Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of environmental complexity on the worker morphometry of ant assemblages

The objective of the present study was to test whether environmental complexity influences the morphology of leaf litter worker ants, as predicted by the size-grain hypothesis. We collected data from three types of vegetation (shrubby, shrubby-arboreal, and arboreal) in Restinga da Marambaia, southeastern Brazil. The shrubby vegetation had a very superficial leaf litter compared to the other two vegetation types. We measured head width, body length, and femur length of the ants collected in each vegetation type. We used average head width (HW) as a proxy for body size. The shrubby-arboreal and arboreal vegetation types were assumed to represent more rugose environments than the shrubby vegetation. Leg length allometry was observed in each and all vegetation types. We did not find significant differences in body size and allometry of ant assemblage among vegetation types. Hence, the size-grain hypothesis was corroborated only for leg allometry, but it did not predict a general environmental influence on ant morphometry.
Handbook of biological control : principles and applications of biological control

Introduction. Preface and Acknowledgments. cope and Significance of Biological Control. Theories and Mechanisms of Natural Population Regulation. Principles and Processes: Systemics, Taxonomy and Biological Control. Molecular Methods in Classical Biological Control. Exploration for Natural Enemies. Quarantine: Concepts, Facilities and Procedures. Culture and Colonization. Life-Table Construction and Analysis for Evaluating Biological Control Agents. Evaluation of Biological Control with Experimental Methods. Evaluation of Results: Economics of Biological Control. Evaluation of Results: Economics of Biological Control. Periodic Release and Manipulation of Natural Enemies. Genetic Improvement and Other Genetic Considerations For Improving the Efficacy and Success Rate of Biological Control. Enhanced Biological Control Through Pesticide Safety. Environmental Management to Enhane Biological Control in Agroecosystems. Agents, Biology, and Methods: Biology of Parasitic Hymenoptera. Terrestrial Arthropod Predatiors of Insect and Mite Pests. Phytophagous Insects Used in Control of Weeds. Pathogens as Biological Control Agents for Insects. Cross Protection and Systemic Acquired Resistance for Control of Plant Diseases. Genetic Mechanisms for Engineering Host Resistance to Plant Viruses. Bacillus Thuringiensis in Biological Control. Nutrition of Entomophagous Insects and Other Arthropods. Factors Affecting Sex Ratio and Quality in the Culturing of Parasitic Hymenoptera: A Genetic and Evolutionary Perspective. Evolution of Pesticide Resistance in Natural Enemies. Hypovirulence to Control Fungal Pathogenesis. Applications. Controlling Soil Borne Pathogens. Biological Control in Subtropical and Tropical Crops. Biological Control in Deciduous Fruit Crops. Biological Control of Forest Insects. Enhancement of Biological Control in Annual Agricultural Environments. Glasshouse Environments. Controlling Foliar Pathogens. Biological Control of Insects and Mites on Grapes. Biological Control of Weeds in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments. Use of Pathogens in Weed Control. Biological Control of Insects in Urban Environments. Biological Control of Medical and Veterinary Pests. Control of Vertebrates. Classical Biological Control in Latin America: Past, Present and Future. Research and the Future. Social and Economic Factors Affecting Research and Implementation of Biological Control. Looking Forward: Biological Control Prospects.
Proteaceae 2, Grevillea

This is the second of two volumes descriing the Australian Proteaceae. The volume completes the treatment of the subfamily Grevillioideae, with over 640 species in trive Grevilleae (Grevillea, Hakea) and tribe Banksieae (Banksia, Dryandra, Musgravea and Austromuellera). Grevillea and Banksia, in particular, are conspicuous components of the Australian flora, and important in the horticultural and cut flower trades. In habit they range from rainforest trees to prostrate shrubs. Dryandra is endemic to south-western Western Australia, while Grevillea, Hakea and Banksia are widespread, especially in the southern states. Musgrevea and Austromuellera are confined to rainforests in Queensland.
Lab-on-a-chip for measuring uric acid in biological fluids

