Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING MEDIA pH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN GERANIUMS

Title of dissertation: FACTORS AFFECTING MEDIA pH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN GERANIUMS Carinne A. Raymond, Doctor of Philosophy, 2004 Dissertation directed by: Professor Marla McIntosh, Ph.D. Department of Natural Resource Sciences Consumer demand has prompted an increase in geranium breeding efforts to produce new cultivars each season. It is hypothesized that the breeding for unique morphological traits has inadvertently resulted in changing the plant’s ability to competitively take up nutrients. Under certain conditions, nutrient uptake of these novelty cultivars is less efficient, possibly caused by the influence of the geranium itself. Information collected from the container media is a good indicator of the container nutritional status and can be used as a diagnostic tool for early identification of nutritional problems and prevent plant loss. Severe nutrient deficiencies and toxicities have been associated with plants fertigated with low alkalinity water, suggesting that an unsteady pH in the rhizosphere coupled with low buffering capacity of irrigation water may cause preferential nutrient uptake. Maintaining a media pH that optimizes nutrient solubility while preventing interactions or precipitation is the goal for ensuring proper plant nutrition. Three experiments were performed to address the following objectives: 1. ) Evaluate the effects of the geranium cultivar and class on the container media. 2. ) Determine if media type affects nutrient availability and uptake by geraniums. 3. ) Identify if preferential nutrient uptake occurs in response to changing pH and water alkalinity levels in the container media. Results indicate that a significant reduction in media pH occurs for zonal and ivy geraniums during a specific stage of growth and that the effects of pH and water alkalinity on nutrient uptake and are highly specific to the nutrient tested and the media type. Significant interactions between water alkalinity and pH contributed to preferential uptake of several of the tested nutrients especially at low water alkalinities. Overall, the differences in uptake were in most cases specific to cultivar, the stage of growth and nutrient tested and should be considered when determining optimal fertility requirements for specific geranium cultivars. FACTORS AFFECTING MEDIA pH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN GERANIUMS By Carinne A. Raymond Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2004
Squashed Entanglement for Multipartite States and Entanglement Measures Based on the Mixed Convex Roof

New measures of multipartite entanglement are constructed based on two definitions of multipartite information and different methods of optimizing over extensions of the states. One is a generalization of the squashed entanglement where one takes the mutual information of parties conditioned on the state's extension and takes the infimum over such extensions. Additivity of the multipartite squashed entanglement is proved for both versions of the multipartite information which turn out to be related. The second one is based on taking classical extensions. This scheme is generalized, which enables to construct measures of entanglement based on the mixed convex roof of a quantity, which in contrast to the standard convex roof method involves optimization over all decompositions of a density matrix rather than just the decompositions into pure states. As one of the possible applications of these results we prove that any multipartite monotone is an upper bound on the amount of multipartite distillable key. The findings are finally related to analogous results in classical key agreement.
Entanglement and optimal strings of qubits for memory channels

We investigate the problem of enhancement of mutual information by encoding classical data into entangled input states of arbitrary length and show that while there is a threshold memory or correlation parameter beyond which entangled states outperform the separable states, resulting in a higher mutual information, this memory threshold increases toward unity as the length of the string increases. These observations imply that encoding classical data into entangled states may not enhance the classical capacity of quantum channels.
THE EFFECT OF ANTIBODY ON INTRACELLULAR PARASITISM OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM IN MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTES IN VITRO PROLONGED SURVIVAL O1~ IN~ECTED MONOCYTES IN PRESENCE OF ANTIBODY*

During Salmonella infections the phagocytic cells within lymphoid tissue of the intestine and in other parts of the RES 1 harbor the infectious agents during incubation and septicemia (1). In vitro studies have demonstrated that such intracdlular bacilli are protected from the action of circulating antibody (2). Contrariwise, the effect of antibody upon extraceUular Salmonella remains debatable in view of evidence obtained from in vivo or in ~itro experiments (3-7). Therefore, the relationship between circulating antibody and acquired immunity still requires test, although more recent observations on specific tolerance to the somatic Salmonella antigen have suggested a protective role of antibody (8). In this paper experiments are reported that demonstrated an effect of humoral antibody upon the interaction between Salmonella typhimurium and mononuclear phagocytes in ~itro. It has been found recently that successful facultative intracellular parasitism of Salmonella depends on the virulence of the strain used for the experiment (9). Thus, by choosing an organism which is able to survive and multiply within phagocytes in vitro, one can specifically study effect and site of action of antibody on both extraand intracellular Salmondlae in vitro while controlling other antibacterial mechanisms that may complicate animal experimentation (10, 11). Evidence is presented suggesting a synergism between humoral antibody and intracellular environment resulting in a more stabilized interaction between MN 1 and S. typhimurium. A popu-
Influenza virus multiplication in the chick chorioallantoic membrane.

