Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PINELLIA TERNATA (ARACEAE) A SILENT INHABITANT OF ITALIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS, OR SOMETHING MORE?

Pinellia ternata is a small geophyte endemic to East-Asia, and well-known in traditional herbal Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties and recently, as an ornamental plant. For these reasons it was cultivated in the past in many Botanical Gardens around the world and because of its dispersal capability, in some regions it has become a casual (adventitious) or naturalized neophyte. In Europe, P. ternata was apparently first introduced and cultivated in 1829 near Ascoli Piceno (Italy) and later also in Botanical Gardens in Florence and Pavia. Subsequent data testify to its presence as a weed in Botanical Gardens in Austria (Graz, Klagenfurt, Salzburg) and Germany (Erlangen, Berlin, Görlitz, Kufstein). Since about the beginning of the 20th century, P. ternata has been reported as a naturalized alien species in anthropic and natural environments in the Franconia region of Austria and in Graz cemetery. Our recent findings attest, for the first time, to the presence of P. ternata in Piemonte (Italy). The species has recently been found growing in the Turin Botanical Garden, as a weed in some flowerbeds. Further research, based on seed catalogues, herbarium specimens, and an unpublished illustrated plate from Iconographia Taurinensis, has antedated the presence of this species in the Garden to before 1850; it was cultivated as a medicinal herb and then became a weed. Moreover, a newly-acquired specimen in the Herbarium of Turin (TO) collected at Lombriasco reports the first occurrence in the wild of this plant in Piemonte, and probably the first in Italy.
Molecular cloning of two cDNAs from the head of the nurse honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) for coding related proteins of royal jelly

SUMMARYTwo cDNA clones designated pRJP57–1 and pRJP57–2 which code for related polypeptides of major royal jelly protein were identified from the λUni-ZAP XR library of nurse honey bee head cDNA. The nucleotide sequences of the cDNA inserts show a 70.2% identity. From the open reading frames of pRJP57–1 and pRJP57–2 the amino acid sequences for polypeptides of 467 and 464 amino acid residues were derived, showing an identity of 56.6%. No significant homology with hitherto known proteins was observed. Both proteins contain N-glycosylation sites, phosphorylation sites for three types of protein kinases and almost identical signal peptides. Northern analysis showed that total mRNA contains a high proportion of RJP57–1 and RJP57–2 mRNAs (8% and 2% respectively).
DISPERSAL MOVEMENTS AND SURVIVAL RATES OF JUVENILE MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS IN NORTHERN ARIZONA

We monitored dispersal movements of 19 radiotagged juvenile Mexican Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis Zucida) in northern Arizona during 1994 and 1995. All juveniles initiated dispersal movements in September or October during both years, with most dispersing during September. Initial dispersal movements were rapid and abrupt, but lacked a significant directional pattern. Distance from the nest to the last observed location and the most distant location reached ranged from 0.6-72.1 and 2.1-73.5 km for individual owls, respectively. These distances represent minimum estimates of dispersal capability because only one individual was tracked until it settled on a territory and paired. Owls used a variety of habitat types during dispersal, some of which differed markedly from typical nesting habitat for Mexican Spotted Owls. Four of five owls that were tracked past mid-November moved to lower elevation pinyon-juniper woodlands and at least one overwintered in pinyon-juniper woodland. Kaplan-Meier estimates of annual survival rate ranged from 20.5-28.7%, depending on whether we censored all owls with unknown fates or included suspected deaths as mortality events. Estimates differed significantly between years and confidence intervals were wide, suggesting that longer-term studies of lame numbers of owls will be reauired to obtain accurate and precise estimates of juvenile survival. Received
Research Planning in Cloud Technologies

Cloud computing is the latest effort in delivering computing resources as a service. It represents a shift away from computing as a product that is purchased, to computing as a service that is delivered to consumers over the internet from large-scale data centres – or “clouds”. Whilst cloud computing is gaining growing popularity in the IT industry, academia appeared to be lagging behind the rapid developments in this field. This paper is the first systematic review of peer-reviewed academic research published in this field, and aims to provide an overview of the swiftly developing advances in the technical foundations of cloud computing and their research efforts. Structured along the technical aspects on the cloud agenda, we discuss lessons from related technologies; advances in the introduction of protocols, interfaces, and standards; techniques for modelling and building clouds; and new use-cases arising through cloud computing.
Ethical Considerations during the Informed Consent Process for Acute Ischemic Stroke in International Clinical Trials

