Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF A NARROWLY ENDEMIC TACHYCINETA SWALLOW IN DRY , SEASONAL FOREST IN COASTAL PERU

– The recent species status of the Tumbes Swallow (Tachycineta stolzmanni) emphasized our lack of even basic life history understanding for this species. Found only in the threatened seasonally dry tropical forests of the Tumbesian region, T. stolzmanni may be at risk itself. We studied breeding birds in northwestern Peru using nest boxes, which supported 37 total nesting attempts during the particularly arid season of 2010–2011. The hot, dry habitat poses unique challenges for the fauna that inhabit it, allowing for insights into the biology of tropical arid environment birds and developments within the realm of Tachycineta comparative ecology. Compared with other members in the genus, T. stolzmanni exhibited a smaller clutch size, a reduced egg volume, longer incubation and nestling periods, and a low nestling growth rate. Adults were smaller than their congeners and some individuals exhibited molt-breeding overlap. We argue that due to its restricted range and specific habitat preference, T. stolzmanni may be less abundant than is presently recognized and cite the need for establishing an estimate of the global population size in light of rapid habitat degradation and climate change. Accepted 26 March 2012.
Use of Ranks in One-Criterion Variance Analysis

Abstract Given C samples, with n i observations in the ith sample, a test of the hypothesis that the samples are from the same population may be made by ranking the observations from from 1 to Σn i (giving each observation in a group of ties the mean of the ranks tied for), finding the C sums of ranks, and computing a statistic H. Under the stated hypothesis, H is distributed approximately as χ2(C – 1), unless the samples are too small, in which case special approximations or exact tables are provided. One of the most important applications of the test is in detecting differences among the population means. * * Based in part on research supported by the Office of Naval Research at the Statistical Research Center, University of Chicago.
Effects of Spray Drying and Spray Chilling on Ibuprofen Dissolution

The formulation of hydrophobic drugs for oral drug delivery is challenging due to poor solubility, poor dissolution and poor wetting of these drugs. Consequently, the aim of this study was to improve the dissolution of a model poorly water soluble drug, ibuprofen. Microparticles containing ibuprofen were produced by spray drying and spray chilling technology in the absence/presence of a hydrophilic surfactant. Poloxamer 127, tri-block copolymer, was chosen as the hydrophilic surfactant to improve drug particle wettability and hence the dissolution rate. The prepared formulations were evaluated for in vitro dissolution and intrinsic solubility. In addition, the produced drug particles were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). SEM revealed changes in the surface morphology of processed ibuprofen, suggesting the effective formation of the drug particles. DSC data showed shifting of the melting peak of the drug towards lower melting temperature in the prepared particles, indicating the possibility of drug /polymer interaction. The results of the dissolution studies of spray dried ibuprofen and spray dried ibuprofen/Poloxamer 127 particles significantly (p<0.05) increased the percentage of drug release compared to the control (ibuprofen raw material). For spray chilling, the prepared particles did not improve the dissolution of the drug. The dissolution was even less than that of the control. DSC and FT-IR results demonstrated that spray drying reduced drug crystallinity, but for spray chilled particles there was evidence of polymorphic changes in the drug with and without the surfactant. Consequently, it is believed that spray drying of ibuprofen is a useful tool to improve wettability, solubility and hence the dissolution behavior of poorly water soluble drugs, in contrast to spray chilling technique.
Invasion fronts on graphs: The Fisher-KPP equation on homogeneous trees and Erdős-Réyni graphs

We study the dynamics of the Fisher-KPP equation on the infinite homogeneous tree and Erd\H{o}s-R\'eyni random graphs. We assume initial data that is zero everywhere except at a single node. For the case of the homogeneous tree, the solution will either form a traveling front or converge pointwise to zero. This dichotomy is determined by the linear spreading speed and we compute critical values of the diffusion parameter for which the spreading speed is zero and maximal and prove that the system is linearly determined. We also study the growth of the total population in the network and identify the exponential growth rate as a function of the diffusion coefficient, $\alpha$. Finally, we make predictions for the Fisher-KPP equation on Erd\H{o}s-R\'enyi random graphs based upon the results on the homogeneous tree. When $\alpha$ is small we observe via numerical simulations that mean arrival times are linearly related to distance from the initial node and the speed of invasion is well approximated by the linear spreading speed on the tree. Furthermore, we observe that exponential growth rates of the total population on the random network can be bounded by growth rates on the homogeneous tree and provide an explanation for the sub-linear exponential growth rates that occur for small diffusion.
Typhoon enhancement of N and P release from litter and changes in the litter N:P ratio in a subtropical tidal wetland

