetia (4.17), Egregia (4.10), and Corallina (3.86). With the exception of Pelvetia, which occurs high in the intertidal, these calorific values suggest that selection has tended to reduce nutritive content in climax algal forms. The results for percent thallus loss to urchin grazing over a 48 h period generally support the hypothesis that selection has differentially favored the evolution of antipredator defenses in environmentally constant macrophyte communities; Ulva lost considerably more of its blotted wet weight (43.1%) compared to Pelvetia (36.2%), Gelidium (22.9%), Egregia (22.6%), and the late seral form Corallina (19.6%). Ulva contained the lowest percentage of nonpigmented (structural) components (0.6%), followed by Gelidium (46.2%), Pelvetia (57.3%), Corallina (81.7% CaCO3), and Egregia 82.9%) which indicates that selection in mature communities has tended to increase allocation of materials to nonpigmented supportive structure at the expense of photosynthetic tissue. Later successional macroalgae showed greater toughness as well as greater resistance to wave-shearing forces than the opportunistic species, thus implicating selection for persistence as opposed to rapid growth in climax communities. Data on succession, productivity, and toughness indicate that E. menziesii shifts from an opportunistic strategy during its juvenile stages to a highly differentiated complex form able to persist in mature successional stages. The co-occurrence of different morphological phases of the same species (e.g., Scytosiphon lomentaria, hollow sheet; Petalonia fascia, sheet; and their Ralfsia-like forms, crusts), along with information contrasting productivity, palatability, and longevity between Gigartina papillata and its crustose alternate Petrocelis middendorffii, suggests that some algae have the capacity to concurrently adopt strategies of both opportunistic and climax algal forms.
Characterization of Sudanese pearl millet germplasm for agro-morphological traits and grain nutritional values

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. ) is an important staple cereal cultivated in the arid and semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa, regions severely affected by malnutrition. Knowledge about the extent of genetic variability and patterns of agro-morphological variation in local germplasm from a target region is an important prerequisite for efficient crop improvement. To assess the potential of Sudanese pearl millet landraces as sources of desirable traits for pearl millet improvement including biofortification, a total of 225 accessions were evaluated in Sudan at three locations for agro-morphological traits and at one location for grain mineral nutrient contents (Fe, Zn, Ca, P, K, Mg, Mn, S, Na, Cu and β-carotene). Genetic variation was highly significant, but relatively limited for some agro-morphological traits (62–78 d to flowering, 119–188 cm plant height and 16–34 cm panicle length), pointing to the potential usefulness of a targeted diversification for these traits. Self-pollinated grain micronutrient contents showed a wide variation: 19.7–86.4 mg/kg for Fe and 13.5–82.4 mg/kg for Zn. Significant and positive correlations among most of the nutritional traits were observed; therefore, enhancement of the concentrations of some nutrients will lead to the improvement of other related nutrients. No significant associations were observed between the nutritional and agro-morphological traits, indicating good prospects for simultaneous improvement of both trait categories. No clear patterns of geographic differentiation for specific traits were detected for the Sudanese pearl millet. Nutrient-rich accessions were identified and those with acceptable agro-morphological traits are encouraging materials for future pearl millet biofortification programmes in Sudan.
Detection of corn stunt spiroplasma in vivo by ELISA using antisera to extracts from infected corn plants (Zea mays)

Antisera were raised in rabbits to extracts from healthy corn plants and from plants infected with corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS); they were prepared by partially purifying sap or tissue homogenates from whole stems by differential centrifugation and filtration. The titres of CSS-specific antibody in the antisera to diseased plant extracts (DPE) were monitored by spiroplasma deformation tests. After cross-absorption against healthy plant extracts, the DPE antisera detected cultured CSS at concentrations exceeding 106 cells/ml, compared with less than 105 cells/ml for homologous antiserum, and reacted more strongly against extracts from diseased than from healthy plants. A comparison of techniques for extracting diseased plant tissues showed that the reaction of stems and midribs against cultured CSS antiserum was two to three times stronger if the samples were lyophilized before extraction. When extracts from lyophilized tissues were used as test antigens the DPE antisera discriminated between diseased and healthy corn stems, midribs and roots as effectively as antiserum to cultured CSS. Preliminary attempts to detect CSS in its vector, Dalbulus maidis, were complicated by non-specific reactions of insect tissue extracts but concentrations equivalent to at least one CSS-infected insect/ml of sample were detected by antiserum to cultured CSS.
An Additional QTL for Water Use Efficiency in Soybean