Introduction: Obtaining informed consent from acute ischemic stroke patients poses many challenges, especially in the context of a research setting. Specifically, consenting for alternative acute ischemic stroke treatments to the standard of care, Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), can cause delays leading to increased time to reperfusion and worse outcomes. Objectives: We sought to investigate the experiences of researchers in existing active-control trials in acute ischemic stroke comparing investigational therapy to tPA in order to identify the approaches and challenges in obtaining informed consent in this unique patient population. Methods: Out of 401 articles evaluated, 14 trials met inclusion criteria of patients receiving IV tPA vs alternative treatment within 4.5 hours of onset of symptoms for acute ischemic stroke. Trial representatives were emailed by the study team with a request for a copy of their patient consent form, other documents related to informed consent, and to complete a survey concerning aspects of the consent process. Results: Of the 6 trials conducted across 6 continents that completed the survey in its entirety, 2 were ongoing, 4 were published between 2009 and 2016, and the median NIHSS for each published trial was at least an 8. All published trials in the sample stated that informed consent was obtained, but only half reported involvement of a research ethics committee. Although 3 trials performed in Europe or Asia reported directly consenting 75-100% of enrolled patients, the median NIHSS for these trials represented a moderate stroke. Trials with 75-100% of patients directly consented had shorter door to treatment (DTT) times than trials that directly consented less than 50% of enrolled patients. 5 trials allowed consent by proxy, but only 2 of those trials also required patient assent. 4 trials had translators available and translated consent documents, and these trials had longer DTT times. All trials relied on experienced providers or dedicated research coordinators to obtain informed consent; however, only 2 of 6 trials mentioned specific training with regards to informed consent skills. Conclusions: The current informed consent process is not transparent and poses challenges to investigators in the USA directly comparing tPA to an alternative treatment. International differences in the standards of informed consent, such as deferred consent, may have allowed more patients with moderate strokes to provide direct consent after treatment administration without delaying DTT time. While targeted and innovative approaches for informed consent are needed to improve patient outcomes, we must balance protecting the autonomy of individuals whose willing involvement enables such pivotal discoveries. The stroke community must aim for efficiency, transparency, and inclusion of patients of diverse backgrounds in the informed consent process so that therapeutic advances are possible.
Executive Compensation and Analyst Guidance: The Link between CEO Pay and Expectations Management

During the last decade, a surprisingly high percentage of U.S. companies has fulfilled or beaten analysts’ earnings per share forecasts. One of the most frequently cited reasons for this growing tendency is a change in the nature of U.S. executive compensation structure. As stock options have become an increasingly important part of executive compensation, the preservation or enhancement of short term stock value around the earnings announcement has become a priority for managers. Besides earnings management, a widespread way to meet analyst expectations is to inject pessimism into their forecasts by providing analysts with negative clues, or so-called downward guidance. This paper is the first to investigate the relationship between the practice of analyst guidance and executive compensation packages. We document a strong link between expectations management and the relevant options component of CEO compensation, bonus plan payments, and the value of the firm's shares owned by its managing CEO. In a second set of tests, we show that firms that meet or beat analyst forecasts at the earnings announcement generate positive abnormal returns, which are significantly lower for firms suspected of managing expectations. JEL classification: G14; G24; M52
Glomerular cell culture.

: Glomerular cell culture has now become a widely used research technique. At the present time procedures are available to obtain isolated glomeruli from nearly all species. The isolation of individual cells has proven problematical. This is due to the lack of defined markers. Thus, it is not yet possible to determine the presence and relative degree of contamination by other glomerular or even nonglomerular, cell types. The importance of dealing with individual cell types, or defined mixtures, is exemplified by the variable results obtained in the assessment of prostaglandin synthesis within and between species. Several important bits of information have, nevertheless, evolved from glomerular cell culture experiments. The sites of synthesis of basement membrane components, as well as their composition, have been determined. Confirmation of the existence of a bone marrow-derived mesangial cell population and some of their properties has been obtained. The response of mesangial cells to, as well as their production of, various mediators has been shown. Finally, clear evidence for interspecies differences and similarities has been documented. Areas of controversy remain, including whether contractile mesangial cells are phagocytic, the presence of C3b receptors on epithelial cells, the amounts and types of certain extracellular matrix products synthesized by the various cell types, and the best methods for separation and culture of the individual glomerular cell types. There remain many fruitful areas for research. Fundamental questions such as the appropriate basal medium and supplements, the type of substrate, and the means to separate the individual cell types remain as unanswered or partially answered questions. When isolated cells are reliably obtained, the study of biosynthetic products in the resting and stimulated states must be again addressed. At that point, the effect of various and deliberate combinations of the glomerular cell types on the biosynthetic or proliferative responses will require further studies. For instance, although contractility mediated by receptors for angiotensin II has been assumed to be a specific property of mesangial cells, recent work shows that epithelial cells also respond to angiotensin II. In addition, the handling of immune complexes by various cells needs to be further investigated (43). Similarly, the pharmacologic response of the diverse populations of glomerular cells represents another area of study that has just begun. Finally, these data will provide the backdrop on which the analysis of various induced and genetic diseases can be performed. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The additive effects of two mutant genes on otolith formation in mice: an animal model to assess otolith function.