Litter production and decomposition are key processes controlling the capacity of wetland to store and cycle carbon (C) and nutrients. Typhoons deposit large amounts of green and semi-green (between green and withered) plant tissues and withered litter (normal litter) on wetland soils, generating a pulse of litter production. Climatic models project an increase in typhoon intensity and frequency. Elucidating the impacts of typhoons on C, N and P cycles and storage capacities in subtropical and tropical wetland areas is thus important. We analyzed the patterns and changes of litter decomposition after a typhoon in the Minjiang River estuary in southeastern China. Green litter decomposed the fastest, and the loss of mass did not differ significantly between semi-green litter, withered litter and mixed litter (all soil litter after a typhoon). During the decomposition process the remaining green litter had the highest, and withered litter the lowest N and P concentrations. The biomass loss rate of litter during the studied period was related to the initial litter N and P concentrations. Remaining litter generally increased its N:P ratio during decomposition. The ratio of the released N and P was consequently lower than the initial N:P ratio in all litter types. The typhoon enhanced the release of C, N and P from the litter (884, 12.3 and 6 kg ha−1, respectively) by 264 days after the typhoon. The soil was accordingly enriched with organic matter and nutrients for several months, which should favor microbial growth rates (higher C, N and P availability and lower C:nutrient and N:P ratios) and increase the rates of C and nutrient cycling. If the frequency and/or intensity of typhoons increase, a constant increase in the release of N and P to the soil with lower N:P ratios could change the N and P cycles in wetlands and provide better conditions for the spread of fast-growing species.
X IS A JOURNEY: Embodied Simulation in Metaphor Interpretation

This essay compares simulation-based accounts of metaphor processing recently proposed by Gibbs (2006a) and Ritchie (2006), using examples of metaphors based on the metaphor vehicle “journey” from four different texts. From analysis of these different examples, it is concluded that simulation may come into play at different levels, depending on the metaphor and the context in which it is used. Further, it is suggested that the imaginative simulation of the object or action named by a metaphor vehicle, proposed by Gibbs, incorporates a partial subset of detail-level perceptual simulators. This leads to the proposal that the two models describe cognitive processes that operate at different levels or stages in the metaphor interpretation process, and that they might usefully be merged into a single more comprehensive model of embodied metaphor interpretation. The more comprehensive model provides a richer theoretical context for understanding how reuse and modification of a particular metaphor (Cameron, 2007) as well as the use of apparently different metaphors that activate similar simulations can influence comprehension, and how skilled orators can use these effects to accomplish complex communicative objectives (e.g., Blair, 2005; Obst, 2003).
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CHAGHARZAI VALLEY, DISTRICT BUNER, PAKISTAN

Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants was recorded during summer 2004, in 22 villages of Chagharzai valley, District Buner. The study revealed 141 plant species belonging to 120 genera and 26 families are being used as medicine. The local people know the prospect and nature of the plant utilization, through personal experiences and ancestral prescriptions. The study also revealed that old aged people particularly women posses strong folk love of medicinal plants in comparison to young people. It was concluded that some plants are used singly while many other are used in combination. Similarly few plant species are used for the treatment of a specific disease, while several other have multiple uses. The plants were mainly used as stomachic, anti-allergic, antineuralgia, vermifuge, narcotic, laxative, anti jaundice, emollient, hypnotic, diuretic, digestive, demulcent, carminative, astringent, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, anti-emetic, anti-diabetic, anthelmentic, anodyne and alterative. The present investigation will help in the preservation of indigenous knowledge of the local people, which is depleting day by day.
Tactical Opportunities, Risk Attitude and Choice of Farming Strategy: an Application of the Distribution Method