SUMMARY: A description is given of techniques used for studying influenza virus infection of the allantoic and chorionic surfaces of the chick chorio-allantoic membrane. It was possible to infect one surface of the membrane at a time and to show that the two layers behaved independently and reacted differently. In contrast to the allantoic layer, the chorionic cells appeared to support only a single cycle of multiplication. This conclusion is based particularly on the small rise of infectivity which occurs following chorionic inoculation of virus, and on the proportion between the amount of virus inoculated and the yield of soluble antigen. Some evidence is presented which suggests that the elementary bodies are less readily released from chorionic cells than from the allantoic cells.
H-2 compatibility is required for T-cell-mediated lysis of target cells infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Maximal cell-mediated lysis of targets infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus occurs only within a H-2 compatible system. Syngeneic immune spleen cells are at least 100 times as effective as are allogeneic lymphocytes. Reciprocal restriction of cytotoxic T-cell activity has been shown to operative between H-2k, H-2d, and H-2b. Experiments with cogenic mice have localized the effect to the H-2 gene complex. Furthermore, the observation that lymphocytes from H-2a mice cause high specific 51Cr release from either H-2d virus-infected cells, indicates that identity at either the K or the D end of the H-2 gene complex is sufficient for this lytic interaction.
A statistical analysis of seismicity in Italy: The clustering properties

Abstract The clustering properties of Italian seismicity are analyzed statistically on the basis of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica seismic catalog. The traditional generalized Poisson model is found to be inefficient for a quantitative analysis. Based on the influence region , a new model is developed that allows to assess some spatial features of clustering as well. The results are the following: (1) there is no evidence of migration; (2) clustering is mostly originated by main shock-aftershock sequences; (3) cluster parameters are function of the region studied; (4) several different parameterizations are possible; and (5) the best fit is provided by an influence region of respectively 14 days to 60 days and 80 to 140 km.
Multivariate Mixtures of Erlangs for Density Estimation Under Censoring and Truncation

Multivariate mixtures of Erlang distributions form a versatile, yet analytically tractable, class of distributions making them suitable for multivariate density estimation. We present a flexible and effective fitting procedure for multivariate mixtures of Erlangs, which iteratively uses the EM algorithm, by introducing a computationally efficient initialization and adjustment strategy for the shape parameter vectors. We furthermore extend the EM algorithm for multivariate mixtures of Erlangs to be able to deal with censored and truncated data. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, which has been implemented in R, is demonstrated on simulated as well as real data sets.The Addendum for this paper are available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2593016
Temporal Common Trends of Topsoil Water Dynamics in a Humid Subtropical Forest Watershed

Research oriented toward understanding the hydrologic functioning of the relict “laurisilva” evergreen forests is scarce. This study focused on the analysis of temporal changes in soil water status under such humid subtropical stands and explored to what extent hydrologic fluxes may explain topsoil water dynamics. Hydrologic fluxes (potential evapotranspiration, canopy fog water dripping, and rainwater below the canopy) were computed for a 2‐yr period using in situ micrometeorological measurements in the Garajonay National Park cloud forest (Canary Islands). Time domain reflectometry (TDR) data were used to characterize soil water status at 0.15‐ and 0.30‐m depths in plots located at 1145, 1185, 1230, and 1270 m above sea level. The resulting eight daily TDR data sets were studied with dynamic factor analysis. The variability in the soil water status time series was simplified and successfully described (coefficient of efficiency = 0.717) with a single temporal trend dynamic factor model (DFM), representing unexplained variability common to all plots and monitoring depths. Comparison of DFMs with and without explanatory variables (i.e., hydrologic fluxes) indicates that unexplained variability in the observed data was partially reduced by the information provided by the hydrologic fluxes. The rainfall contribution to the soil surface, and to a lesser extent forest potential evapotranspiration, were necessary variables for describing temporal changes in topsoil water status; however, dripping fog water was found to be a negligible contributor. Dynamic factor analysis proved to be useful for studying the variability in multivariate hydrologic time series without the need of a priori detailed information about the underlying mechanisms governing soil water dynamics.
Toward a Protected Maritime Environment of Adriatic Region