This paper describes a lab-on-a-chip for measuring uric acid in serum, plasma or urine. The lab-on-a-chip is composed by two dies: one is fabricated in polystyrene and contains the microchannels and the other is fabricated through a CMOS process and contains the photodetector and readout electronics. The uric acid concentration is measured by using a mixture of 14 μl of infinity uric acid reagent with 0.25 μl of sample. The achieved sensitivity is 0.33 mg/dl (±0.6% of human being urine values), with a 1 mm lightpath. Using an optical absorption method, a maximum peak at wavelength λ = 494 nm, is detected.
Selenium Isotope Studies in Plants - Development and Validation of a Novel Geochemical Tool and its Application to Organic Samples

Selenium (Se), being an essential nutrient and a toxin, enters the food chain mainly via plants. Selenium isotope signatures were proved to be an excellent redox tracer, making it a promising tool for the exploration of the Se cycle in plants. The analytical method is sensitive on organic samples and requires particular preparation methods, which were developed and validated in this study. Plant cultivation setups revealed the applicability of these methods to trace plant internal processes.
Contrasting niche-based variation in trophic morphology within Arctic charr populations

Hypothesis: The opportunity for inter-individual niche differences in contrasting resource environments can induce divergent natural selection in trophic morphology within single gene pools. Organisms: Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) caught in the littoral and pelagic habitats of two neighbouring sub-arctic lakes. Field sites: Two post-glacial lakes (Fjellfrøsvatn and Lille Rostavatn, North Norway) of similar size and physical structures, but with different fish diversities (two and six species, respectively). Methods: Analysis and comparison of trophic niche (habitat and diet usage) and trophic morphology (body form and head structure) data from individual fish. Only immature charr 19–25 cm long were used to reduce the effects of allometric growth and secondary sex traits. Conclusions: The utilization of multiple resource types has facilitated incipient steps towards the evolution of polymorphism in one lake, but not in the other. In Fjellfrøsvatn, individual specializations in benthivore and planktivore diet niches are correlated with inter-individual morphological differentiation. In contrast, the Arctic charr in Lille Rostavatn were restricted to zooplanktivory, and distinct morphological diversification was absent. We conclude that the two lakes have dissimilar opportunities for individual niche specialization and evolution of polymorphism.
Fibroblast growth factor-6 enhances CDK2 and MATK expression in microvesicles derived from human stem cells extracted from exfoliated deciduous teeth.

Background: Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are considered one of the most convenient sources of adult stem cells. This study aimed to examine the effect of fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF-6) on SHEDs and evaluate CDK2 and MATK gene expression in SHED-derived microvesicles (MVs). SHEDs were cultured from deciduous teeth pulp. Methods: SHEDs were divided into two groups: the control group and test groups, with and without FGF-6 supplementation, respectively. After the third passage, SHED proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. MVs were purified and CDK2 and MATK gene expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. SHEDs were identified by their positivity for CD90 and CD73, and negativity for CD45 and CD34. Results: SHEDs proliferation in the test group was significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.001). mRNA from SHED-derived MVs from the test group exhibited a markedly elevated expression of CDK2 and MATK, (P<0.002 and P<0.005, respectively) in comparison with those of the control group. FGF-6 enhanced the proliferation of SHEDs. Proliferation enhancement is favorable for the production of a large number of stem cells, which will then be beneficial for cell-based therapies. Conclusions: CDK2 and MATK genes in SHED-derived MVs can be used as molecular biomarkers for SHED proliferation.
Optimization of DNA Extraction from Seeds of Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.

Sudan Grass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf. ) is a fine annual forage of Gramineae, Sorghum Genus that thrives in warm natural environment, with strong resistance against drought and barren soil, high yield, strong regeneration capability. DNA of the grass seeds was extracted by optimized Moller’s method. The extraction of DNA is a premise for identifying Sorghum sudanense from malignant weed seeds such as Sorghum halepense by molecular biological methods. The effects of NH4Ac, different seed pretreatments, the ratio of seed powder to TES extraction solution volume (solid-liquid ratio), pyrolysis time, PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) on the DNA extraction were studied. Based on results above, an optimized method for DNA extraction from Sorghum sudanense seeds was established. The results showed that NH4Ac had no effect on DNA extraction from Sorghum sudanense seeds. Soaking seeds in warm water 20 min before grinding, 1:10 for solid-liquid ratio, pyrolysing for 60 min and 1.5% (w/v) PVP in extraction solution could promote the quantity and purity of DNA, respectively.
A theory based evaluation on possible measures which increase young NEETs employability