When assessing farming strategies, it is important to account for the opportunities provided for tactically adjusting to outcomes of risk. The hypothesis that accounting for tactical adjustment is more important than accounting for risk attitude was supported in this study with regard to identifying the optimal drainage recirculation strategy for an irrigated dairy farm. Failing to account for tactical adjustment would lead to a sub‐optimal choice, costing the farmer about A$3 100 in present value terms. In contrast, failing to account for risk aversion would not affect the strategy chosen. The distribution method was found to be well suited to modelling tactical adjustment.
Association of Colorectal Cancer Type and P53, Pten and Mlh1 Genes in Northern Saudi Arabia

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, being the third most common cancer in the world and the fourth most common cause of death [1-3]. Globally, CRC represents 9.4% of all incident cancer in men and 10.1% in women. CRC, however, is not uniformly common throughout the world [4]. The incidence rate varies up to 10fold between countries with the highest rates and those with the lowest rates [1,5].
Multi-Constellation GNSS Performance Evaluation for Urban Canyons Using Large Virtual Reality City Models

Positioning using the Global Positioning System (GPS) is unreliable in dense urban areas with tall buildings and/or narrow streets, known as ‘urban canyons’. This is because the buildings block, reflect or diffract the signals from many of the satellites. This paper investigates the use of 3-Dimensional (3-D) building models to predict satellite visibility. To predict Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) performance using 3-D building models, a simulation has been developed. A few optimized methods to improve the efficiency of the simulation for real-time purposes were implemented. Diffraction effects of satellite signals were considered to improve accuracy. The simulation is validated using real-world GPS and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS) observations. The performance of current and future GNSS in urban canyons is then assessed by simulation using an architectural city model of London with decimetre-level accuracy. GNSS availability, integrity and precision is evaluated over pedestrian and vehicle routes within city canyons using different combinations of GNSS constellations. The results show that using GPS and GLONASS together cannot guarantee 24-hour reliable positioning in urban canyons. However, with the addition of Galileo and Compass, currently under construction, reliable GNSS performance can be obtained at most, but not all, of the locations in the test scenarios. The modelling also demonstrates that GNSS availability is poorer for pedestrians than for vehicles and verifies that cross-street positioning errors are typically larger than along-street due to the geometrical constraints imposed by the buildings. For many applications, this modelling technique could also be used to predict the best route through a city at a given time, or the best time to perform GNSS positioning at a given location.
The Effects of Pharmacotherapy and Training on Functional Recovery after Global and Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

The brain is an organ which is constantly modulated by our experiences. Moreover, the brain is capable of reorganization following injuries, such as stroke. There is evidence that adaptive reorganization can be supported by rehabilitative training and pharmacotherapy. We investigated the recovery promoting significance of two catecholaminergic agents: an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, atipamezole, and a monoamine oxidase type-B (MAO-B) inhibitor, selegiline, in experimental models of focal and global cerebral ischemia. We also studied the efficacy of spontaneous training in an enriched environment in these two stroke models. The outcome of these treatments was assessed by different behavioural tests. The effect of housing in an enriched environment on hippocampal function was studied by Fos-staining following a learning experience in a water-maze test. We found that atipamezole treatment facilitated recovery following focal cerebral ischemia in sensorimotor tests. However, it is not clear whether atipamezole treatment actually enhanced the recovery or only hastened it, since ischemic animals eventually reached the same performance level as the drug treated rats. Selegiline treatment was found to attenuate the cognitive deficit following focal cerebral ischemia, but this effect was dependent upon concomitant rehabilitative training. The rehabilitative training with an enriched-environment housing facilitated the recovery from a spatial learning deficit and abolished the hyperactivity following global cerebral ischemia. When assessed after a learning situation the enrichedenvironment housing increased the activation of hippocampus in the dentate gyrus revealed by activation of Fos-positive neurons in sham-operated rats and in their counterparts subjected to global ischemia. In conclusion, recent evidence has shown that atipamezole and selegiline can both be considered as good candidates for recovery promoting agents following stroke. Furthermore, these data show that rehabilitative training also plays an important role in the recovery and may even be necessary if one is to achieve the recovery promoting pharmacologic effects. National Library of Medicine Classification: WL 355, QY 58 Medical Subject Headings: brain ischemia; ischemic attack, transient; brain/drug effects; environment; housing, animal; motor activity/drug effects; maze learning; adrenergic alpha-antagonists; receptors, adrenergic, alpha-2; selegiline; rats; animal
The Relationship between Using Social Media with Internet Addiction and Anxiety among University Students