Considering that Adriatic Sea constitutes an important oil transport highway for vessels shipping from Mediterranean Sea through the Otranto channel to the northern ports of Trieste, Koper and Rijeka. The later makes it one of the busiest and at the same time one of the most endangered areas in the Mediterranean Sea thus facing serious environmental threats.From an economic point of view, the Adriatic Sea plays an important role in tourism recreation and economy growth of the coastal countries, but, at the same time the region is one of the most developed industrial area. However, the risk and threat of maritime pollution from oil, hazardous and noxious substances may have equal catastrophic consequences for the environment and important sea-based economic activities. This area has been affected by numerous maritime incidents causing significant damage to the marine environment and to the regional and national coastal businesses. These incidents revealed the lack of cooperation and coordination of response units in regions and counties on both sides of the Adriatic to deal with such incidents at sea. This situation is further being supported from the lack of adequate response equipment, trained and qualified personnel and poor cross-border coordination among the bodies involved in the implementation of the national and regional contingency plans.This paper aims to represent an expanded view of the effects of maritime transport in Mediterranean Sea environment and will emphasize the urgent need for a better cooperation and coordination of all institutions involved in response to oil pollution in Adriatic region. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013. v4n9p223
Genetics of Warfarin Sensitivity in an Emergency Department Population with Thromboembolic

Background: Emergency department (ED) patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) are eventually treated with a standard dose of warfarin despite the fact that a number of patients are known to be sensitive to warfarin and may experience supra-therapeutic INRs and adverse bleeding events. Pharmacogenetics is an emerging field of medical practice that seeks to improve drug safety and efficacy in an individual patient by tailoring treatment to the patient’s known genetic makeup. Objective: To identify patients with risk for warfarin sensitivity among an ED population with VTE and to assess if the warfarin sensitivity mutations were of significant enough prevalence to be of clinical significance in customizing treatment of VTE. We sought in a pilot study to identify if testing for common CYP2C9 and VKORC1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients who were likely to begin warfarin treatment was feasible in an ED setting. Methods: A prospective study that identified and enrolled patients presenting to our ED with high clinical suspicion of VTE. Those with high clinical suspicion of VTE were defined as those who had a Doppler ultrasound or computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) ordered by the primary emergency physician. Blood was taken and processed to ascertain the following SNPs: CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, and VKORC1 3673. Results: Of the 194 patients enrolled, 132 (68.0%) had at least one known warfarin sensitivity mutation and 114 (58.8%) had the most clinically significant VKORC1 3673 mutation. Conclusion: A majority of our patients had at least one mutation associated with the atypical metabolism of warfarin. Over half of our population had the most clinically significant VKORC1 3673 mutation. They would likely benefit from individualized warfarin dosing if ever needing anticoagulation. Our initial pilot study shows that allele frequencies of target warfarin sensitivity SNPs in our patient population are frequent enough to make initiation of personalized warfarin dosing feasible. [West J Emerg Med. 2011;12(1):11-16. ]
Effectiveness of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Household-Level Evidence from Ethiopia

In response to climate change and variability, farmers use various adaptation strategies. This study examines theeffectiveness of those adaptation strategies in ensuring farmers’ food security in rural villages of Boricha fromsouthern Ethiopia. In addition to data obtained from meteorological stations, cross-sectional data is collectedinterviewing 208 farm households. Analyses show that there is climate change and variability in the area andhousehold adapt using various strategies. Two-Stage Least Square estimation results reveal that rainfall andtemperature variability have negative impact on household’s food security. Moreover, results confirmeffectiveness of climate adaptation strategies namely soil and water conservation, modern varieties and cropdiversification in mitigating climatic risks and ensuring household food security. Results also indicate thateducation, agricultural extension, access to market and credit are key factors enhancing adaptation decisions.Consequently, programs that augment households’ climate awareness and adaptation decision could helpreducing risks pertaining to climate.Keywords: Climate change and variability, adaptation strategies, household food security, Two-Stage LeastSquare, Boricha, Sidama, Ethiopia
Population Based Survey of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases at Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center, Southwest Ethiopia

