Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NEST-SITE SELECTION IN RELATION TO TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE BY THE LIZARD SCELOPORUS UNDULATUS

Development and survival of reptilian embryos are affected by the temperature and moisture within the nest. Moreover, thermal and hydric conditions during incubation also affect phenotypes of hatchlings. Thus, females should select nest sites that enhance hatching success and produce hatchlings with phenotypes fit for the local environment. The objective of this study was to determine the substrate temperature and moisture conditions selected by eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) for nesting. In the laboratory, gravid females were housed in a large enclosure that provided suitable nesting substrate. Gradients of temperature and moisture within the substrate were established to provide a wide range of conditions from which females could choose. Fifteen (65%) females selected nest conditions within the moisture and temperature range that results in successful embryonic development. Two females (9%) nested in extremely dry conditions, and six females (26%) oviposited on the substrate surface. Females that nested in the field selected nest sites with similar conditions as females that nested in the laboratory. In general, we provide support for the idea that females choose nest sites with thermal and hydric conditions that are associated with positive hatching success.
Some aspects of the biology of the plerocercoid of Gilquinia squali Fabricius 1794 (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha)

The eyes of more than 24 000 northern North Sea whiting were examined for infection with Gilquinia squali plerocercoids. Infection, which is apparently non-seasonal, begins when the fish are aged 1 +, builds up to a peak at 2+ to 4+, and decreases thereafter. The intensity of infection ranged from 1–18 plerocercoids per fish. Evidence is presented of the development of immunity in whiting to G. squali, and observations on the parasite's eggs suggests that they are not randomly distributed but tend to aggregate. One or both of these features could give rise to the negative binomial type of frequency distribution observed. The frequency of left eye infection was consistently greater than that of right eye.
Canopy dynamics and growth of Pinusradiata.: I. Effects of irrigation and fertilization during a drought

A field experiment was commenced in 1983 in a 10-year-old plantation of Pinusradiata (D. Don) in the Australian Capital Territory to study the effects of varying levels of nutrition and water availability on the physiological processes controlling tree growth. The effects of treatments were accentuated by marked differences in precipitation during the first 2 years of the study. Tree canopies grew rapidly during the wet summer of 1983–1984, particularly with the addition of fertilizer. During the following dry summer transpiration by the large canopies rapidly depleted soil water, leading to severe water stress on nonirrigated plots. This stress restricted the expansion of new foliage, induced heavy shedding of foliage older than 1 year, and prevented stem growth during most of the summer. The stems of nonirrigated trees decreased in diameter for 4 months, and in the fertilized stand several trees died, while others suffered crown dieback. In the dry year, stem volume increments varied between 17 and 45 m.
Effect of different sources and levels of selenium on performance, meat quality, and tissue characteristics of broilers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary levels of inorganic and organic selenium (Se) on performance, meat physicochemical characteristics, and Se deposition in the tissues of broilers chickens. A total of 2,880 one-day-old broilers (Cobb 500 strain) were divided into 96 experimental pens of 30 birds each. The 12 experimental treatments were arranged in a factorial design of 4 × 3 [selenium levels of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60 ppm, and organic (selenium yeast, SY) or inorganic (sodium selenite, SS) sources of selenium and their association (SY + SS)], with 8 replicates in a completely randomized design. No differences (P > 0.05) among Se levels or sources were detected with regard to any performance parameters. The average values of ADFI, ADG, and FCR were 106 g/bird per day, 63 g/bird per day, and 1.684 kg/kg, respectively. No differences (P > 0.05) were found between treatments regarding pH (5.79) and shear force (30.08 kgf). Those birds receiving 0.15 ppm of Se showed a significantly higher (21.92%) cooking loss of breast meat (P
The Complex Regulation of Senescence

Everybody is familiar with the visual aspects of plant senescence. Color changes occurring in senescing leaves are, however, only one (albeit striking) symptom of the senescence process. As this process usually leads to cell, tissue, organ or even organism death, its timing is critical for plant fitness and, in an agricultural setting, for crop performance. It is therefore necessary to understand the mechanisms regulating senescence onset and rate, especially at the organ and (for annual species) organism level. Considering the importance of senescence for plant fitness, it is unsurprising that it is influenced by many environmental and genetic factors, rendering its detailed analysis challenging. Numerous molecular and transcriptomic studies have provided us with extensive lists of “senescence-associated genes” or “SAGs,” many of which may have functions in either the regulation or execution of senescence. Functional characterization has been initiated for a subset of SAGs, especially for transcription factors (mainly in the NAC/WRKY families) and protein kinases. A major challenge for senescence research is the efficient integration of available information (consisting of large –omic data sets and detailed single-gene/protein studies) into a more coherent picture, leading to new hypotheses and allowing us to address the most important open questions.
FinFET Modeling for IC Simulation and Design: Using the BSIM-CMG Standard