Water use efficiency (WUE) is one of the physiological traits that has been associated with drought tolerance in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr]. In a previous publication, we reported the identification of four quantitative trait loci (QTL) that conditioned WUE in a F 4 -derived soybean population obtained from a cross of 'Young' x PI416937. The purposes of this study were to identify WUE QTL in a F 2 -derived soybean population from a cross of 'S100' x 'Tokyo' and to determine the consistency of WUE QTL across the two soybean populations. A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) linkage map was created from 142 markers and 116 F 2 -derived lines of the population. The map covered about 1100 cM of the soybean genome with 120 markers linked on 25 linkage groups. Twenty-two of the markers remained genetically unlinked. The WUE of the parents and the F 2 -derived lines was evaluated in a greenhouse at Athens, GA, in 1996. S100 produced 9% more dry matter per unit of water used than did Tokyo. Progeny lines with greater WUE than S100 were identified in this population. Two independent markers were associated with WUE in this soybean population. There was no interaction between the two markers. One (A063E) of the two independent markers was also associated with WUE in the Young x P1416937 population. Marker A489H, on Linkage Group (LG) L, was unique to the S100 x Tokyo population and explained 14% of the variation in WUE in this soybean population. Interval mapping with MAPMAKER/QTL indicated that the most probable location of the QTL on LG L was at marker locus A489H. The likelihood of odds (LOD) score for the presence of a QTL at this location was 3.4. Thus, we have identified a previously unreported QTL for WUE on LG L.
On the Numerical Solution of Fractional Boundary Value Problems by a Spline Quasi-Interpolant Operator

Boundary value problems having fractional derivative in space are used in several fields, like biology, mechanical engineering, control theory, just to cite a few. In this paper we present a new numerical method for the solution of boundary value problems having Caputo derivative in space. We approximate the solution by the Schoenberg-Bernstein operator, which is a spline positive operator having shape-preserving properties. The unknown coefficients of the approximating operator are determined by a collocation method whose collocation matrices can be constructed efficiently by explicit formulas. The numerical experiments we conducted show that the proposed method is efficient and accurate.
Short term effects of soil disinfection with metham sodium and organic alternatives on nematode communities

Nematode communities are valuable bioindicators of soil disturbance induced by agricultural practices. We report the results of a short term experiment set on a field previously cultivated with shell beans, where different agricultural practices were applied, namely disinfection with chemicals or organic alternatives (neem, basil, marigold and clove oils). We provide a detailed description of the soil nematode community before and after the application of agricultural practices, in terms of trophic structure, nematode functional indices and diversity. We also employ network analysis techniques to analyze the structure of nematode assemblages on the basis of co-occurrence of genera in samples. Chemical disinfection had a direct lethal effect on all nematode genera reducing or even eliminating their populations, while organic amendments favored only the free living nematodes without affecting plant feeders. These differences were poorly reflected on changes of diversity and even less on those of nematode indices. Network analysis offered significant insights into the structural changes in the web of interactions among nematode genera. The network after chemical disinfection was smaller, poorly connected and almost entirely dependent on the dominant phytoparasite Paratylenchus. In the absence of chemicals, large and more complex networks were formed.
Rückbildung retinaler Fibrae medullares nach anteriorer ischämischer Optikusneuropathie

Fibrae medullares sind myelinisierte Axone retinaler Ganglienzellen, die als benigne Entwicklungsanomalie im Bereich der retinalen Nervenfaserschicht bei etwa 1% der Patienten vorkommen [1,2]. Über deren Veränderungen im Rahmen retinaler Pathologien ist in der Literatur nur wenig beschrieben. Anhand eines klinischen Fallberichts werden die morphologischen Veränderungen der Fibrae medullares im Zeitverlauf bei einer Patientin mit einer nicht arteriitischen, anterioren, ischämischen Optikusneuropathie (AION) mit einem kombinierten arteriovenösen Gefäßverschluss charakterisiert.
Seeing the unseen: evidence of kaupapa Māori health interventions

Māori in Aotearoa have higher incidence, prevalence and mortality from chronic disease. The dominant narrative in Aotearoa about the reasons for Māori ill health neglects to acknowledge the history of colonisation and failures of the health system, alongside the holistic view of health taken by Māori focusing on collective, whānau-based outcomes. In this article, we review health interventions for chronic disease that have a kaupapa Māori philosophical basis. Our findings demonstrate that there is no clear process in health service design, delivery, research and funding that values and understands mātauranga Māori. Western knowledge systems are inadequate for collecting and presenting Māori knowledge. Overall, we highlight that the tension between acknowledging that a “by Māori, for Māori” approach is best, and the difficulty in defining appropriate evidence collection methodology and outcome measures when funders and policy makers continue to require Western-centric interventions is an obstacle to improving Māori health outcomes.
The Use of Lepidochronology as a Tool of Analysis of Dynamic Features in the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica of the Adriatic Sea