Using Prospective Evaluation Synthesis (PES) - a theory based evaluation method - and spatial distribution analysis of the young NEETs population in correlation with demographic and economic indicators at European, national, regional and county level, the research is looking for evidence on the factors influencing both the labour market (request and demand) and the success of active labour market policies (ALMPs) in increasing young NEETs employability and decreasing their number. Taking into account that Romania has the lower rate of registration of young NEETs to the Public Employment Services and that most of the active labour market measures are targeting only registered NEETs, the article reviews all Romanian policies designed to target young NEETs and finds they have limited impact. It also analyses the number of young NEETs, the regional disparities and county level disparities and it finds no correlation between the economic strength of the county and the presence of the NEETs. Considering the characteristics of young NEETs in Romania: their education level, their previous work experience (in average), their family responsibilities, the percentage of registered young NEETs and comparing Romanian policies with successful policies in other countries with similar profile of young NEETs the article concludes that in order to be effective, the tools planned and applied need to be highly customised and their success is still dependent on natural economic dynamics. However, further research is needed to determine the economic indicators with a positive effect over the young NEETs employability.
Clinical Nurses’ Knowledge and Educational Needs about Dizziness

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to investigate clinical nurses’ knowledge and educational needs about dizziness. One of the most frequent complaints among adult persons visiting the hospital is experiencing dizziness. Clinical nurses in the hospital play a crucial role in managing such patients. Methods: Our paper is a cross-sectional survey using structured instruments to evaluate clinical nurses’ knowledge and educational needs about dizziness. This study was conducted January through February 2018. Subjects were 246 clinical nurses in an outpatient, intensive care, internal medicine unit and emergency department at university hospital. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistics 21. Results: The average ofdizziness knowledge score was 57.66± 23.75 (range 0-100) and educational need was 3.55 ± . 47(range 0-5). There were significant differences in dizziness knowledge according to age (p < .001), working unit (p < .001), career duration (p < .001), change experience of unit (p < .001), dizziness patient care experience and participation in dizziness education (p < .001). There was positive correlation between knowledge of dizziness and the need for dizziness education (r= .26 p < .001). Conclusion: Results of this paper indicate that a dizziness education program is urgently needed for clinical nurses. Such a program should be seriously considered based on our results.
Physiological implications of natural versus induced arousal from torpor

Hibernation is a dynamic physiological process wherein animals cycle between periods of torpor and periods of interbout arousal. Periodically, animals spontaneously exit torpor and rewarm to euthermic Tb; this rewarming process is called arousal. Arousal from torpor is a rapid event. During arousal increases in oxygen consumption, Tb, and the restoration of blood flow occur asynchronously i.e. at different times and at different rates. In addition to natural arousals, animals can also be induced to arouse prematurely in response to mild disturbances. Historically, natural and induced arousals have been regarded as synonymous events. We question the verity of this assumption. To address this question, we have examined plasma metabolites and respiratory rate during natural and induced arousals. We are also examining markers of oxidative damage. Analysis of plasma metabolites has revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in lactate concentration during induced arousal whereas plasma glucose and free fatty acids levels are unchanged (p>0.05). Preliminary respirometry measurements indicate that the first 30 minutes of induced arousal may be differentially fueled or involve changes in acid/base regulation. Brain, heart, liver, and kidney samples collected from arousing animals at body temperatures of 10°, 20°, and 30°C are being assayed for indications of oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA.
The Impact of Surplus Sharing on the Stability of International Climate Agreements