This book is the first to explain FinFET modeling for IC simulation and the industry standard - BSIM-CMG - describing the rush in demand for advancing the technology from planar to 3D architecture, as now enabled by the approved industry standard. The book gives a strong foundation on the physics and operation of FinFET, details aspects of the BSIM-CMG model such as surface potential, charge and current calculations, and includes a dedicated chapter on parameter extraction procedures, providing a step-by-step approach for the efficient extraction of model parameters. With this book you will learn: Why you should use FinFETThe physics and operation of FinFETDetails of the FinFET standard model (BSIM-CMG)Parameter extraction in BSIM-CMGFinFET circuit design and simulation Authored by the lead inventor and developer of FinFET, and developers of the BSIM-CM standard model, providing an experts insight into the specifications of the standard The first book on the industry-standard FinFET model - BSIM-CMG
Concurrent measurements of stem density, leaf and stem water potential, stomatal conductance and cavitation on a spaling of Thuja occidentalis L.

Abstract Concurrent estimates of stem density, leaf and stem water potential, stomatal conductance and ultrasonic acoustic emissions (cavitations) in an excised sapling of Thuja occidentalis L. were made. As the sapling dehydrated in air, the decline in leaf water potential to about - 2.0 MPa was followed by apparent rehydration of the foliage while the stem showed no sign of rehydration. The rate of acoustic emissions peaked prior to the onset of rehydration which coincided with virtual stomatal closure. There was a significant decline in stem density until maximum foliage rehydration level was reached. From this point, leaf water potential, stem water potential and stem density continued a relatively slow decline while acoustic emission rate and stomatal conductance remained low. Removal of the bark and majority of foliage from the sapling resulted in increased cavitation and more rapid deelines in leaf and stem water potential and stem density.
Optimal Income Taxation when Skills and Behavioral Elasticities are Heterogeneous

We solve a large class of multidimensional adverse selection problems with one observed action, to derive the nonlinear optimal income tax schedule when individuals differ along multiple unobserved characteristics. Based on a perturbation of the optimal allocation, our method allows individuals to have e.g. different skills and different taxable income elasticities. Our optimal tax formula generalizes the one with only one-dimensional source of heterogeneity and is numerically implementable. We find that, compared to the case where individuals differ only in skills, allowing them to also have heterogeous taxable income elasticities leads to substantially different optimal tax schedules and in particular, different asymptotic tax rates.
Caracterización del virus del Distemper (moquillo canino) en cultivos celulares, aislado de animales clínicamente enfermos.

Tlie beliavior o f Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), in primary cell culture and V E R O line cell culture, was evaluated. Different brain isolates o f CDV, obtained froni dogs wliich had died with a neurologic signology, were used. Histopathological and immunofluorescence ( I F ) studies wereperformed. Allbrains showedinclusion bodies andwere positive to the IFreaction. Each sample was inoculated i n bo th V E R O line cell culture and in t h e k idney dog primary cell one . T h e following paraineters were evaluated: a ) cytopathic e f f e c t production, b) reaction in the presence o f anti-CDV fluorescent conjugate, c ) haemoagglutination of red blood cells from dif ferent animal species and in dif ferent conditions and d)haeinoadsorption t o red blood cells. Results according to tlie parameters mentioned above were as follows: a ) There were no differences when V E R O line cells or priinary cell culture were used. Itwas possible to observe the cytopathic e f f ec t in the infected cells ancl no e f f e c t in t h e non-infected cells, b ) Antigenicity was n o t affected in 88% o f t h e samples positive t o IF ( the greater intensity was observed at 48 hours post-inoculation, c ) Only 58% o f the samples showed haemoadsorption capacity and d ) None of the samples sliowed liaeinoagglutination. There were n o significant differences between the street viruses and tlie vaccine ones.
A Kinetic Photometric Method for Serum γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase

A kinetic method is described for the determination of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in serum. Optimal conditions for the reaction were ascertained, normal values in milliunits per milliliter at 25° established, and the reliability of the method examined. γ-Glutamyl-p-nitroanilide in ammediol-HCl buffer at pH 8.2 is employed as substrate. The method requires only 0.1 ml. of serum and, using an automatic cuvet positioner and recorder as well as an automatic diluter, more than 60 determinations can be carried out in 1 hr. On the basis of a large number of determinations, the method was shown to be technically excellent and clinically valuable.
The route of entry and progression of infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus in Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum): a sequential immunohistochemical study.

Steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), fry were experimentally infected with infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) Round Butte 1983 (Type 1). Fry were sampled daily, before and during the epizootic. Fish tissues were tested for infectious virus by tissue culture assay and for IHNV nucleocapsid protein by alkaline phosphatase immunohistochemistry (APIH). The progression of virus through the tissues was followed by APIH until the fourteenth day. Viral infection progressed from two major sites: from the gills into the circulatory system; and from the oral region into the gastrointestinal tract and then into the circulatory system. Once in the blood, virus was disseminated to virtually every organ. Progression of IHNV within and between organs is discussed.
Immigration’s Impact on Bi-lateral Trade Formation: A Social Network Analysis Approach

In recent years, the proliferation of free trade agreements (FTA) has led to rapid economic boons and political security among nations. This study investigates whether the percentage of expats or permanent foreign residents plays a role in deciding which countries to partner with in bi-lateral FTAs. Previously, the reasons for FTA formation were believed to be primarily based upon economic, geographic, and political reasons. However, through the use of social network analysis, a larger picture can be mapped which allows for a more comprehensive understanding of key players in the current state of FTA formation in relation to the immigrant network that they share between them. More specifically, through computerized social network analysis, centrality can be calculated to determine the key players and the most central immigrant populations. When analyzing both the immigrant centrality in relation to FTA centrality, it becomes evident that there is a high correlation between the two factors. Thus, the findings highlight that immigration trends can be used as a predictor of FTA formation. As a result, it emphasizes the weight of immigration policy on the formation of bi-lateral FTAs.
Desenvolvimento e Avaliação do Sistema de Criação Aberta no Controle de Aphis gossypii Glover (Hem.: Aphididae) por Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Hym.: Aphidiidae) em Casa-de-Vegetação

This study was carried out in order to evaluate parasitism, search and dispersal capacities of the parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson), introduced through an open rearing system consisting of sorghum plants, with Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) as host. Aphis gossypii Glover was the target pest on potted sweet pepper plants in greenhouse. The percentage parasitism of A. gossypii was determined at nine distances varying from 0.5 - 3.35 m from the point when the open rearing system was introduced. The daily displacement of the parasitoid was measured by taking a sample at each of the nine distances every day during a period of five days. The parasitoid found all the colonies on the first day, with parasitism ranging from 5 to 13%. The percentage parasitism increased over time. On the fifth day, the sweet pepper plants placed at 0.5 and 1.0 m from the open rearing system showed 59 and 49% of parasitism, respectively, and at the largest distance (3.35 m) parasitism was 44%. The sorghum open rearing system appeared easy to manage and feasible for releasing the parasitoid L. testaceipes in greenhouse and the parasitoid showed capable of covering distances of at least 3.35 m during 24h.
IFN-αβ Promote Priming of Antigen-Specific CD8+ and CD4+ T Lymphocytes by Immunostimulatory DNA-Based Vaccines1

Immunostimulatory sequence (ISS) DNA containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides stimulate NK and APC to secrete proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-αβ and -γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 and -12, and to express costimulatory surface molecules such as CD40, B7-1, and B7-2. Although ISS DNA has little direct effect on T cells by these criteria, immunization of wild-type mice with ISS DNA and OVA results in Ag-specific CTL and Th1-type T helper activity. This investigation examines the mechanisms by which ISS DNA primes CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocyte activities. In this report we demonstrate that ISS DNA regulates the expression of costimulatory molecules and TAP via a novel autocrine or paracrine IFN-αβ pathway. Coordinated regulation of B7 costimulation and TAP-dependent cross-presentation results in priming of Ag-specific CD8+ CTL, whereas CD40, B7, and IL-12 costimulation is required for priming of CD4+ Th cells by ISS-based vaccines.
Hollow Structured Magnetic Particles of CoFe 2 O 4 and Their Magnetorheological Characteristics

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids as intelligently magneto-responsive materials are composed of magnetic particles dispersed in nonmagnetic liquid carriers, whose state can be rapidly changed from a liquid-like to solid-like under an external magnetic field [1-3]. When no magnetic field is applied, magnetic particles are randomly dispersed in liquid carriers and behave as like a Newtonian fluid. On the other hand, with an applied magnetic field, they can form a fibrillar structure within milliseconds aligning along the magnetic field direction due to a magnetic-polarization interaction between particles, exhibiting significantly enhanced rheological properties of shear viscosity, dynamic modulus, and yield stress. The field-induced transformation of MR fluids is similar to that of electrorheological (ER) fluids when exposed to an eclectic field. Due to the field-controllable properties, MR fluids have been widely developed in a range of engineering devices, such as shock absorbers, brakes, active dampers, etc. However, a mismatch could occur in MR fluids because the densities of magnetic particles (iron, iron oxide and iron alloys etc.) are much higher than that of nonmagnetic fluids (mineral oil, silicone oil, hydrocarbon, paraffin etc.). Therefore, a major concern in MR fluids today is to continue to improve dispersion stability. In order to solve the problem, many efforts have been made such as addition of surfactants, magnetic nanoparticles, thickening agents and coating the magnetizable particles by organic or inorganic materials [1, 4–7]. Recently, owing to the good dispersion stability, hollow structured magnetic materials have been employed for preparation of MR fluids [7, 8]. However, no any information about CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticle-based MR fluids has been reported. In this study, the hollow structured CoFe 2 O 4 nanospheres were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method and its MR effect was investigated.
The Promise and Perils of Wnt Signaling Through β-Catenin