Abstract The lepidochronological technique was used for estimating leaf and rhizome production and for detecting past flowerings of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica of the Adriatic Sea. Samples were collected during 1997 at shallow stands (6.5–8 m depth) at Otranto (Southern Adriatic Sea) and S. Domino (Tremiti Archipelago, Central Adriatic Sea). Leaf production was estimated for the current year at Otranto and for a total of four years (the current and three previous years) at S. Domino based on the conservation of leaf sheaths. Other dynamic features (i. e. leaf formation rate, rhizome elongation and production, and flowering) were estimated for a total of 12 years (the current year and 11 previous years) both at Otranto and S. Domino. Leaf production was 574 g DW m−2 year−1 at Otranto and varied from 509 to 587 g DW m−2 year−1 at S. Domino. Rhizome elongation varied from 0.5 to 1.3 cm year−1 at Otranto and from 0.5 to 0.8 cm year−1 at S. Domino, while rhizome production ranged from 13 to 70 g DW m−2 year−1 at Otranto and from 13 to 40 g DW m−2 year−1 at S. Domino. A significantly lower leaf formation rate was observed at Otranto in 1996, while this parameter did not show significant differences among years at S. Domino. Rhizome elongation and production differed among years at both sites, the two more recent years (1996−1997) accounting for lower values. The data concerning leaf production at Otranto and S. Domino meadows were comparable, whereas differences between sites were observed both in the leaf formation rate and in the rhizome growth. No flowerings were observed at Otranto, while a single floral stalk deriving from a flowering which occurred in autumn 1994, was recorded from the shoots taken at S. Domino. This suggests a low frequency of sexual reproduction of P. oceanica along the Italian coasts of the Adriatic Sea. Finally, we discuss the advantages and technical constraints undergone in the use of lepidochronology. This technique, in fact, was very suitable for estimating the annual variation of the leaf formation rate, rhizome elongation and production, whereas it showed a different efficiency in the estimation of the leaf production of previous years, due to the ‘status’ of the plant and the general features of the bed.
Open Earth Observations for Sustainable Urban Development

Our cities are the frontier where the battle to achieve the global sustainable development agenda over the next decade would be won or lost. This requires an evidence-based approach to local decision-making and resource allocation, which can only be possible if current gaps in urban data are bridged. Earth observation (EO) offers opportunities to provide timely, spatially disaggregated information that supports this need. Spatially disaggregated information, which is also demanded by cities for forward planning and land management, has not received much attention largely due to three reasons: (i) the cost of generating this data through traditional methods remains high; (ii) the technical capacity in geospatial sciences in many countries is low due to a shortage of skilled professionals who can find and/or process available data; and (iii) the inertia against disturbing routine workflows and adopting new practices that are not imposed through legal requirements at the country level. In support of overcoming the first two challenges, this paper discusses the importance of EO data in the urban context, how it is already being used by some city leaders for decision making, and what other applications it offers in the realm of urban sustainability monitoring. It also illustrates how the EO community, via the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and its members, is working to make this data more easily accessible and lower barriers of use by policymakers and urban practitioners that are interested in implementing and tracking sustainable development in their jurisdictions. The paper concludes by shining a light on the challenges that remain to be overcome for better adoption of EO data for urban decision making through better communication between the two groups, to enable a more effective alignment of the produced data with the users’ needs.
Mathematical model for lactic acid production from lactose in batch culture: Model development and simulation

The models available to describe lactic acid production do not seem to fit the experimental data very well, especially at the end of batch cultures. From a careful analysis of batch data, an unstructured model of the process has been derived, in which the specific growth rate variations and lactic acid concentration with time have been described by complemented logistic functions. Also, an additional term has been introduced into the Luedeking–Piret expression, taking into account the reduction in rate of lactic acid production observed at very low growth rate.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic tri‐ and tetra‐nucleotide microsatellite loci for the south China tiger Panthera tigris amoyensis

Eleven tri‐ and tetra‐nucleotide microsatellite loci from the south China tiger, Panthera tigris amoyensis, were isolated, and characterized in this paper. Among these microsatellite loci, one locus was monomorphic; among the remaining 10 loci, the number of observed alleles for each locus in 57 individual tigers ranged from four to nine, the expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.366 to 0.805 and 0.400 to 0.837, respectively, and the mean polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.609. Moreover, two loci (F41 and FCA391) were compared between the domestic cat and the south China tiger and differences in their flanking regions were found (5.9% for F41 and 4.8% for FCA391). These 10 polymorphic tri‐ and tetra‐nucleotide microsatellite markers would be very useful in the evaluation of tiger population structure and the genetic relationships among the individual tigers. Wenping Zhang and Zhihe Zhang contributed equally to this paper.
Phage FR38 Treatment on Sprague Dawley Rat Inferred from Blood Parameters and Organ Systems