: This study examined the additive effects of two mutant genes, pallid (pa) and tilted head (th), on otolith formation in mice. Four strains of mice were bred: (1) a control strain, heterozygous for both pa and th. (2) a pallid strain, homozygous for pa, (3) a tilted head strain, homozygous for th, and (4) a double mutant strain, homozygous for both pa and th. The results were confirmed (1) behaviorally, by the animals' ability to swim, and (2) by histological examination of the inner ear. The findings suggest significant differences in mean otolith scores between all possible pairs of strains. As expected, the controls had normal otoliths and the pa/th strain the most severe otolith defects. Furthermore, there was a significant directional asymmetry in mean otolith scores between the utricle and saccule of the R and L ears for both pa and th strains. The results also showed a highly significant linear relationship between poor swimming ability and reduction of otoconia (r = 0.94, F = 92.14, p less than .001).
Allelopathic Potential of Legume Debris and Aqueous Extracts

Cotton and pitted morningglory emergence and dry weight decreased approximately 60 to 80% when these plants were grown under greenhouse conditions in the presence of increasing amounts (0.8 to 6.7 mg debris/g soil) of field-grown crimson clover or hairy vetch debris incorporated into the soil medium. Conversely, corn dry weight increased 20 to 75% when legume debris was placed on the soil surface; incorporated debris had very little effect on corn emergence or dry weight. Germination and seedling growth of corn, Italian ryegrass, cotton, pitted morningglory, and wild mustard decreased progressively, with species-dependent variation, when exposed to increasing concentrations (8.3 to 33.3 g debris/L) of aqueous crimson clover and hairy vetch extract. Mustard and ryegrass germination and growth were almost completely inhibited by full-strength extracts of both legumes. Bioassay species exhibited greater phytotoxic responses to hairy vetch than to crimson clover in the debris and extract studies. Emergence and growth of corn and cotton were not affected when planted into soil samples, containing root biomass and possible leaf and root exudates, collected from beneath field-grown hairy vetch and crimson clover plants. However, morningglory dry weight increased 35% in the presence of either legume root debris and accompanying soil.
Nutrient limitation of pelagic bacteria and phytoplankton in four prairie wetlands

The prairie pothole region of Saskatchewan is characterized by many shallow, highly productive wetlands which support a diverse floral and faunal assemblage. Although assumed to be detritally driven, recent research has revealed that algal communities, both pelagic and attached, may be of great importance in these systems. Bacteria may also be significant. Consequently, studies of factors, for example nutrients, which control microbial growth are needed but lacking. In this study, a suite of physiological tests, including nutrient enrichment bioassays, sestonic ratios, protein to carbohydrate ratios, alkaline phosphatase activity and 32 P (phosphorus) uptake and turnover times, were utilized at four prairie wetland sites to assess nutrient status of algal and bacterial communities. The results indicated that the communities were nutrient sufficient in all ponds for the majority of the ice free season. Sestonic and protein to carbohydrate ratios were within the nutrient sufficient range, alkaline phosphatase activity was low and 32 P uptake and turnover times were slow for the majority of the year. Only in October did 32 P uptake and turnover times indicate P-deficiency. The abundance of biologically available nutrients may be linked to pond hydrology and ability of sediments to sequester and subsequently release nutrients. It is also hypothesized that a number of mechanisms including competition for P and P bound to dissolved organic carbon, may be responsible for the P-deficiency noted in October.
Effects of Whitening Agents and Frozen Storage on the Quality of Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) Surimi: Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties

ABSTRACT This work is focused on the effect of using whitening agents (WA) during a process followed by frozen storage (4 months at −18°C) on the whiteness, quality parameters, and mechanical properties of sardine surimi. The whiteness of surimi exhibited a significant improvement when whitening agents (calcium carbonate and peroxide hydrogen) were used (48.75 to 60.24). Dynamic rheological measurement showed that storage moduli, G′, was considerably higher than loss moduli, G″, for both surimi with WA and control; however, the highest viscoelastic moduli were found in the treated surimi. In addition, the microstructure of surimi with WA showed more compact matrix and higher water holding capacity. On the other hand, most tested indexes showed quality losses throughout the frozen storage in both samples. Proteins underwent denaturation as indicated by the reduction in band intensities, especially myosin heavy chain (MHC) bands. Peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) measurements showed that lipid oxidation took place during storage; however, the degree of lipid oxidation was not relevant. Therefore, it was proved that the addition of whitening agents had a marked effect on the production of surimi with better functional attributes including whiteness, water holding capacity, and mechanical properties.
Arctic geese, migratory connectivity and agricultural change : calling the sorcerer's apprentice to order