Wnt pathways are involved in the control of gene expression, cell behavior, cell adhesion, and cell polarity. In addition, they often operate in combination with other signaling pathways. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is the best studied of the Wnt pathways and is highly conserved through evolution. In this pathway, Wnt signaling inhibits the degradation of β-catenin, which can regulate transcription of a number of genes. Some of the genes regulated are those associated with cancer and other diseases (for example, colorectal cancer and melanomas). As a result, components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are promising targets in the search for therapeutic agents. Information about Wnt pathways is available both in canonical terms and at the species level. In addition to the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, information is now available forDrosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, andXenopus. The STKE Connections Maps for these pathways provide an important tool in accessing this large body of complex information.
Soaring flight of monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Danaidae), during the late summer migration in southern Ontario

Adult Danaus plexippus in southern Ontario frequently engage in soaring flight during their late summer migration. They utilize both ascending air currents (lift) produced by winds blowing up slopes and thermals (bubbles or columns of air that are rising because they are warmer and lighter than the surrounding air). The butterflies appear to be very efficient and exhibit different flying techniques when encountering various types of lift. When the weather is favourable, soaring is the main mode of flight and the butterflies achieve heights above the ground of at least 300 m. Extended soaring flight in thermals was always associated with tail winds.A sample of 18 specimens gave an average mass of 566 ± 81 mg and an average wing loading of 0.018 ± 0.002 g/cm2 (1.77 N/m2). Gliding performance parameters were measured for two specimens ballasted to 450 mg and the results were extrapolated to 600-mg individuals. The energetic advantages of utilizing soaring flight in terms of extension of maximum range is disc.
What's new about lutoids ? A vacuolar system model from Hevea latex

Lutoids are lysosomal microvacuoles in Hevea brasiliensis latex that are easily isolated by differential centrifugation. They form a vacuolar model that has enabled some progress in research. Fresh lutoids or reconstituted tonoplast vesicles have been used to demonstrate ATPase and pyrophosphatase influx proton pumps and an NADH-cytochome c oxidase efflux proton pump. Various antiports have been described : H + /citrate, H + /basic amino acids, 2H + /Mg 2+ and H + /Ca 2+ . The existence of a 2H + /K + antiport seems probable and the existence of an ATPase Ca 2+ pump is suspected. An NAD(P)H-quinone reductase producing O 2 °- has also been described on this tonoplast. In addition to the classic range of acid hydrolases of lysosomes, lutoids contain acid and basic peroxidases and acid and basic defence proteins (chitinase/lyzozyme (hevamins) and β-glucanase). Hevein is a major protein found in the N-terminal position of several plant proteins of the lectin or chitin-binding type. It is directly involved in latex agglutination and coagulation. This is the first time that an agglutination process has been seen to be involved in latex coagulation. Other lutoid proteins may be linked with storage or stress. The stimulation of industrial-scale latex production by applying Ethrel to rubber trees modifies the quantity or activity of lutoid proteins or enzymes. The specific activities of ATPase, pyrophosphatase and chitinases are enhanced. Ethylene affects the quantity of the corresponding transcripts, at least for chitinase and hevein. Several lutoid proteins, including hevein and hevamin, are allergenic and are therefore of particular importance for certain items manufactured in latex.
Trapping of stored-product insects using flight traps outside traditional African storage granaries

Field experiment to trap and monitor the movement of insects associated with stored products in traditional African granaries was carried out in Bebuatsuan, Cross River State, Nigeria, between November 2006 and March 2007. Delta flight traps baited with multi-attractant pheromone lure and cracked maize grains, pheromone lure alone and maize grains and blanks were set up outside maize granaries designed based on the prevailing local pattern for 12 weeks. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean number of insects caught among treatments, and the combination of pheromone lure with cracked maize grain had an additive effect on trap catches. The population of major insects captured showed that Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) was the most prevalent insect species, followed by Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) and Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.). The sex ratios of captured S. zeamais showed a greater percentage of females than males, while for R. dominica, more females were caught in traps baited with pheromone lure plus cracked maize seeds and maize seeds alone, but less females were recorded in pheromone lure alone and blank traps respectively.