This paper analyses stability of coalitions for greenhouse gas abatement under different sharing rules applied to the gains from cooperation. We use a 12-region model to examine internal and external stability of coalitions. We determine and compare stable coalitions under different surplus sharing rules; for example, grandfathering (sharing proportional to current emissions) and a number of equitable rules, i.e. sharing according to historical responsibilities for past emissions. Due to strong free-rider incentives we find only small stable coalitions for all sharing rules examined. We observe that stable coalitions consist of regions with low marginal abatement costs that are attractive partners in any coalition and regions receiving the highest shares of the surplus from cooperation under a particular sharing rule. We find that equitable rules may not be conducive to success: in fact, a grandfathering scheme leads to the most successful coalition in terms of global abatement and global welfare.
The origins, development, and fate of Clower's “stock-flow” general-equilibrium programme

ABSTRACT Before becoming the hallmark of macroeconomics à la Wynne Godley, the “stock-flow” analysis was already developed in microeconomics and general-equilibrium theory. The goal was to study the formation of economic plans and the determination of market prices when individuals were supposed to consume, produce, and hold commodities. I show that since the early 1950s, Robert W. Clower used the “stock-flow” price theory to offer microfoundations to a Keynesian business cycle model. I analyse the origins of this microfoundation programme, trace its development, and discuss its fate.
Facteurs de la fructification chez le cacaoyer (Theobroma cacao L.) : influence sur le nombre de graines par fruit

Etude de l'influence des facteurs intervenant pendant la fructification de divers cultivars de cacaoyers sur le nombre de cabosses, le nombre moyen de graines par cabosse et le poids moyen des graines. Les facteurs analyses sont : l'intensite de la floraison, le nombre moyen d'ovules par ovaire, la pollinisation, la germination du pollen, l'origine genetique du pollen, le fletrissement des fruits et certains facteurs nutritionnels. Le nombre de cabosses n'est lie ni a l'intensite de la floraison correspondante, ni au taux de pollinisation et de fletrissement des fruits. L'origine genetique du pollen, importante en pollinisation artificielle, ne semble pas jouer un role fondamental en pollinisation naturelle. Le nombre moyen de graines par cabosse varie avec le genotype de l'arbre-mere, l'origine genetique du pollen et des facteurs nutritionnels. Le poids moyen d'une graine depend de l'arbre porteur et des facteurs nutritionnels. Les roles de la pollinisation, de l'origine genetique du pollen, et du bore sont discutes
Clinical Investigations The Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D3 Supplementation on the Healing of the Proximal Humerus Fracture: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

The purpose of this study was to (1) quantify the healing process of the human osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture (PHF) expressed in terms of callus formation over the fracture region using BMD scanning, and (2) quantify the impact of medical intervention with vitamin D3 and calcium on the healing process of the human osteoporotic fracture. The conservatively treated PHF was chosen in order to follow the genuine fracture healing without influence of osteosynthetic materials or casts. Thirty women (mean age = 78 years; range = 58-88) with a PHF, osteoporosis or osteopenia (based on a hip scan, WHO criteria), and not taking any drugs related to bone formation, including calcium or vitamin D supplementation, were randomly assigned to either oral 800 IUvitamin D 3 plus 1 g calcium or placebo, in a double-blind prospective study. We measured bio- chemical, radiographic, and bone mineral density effect parameters to evaluate the impact on the healing pro- cess. Scanning procedures of the fractured shoulder in- cluded use of a fixation device to obtain the highest possible precision. Double scans of the fractured shoulder revealed a coefficient of variation (CV) on BMD measurements that improved from 2.8% imme- diately after fracture occurrence to 1.7% at 12 weeks (P = 0.003) approaching the 1.2% levels observed over the healthy shoulder. BMD was similar in the two groups at baseline (active 0.534 g/cm 2 vs. placebo 0.518 g/cm 2 ), and both increased over the 12-week observation period, with peak levels in week 6. By week 6 BMD levels were higher in the active group (0.623 g/cm 2 ) compared with the placebo group (0.570 g/cm 2 , P = 0.006). Thirty seven percent of the patients pre- sented with vitamin D levels below 30 nmol/l, indicative of mild vitamin D insufficiency. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that it is possible to quantify callus for- mation of the PHF with sufficiently high precision to demonstrate the positive influence of vitamin D3 and calcium over the first 6 weeks after fracture. Whether this results in more stable fractures, extends to other fracture types, or applies to other osteogenic bone agents such as bisphosphonates remains to be examined.
Therapeutics against Cancer Stem Cells: Targeting the Root of Cancer