The current favourable numerical status of most arctic-breeding goose populations conceals an increasing dependence on man-modified habitats for much of the year. Almost all populations are now heavily dependent on agricultural crops when the birds are away from the arctic breeding grounds. We examine the current understanding of the ecology of migration, highlighting the role of hot spots that provide fuelling stations which bridge the gap between the wintering and breeding grounds. Isotopic signatures of eggs indicate nutrients are being flown into the breeding grounds from afar. The susceptibility of geese to disturbance at these stopover sites, many of which are agricultural lands, may lead to reproductive failures. The near-complete loss of natural habitat, even in northern sites, makes the birds captive of agricultural policy. Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis staging on managed grassland on their spring stopover accumulate more fat but less protein compared to traditional sites, and there is evidence of lower breeding success for individuals feeding on cultivated grass. This population, breeding on Spitsbergen, has been closely followed during a phase of population increase over the past thirty years. We show that although locally on the breeding grounds density-dependent effects have been confirmed (lower reproductive output, enhanced emigration) new colonies are still arising, and there has been no slowing of overall growth of the population. Worldwide, the most spectacular response to agricultural change is that of the Lesser Snow Goose Anser caerulescens cuerulescens. The populations have become so numerous that their spring grubbing activities are having a deleterious impact on arctic wetlands where they breed. It would be erroneous to generalise this example to conclude all long-distance migrating geese should be reduced. Current management polices are insufficiently grounded in basic research on the interaction of geese and their food resources which must include experiments in view of impending climate change. We advocate a vigorous intensification of individual-based research programmes.
Dispersal of marked and released Lobesia botrana in a small isolated vineyard and the effect of synthetic sex pheromone on moth movement

Mobility of moths at the time of implementation of the mating disruption method, against Lobesia botrana, requires to maintain, around the vineyards a border area. Its width depends of the dispersal ability of egg laying females. This dispersal was studied by use of the « mark release capture » insect technique. Laboratory reared insects were colored externally or internally and released in the middle of a food trap network. A small surface around one release station was equiped with pheromone dispensers. Two main results for setting up the insect control were established : 1 - the virgin females were not very mobile and were only captured in low numbers by the food traps. Consequently it is impossible to use this trapping technique to evaluate the sucess of mating disruption and the hypothesis that females leave the vineyard impregnated with pheromone in order to be inseminated outside is improbable. 2 - the dispersal of females within the vineyard exceeds rarely 80 m. This value seems to define width of the protection area around the vineyards treated by the mating disruption technique, that are close to other highly infested vineyards.
Longevity of Weed Seeds After 5.5 Years in the Stoneville 50-Year Buried-Seed Study

Seeds of 20 weed species buried at depths of 8, 23, and 38 cm in 1972 and 1973 were exhumed at regular intervals and tested for viability and germination. Burial depth had little to no significant influence on longevity. After 5.5 yr 48% of johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. ], 36% of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.), 33% of purple moonflower (Ipomoea turbinata Lag.), 30% of spurred anoda [Anoda cristata (L.) Schlecht], 18% of hemp sesbania [Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) Cory], and 13% of pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa L.) seeds were still viable. No more than 6% of the original population for any other species was viable at 5.5 yr. Hard seeds comprised a high percentage of the longer-lived seeds. Seeds of longest-lived species were losing viability at an average of 26% of the existing population each year from 3.5 to 5.5 yr.
On the Bayesian estimator of interaction models with measurement error and misclassification in covariates

Measurement error and misclassification in covariates are commonly arising problems in statistical models. They have negative impacts on statistical inference about the outcome, including bias and large variability in estimators. Furthermore, in a statistical model, two or more covariates can interact, which in practice is quite challenging to deal with. One of the recent techniques is Bayesian method that incorporates the prior knowledge about parameters. In this research, Bayesian techniques are applied to the models with interaction terms, while addressing measurement error and misclassification. Moreover, through extensive simulation studies, Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms are used to implement the Bayesian methods.
The Eastern Larch Beetle in Alaska

Werner, Richard A. The eastern larch beetle in Alaska. Res. Pap. PNW-357. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station; 1986. 13 p. The eastern larch beetle (Dendroctonus simplex LeConte) exists throughout the range of tamarack (Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch) in interior Alaska where it has a 1-year life cycle. Beetles overwinter as adults in the bark of the trunk below snowline in infested trees. Tamarack trees that are slow growing because of repeated defoliation by larch bud moth (Zeiraphera sp.) or that inhabit cold wet river bottom sites underlain with permafrost are usually susceptible to attack by eastern larch beetles.
LAMINATES WITH UNDER/OVER LACING MADE BY AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT

In this paper, procedures to make triaxial composite laminates by Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) are introduced. The influence of the procedure on the deformation of the final laminate is shown. A few mechanical properties for two types of tow-interlacing laminates made by AFP are determined and compared with those of traditional unidirectional layer laminates.