Background Chronic Non-communicable Diseases are increasingly becoming more prevalent and burden to the health care system in developing countries including Ethiopia. However, evidences showing the magnitude of the problem in those countries are scarce particularly in a community setting. The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of chronic non communicable diseases in a community. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center from late September 2008 to end of January 2009. A random sample of 4,469 individuals aged 15-64 years was studied. Data on characteristics and chronic symptom inventories were collected by interviewing study participants. Blood pressure was taken three times from each individual and blood sugar and lipid levels were determined after an overnight fasting. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 16.0 and STATA 11. Results The overall prevalence of CNCD was 8.9% (7.8% men and 9.8% women). The specific observed prevalence were 0.5% for diabetes mellitus (DM), 2.6% for hypertension, 3.0% for cardiovascular diseases, 1.5% for asthma and 2.7% for mental illness. In addition 3.1% and 9.3% of the study population had been informed to have DM and hypertension respectively. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of CNCD among the study population indicating an immediate need for preventive action and also warrant further nationally representative study.
Mise au point d'un protocole experimental de separation granulometrique d'assemblages de nannofossiles calcaires; applications paleoecologiques et geochimiques

Calcareous nannofossils play an important role in biostratigraphy and paleoecology, though their study is often complicated by their reduced size. The methodology presented herein allows to separate the nannofossil assemblage into granulometrically and taxonomically homogeneous fractions. This method permits :a) the concentration of rare taxa in order to simplify their morphometric study; b) the geochemical analysis (stable isotopes and trace elements) of these fractions. The latter is helpful in many cases, especially when the analysis of major or minor taxa constituent of the assemblage is greatly complicated by the reduced particles dimensions. In this way, it will be possible to bring light to the ecological parameters of these taxa, as calcification temperature and other ecological requirements (salinity, nutrient concentrations).
O sensoriamento remoto como ferramenta para determinação de batimetria de baixios na Baía das Laranjeiras, Paranaguá - PR

Shallow waters represent potential risks to navigation inside estuaries. Therefore, they must be well described and data must be always updated. Traditional hydrographic methods have difficult to cover shallow areas due to them extension and low relief. An alternative is the use of satellite images for mapping the areas, with the advantage of low cost and quick results. In the north area of the Paranagua Estuarine Complex the last bathymetric survey was in the 50's so a new bathymetric mapping of these areas, even without the nautical chart's accuracy, is useful for studies planning, environmental modeling and small boats navigation. This study had the objective of generate bathymetric map of shallow areas in the Laranjeiras bay through remote sensing. The application of this method is not difficult and could be very useful in regions were there is no bathymetric data or need to be updated. The map obtained is very realistic inside the limits of 0,36 to 4,5 m water depth and important considering that nearly 75% of the Paranagua Estuarine Complex have depths less than 5 m.
Statistics and characteristic scales for bed load in a channel flow with sidewall effects

Results are presented for a long-duration sediment transport experiment with a plane bed. High-frequency time series of sediment concentration, sediment velocity and solid discharge per unit width were measured using image analysis of video records. A range of transport intensities from a single experiment has been analysed considering transport at different distances from the sidewalls as an independent variable. First and second order temporal statistics of the spatially-averaged values of the transport parameters are presented, which are in agreement with previous studies. A refined statistical analysis of the sediment concentration dynamics, reflecting bed load process, is also given. The characteristic scales of the sediment concentration dynamics are evaluated and analyzed in conjunction with those of the near-bed and bulk flow fields.
Trisomy 18: review of the clinical, etiologic, prognostic, and ethical aspects.

OBJECTIVE To review the clinical, etiological, diagnostic, and prognostic characteristics of trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). DATA SOURCES Scientific articles in the MedLine, Lilacs, and SciELO databases were searched using the descriptors 'trisomy 18' and 'Edwards syndrome'. The research was not limited to a specific time period and included all articles in such databases. DATA SYNTHESIS Edwards syndrome is a disease characterized by a broad clinical picture and a very reserved prognosis. There are descriptions of more than 130 different anomalies, which can involve virtually all organs and systems. Its findings are the result of the presence of three copies of chromosome 18. The main chromosomal constitution observed among these patients is a free trisomy of chromosome 18, which is associated with the phenomenon of nondisjunction, especially in maternal gametogenesis. Most fetuses with Edwards syndrome die during the embryonic and fetal life. The median of survival among live births has usually varied between 2.5 and 14.5 days. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge on the clinical picture and on the prognosis of Edwards syndrome patients is of great importance regarding the neonatal care and the decisions about invasive treatments. The speed to have a confirmed diagnosis is important for making decisions about medical procedures. Often, interventions are performed under emergency conditions, without many opportunities for discussion, and they involve difficult medical and ethical issues.