The cancer stem cell hypothesis provides a useful framework with which to investigate the mechanisms of cancer initiation, progression, and treatment. Cells with stem cell-like properties have been implicated in tumor initiation, metastatic spread and disease evolution, as well therapeutic failure. While the roles of cancer stem cells continue to be defined, known stem cell signaling pathways and stem cell niche-regulated mechanisms of survival are emerging as targets to selectively eliminate cancer stem cells. In this chapter, these mechanisms and approaches for targeting cancer stem cells through these pathways will be discussed. Strategies will also be addressed for identifying novel pathways involved in cancer stem cell survival, and requirements for the clinical evaluation of cancer stem cell-targeted therapies. Keywords: Cancer stem cell; Self-renewal
Habitat Features Affecting Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu Nesting Success in Four Northern Wisconsin Lakes

Evaluating spawning success in relation to habitat characteristics of nests sites provides critical information necessary to assess the effects riparian and littoral zone habitat alterations have on smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu survival and recruitment. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate smallmouth bass nest site quality in lakes in order to evaluate the importance habitat features have on nesting success. We evaluated smallmouth bass eggs survival and fry production as a function of nest characteristics in four northern Wisconsin lakes from 1998 to 2000 using simple and multiple linear regression analyses. Mean smallmouth bass egg survival and fry production were significantly different (analysis of variance [ANOVA]) among lakes; nests in Big Crooked and Bear Lakes had higher egg survival and fry production than Pallette and Sanford Lakes. Relations were variable among lakes, indicating that no simple habitat feature consistently predicted nest success across lakes. Habitat features accounted for up to 27 percent (distance to nest cover) of the variation in egg survival and 50 percent (diameter of nearest log cover) on the variation in fry production. Measures of substrate size were the most predominant nest characteristic associated with variation in both egg survival and fry production among lakes but they were not significant in all lakes. Other features related to nest cover, nest position, and morphology explained some variation in egg survival and fry production but they were inconsistent across lakes. This study shows that habitat characteristics affecting smallmouth bass nesting success are extremely variable across lakes and will require further study to elucidate how habitat quality influences nesting success.
Climate effects on grapefruit and lemons

Abstract Not Available – First paragraph follows: Two previous articles in California Agriculture (November 1972 and April 1974) have repofled some climate effects on oranges and mandarins. This third and final report covers data obtained on Frost Marsh nucellar and Redblush nucellar grapefruit harvested over a period of five crop seasons beginning with 1967-68. Eureka and Lisbon lemons were harvested over four seasons beginning with 1968-69.
Przeciwzapalna funkcja komórek mikrogleju w świetle najnowszych badań naukowych

Komórki mikrogleju są reprezentantami układu immunologicznego w ośrodkowym układzie nerwowym (OUN). Od dawna były postrzegane jako główny agresor, indukujący i podtrzymujący procesy zapalne i neurodegeneracyjne w OUN. Ostatnie doniesienia naukowe wskazują jednak, że mogą one pełnić istotną rolę ochronną. W niniejszej pracy przedstawiono dowody naukowe, podkreślające ich właściwości przeciwzapalne. Komórki mikrogleju podlegają aktywacji na dwa różne sposoby, co powoduje powstanie dwóch odmiennych fenotypów: klasycznego zapalnego oraz alternatywnego przeciwzapalnego. Ten ostatni charakteryzuje się m.in. ekspresją CD200 oraz fraktalkiny. Alternatywnie aktywowany mikroglej produkuje również cytokiny prozapalne, których wpływ na otaczające komórki nie do końca wiąże się tylko z ich destrukcją, lecz także niejednokrotnie z procesami neuroregeneracji i mielinizacji. Być może przedstawienie najnowszych doniesień skieruje uwagę badaczy na nowe narzędzia mogące znaleźć zastosowanie w zapobieganiu i leczeniu chorób OUN poprzez wykorzystanie przeciwzapalnych właściwości komórek, które wciąż uważa się za komórki prozapalne.