The ability of phage FR38 to lysis indigenous Salmonella P38 from feces of diarrheal patient has been studied. However, effects of phage FR38 on organ system were not revealed as yet. This study was conducted to observe the effect of phage FR38 on blood chemistry, kidney functions, and liver functions. Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were used as a model for this study that were divided into two groups; (i) control and (ii) treated group with phage FR38. For treated phage group, each rat was administered by 5 ml/kg bw of 1.59·10 7 pfu/ml of phage intragastric. The blood parameters were analysed on day 16. The results revealed that body and organs weight, erythrocyte, hematocrit, hemoglobin, leukocyte, total protein, creatinine, SGOT, and SGPT of phage treatment rats were not significantly different with the control rats on day 16 (P > 0.05). Therefore, this study showed was no effect of phage FR38 on body weight, blood chemistry, kidney and liver functions of the rat (P > 0.05).
The Effect of Using Vitamin C, Hydrocortisone and Thiamine Triple Therapy inthe Treatment of Septic Shock - A Randomized Clinical Trial - Pilot Study

Citation: Reza Ronaghi. , et al. “The Effect of Using Vitamin C, Hydrocortisone and Thiamine Triple Therapy in the Treatment of Septic Shock A Randomized Clinical Trial Pilot Study”. EC Emergency Medicine and Critical Care 4.6 (2020): 109-118. *Corresponding Author: Reza Ronaghi, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA.
Effects of sulfate-starvation and re-supply on growth, NH4+ uptake and starch metabolism in Chlorella sorokiniana

Chlorella sorokinianaShihira & Krauss, strain 211/8K resuspended in a illuminated mediumshowed continuous growth, and concomitantly NH4 +in the medium depleted at a constant rate. Upon sulfate removal, i) growthdeclined, ceasing within 5 h; ii) NH4 + depletionbecame almost undetectable over 2 h; and iii) photosynthetic capacity (Pc) wasreduced over 24 h by 80% in the light, but was reduced by only30% in darkness. Over 24 h of S starvation the chlorophyll content ofilluminated cells decreased by 50%, whereas that of darkened cellsdecreased by only 10%. Sulfate-deprivation over 24 h resulted in anoticeable increase in the starch content of the cell and a net increase inthe pools of glutamate, glutamine, serine and asparagine. Cysteine content, incontrast, was decreased. Sulfate addition to cells starved of S for 24 hprovoked a sudden time-dependent increase in Pc and in an immediate renewal ofgrowth in light but not in darkness. Sulphate supply also caused a suddenenhancement of respiratory oxygen consumption and a prompt degradation ofstarch. Starch was degraded at a higher rate in illuminated than in darkenedcells. After the S addition, depletion of NH4 + inthe medium occurred at slowly increasing rates; amino acids decreasednoticeably over 4 h, where in contrast, cysteine increased noticeably.
Constrained Growth, Cambial Mortality, and Dendrochronology of Ancient Thuja occidentalis on Cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment: An Eastern Version of Bristlecone Pine?

Cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada have recently been shown to support an ancient forest dominated by Thuja occidentalis. Most of the trees are stunted and deformed, but the processes responsible for this have not been investigated. To deal with this problem, cores, cross sections, and intact trees of Thuja occidentalis up to 1,032 yr old were examined at sites along the escarpment. Radial growth rates as low as 0.05 mm yr-1 were found, but greater rates were found in the very oldest stems, which were also characterized by extensive cambial dieback and strip-bark growth. Less than 2% of the potential cambial surface was present in some trees. Few specimens over 100 yr old were free of cambial disruption, and most had lost half of their cambium between the ages of 130 and 280 yr. Loss of cambium and morphological distortion appear to be the result of the accumulation of point sources of damage over time; exfoliation of rock from beneath trees is suspected to be the principal stimulus. These growth, developmental, and ecological properties are similar to those described for Pinus longaeva. Both species show constrained growth, cambial mortality, and gross modifications to morphology. In addition, both species show great age only when cambial mortality is extensive. Despite the gross distortions of morphology, a 344-yr chronology was constructed from 28 cross-dated tree-ring series. Given the success to date in locating older individuals at many sites, the prospects are good for a millennia-long chronology for southern Ontario that can be used for climatic reconstruction.