The global network of Internet, as one of the most outstanding communication and information technologies, indicates the technological development of the modern man, and its role in making changes social changes cannot be ignored. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the using social media, Internet addiction and anxiety among university students. The study is a cross-sectional survey of correlational type. The statistical population of the study consisted of all Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Iran. First, all the students of the university were divided into three groups of Humanities, Engineering and Sciences and 345 students were selected using random cluster sampling. The data-gathering instruments of the study included Beck Anxiety Inventory (1996), Young’s Internet addiction Test (1988) and a researcher-made questionnaire on social networks use. To analyze the collected data, SPSS version 19 in two parts of descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) was used. The data analysis showed that there was not a significant relationship between using social media and anxiety. However, there was a significant relationship between using social media and Internet addiction based on sex, age and educational group variables and this difference between age groups and girls and boys was not significant. Among educational groups, Internet addiction in the fields of Sciences was less than other fields in Humanities and Engineering. As a result, using Internet, because of the false attractions it creates for users, gradually addicts the users and can provide their psychological and emotional needs. Therefore, replacing presence and interaction with people in real world with Internet social media disrupts users’ social and emotional communications.
The Effects of Co-Administration of Azadirachta indica and Gongronema latifolium on the Liver of Plasmodium beighei Infected Swiss Albino Mice

The effects of co-administration of Azadirachta indica and Gongronema latifolium on the liver of Plasmodium beighei infected Swiss albino mice was evaluated. Thirty mice divided into 6 groups of 5 animals each were used for this study. Healthy control group was not infected with. Other group was infected by intraperitoneal injection of P. beighei. Once parasitaemia was confirmed, treatment groups were assigned; Group A received distilled water at 10ml/kg body weight. Group B was not given any extracts. Groups C was given G.latifolium extract at 500mg/kg body weight. Groups D was given A. indica extract at 500 mg/kg body weight. Group E received both extracts at 500 mg/kg each. Â Group F received Artemether at 1.6mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. The extracts were administered orally for 5 days. The animals were sacrificed after blood was obtained for serum liver enzymes estimation. The liver were processed for histological study using H and E. Histology of the liver showed sinusoidal congestion and hepatocyte necrosis in the diseased control and steatosis, loss of normal sinusoidal architecture, necrosis of hepatocytes and portal tract inflammation in the A. indica only group. The groups administered G. latifolium, both singly and in combination with A. indica had normal liver histology. The liver enzyme ALT was significantly (p
Influence of selected insecticides on enzyme activities in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) soils.

The influence of acephate and imidacloprid on important soil enzyme activities, such as dehydrogenase and urease in two groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) soils, collected from Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India, was studied under laboratory conditions. The activity of dehydrogenase, in terms of formazan formed from triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, was more pronounced in both soils treated with 2.5 kg ha of the acephate and imidacloprid. But higher concentrations (5.0, 7.5 and 10 kg ha) were toxic to dehydrogenase activity. The activity of urease in terms of ammonia formed from hydrolysis of urea was higher in both soils, treated with acephate and imidacloprid at 5.0 kg ha, but higher levels (7.5 and 10 kg ha) were toxic or innocuous to urease activity. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Combinatorial screening for new materials in unconstrained composition space with machine learning

Typically, computational screens for new materials sharply constrain the compositional search space, structural search space, or both, for the sake of tractability. To lift these constraints, we construct a machine learning model from a database of thousands of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The resulting model can predict the thermodynamic stability of arbitrary compositions without any other input and with six orders of magnitude less computer time than DFT. We use this model to scan roughly 1.6 million candidate compositions for novel ternary compounds (AxByCz), and predict 4500 new stable materials. Our method can be readily applied to other descriptors of interest to accelerate domain-specific materials discovery.
Genetic diversity in Hucul and Polish primitive horse breeds

Abstract. Pedigree and molecular data were used to evaluate genetic diversity in the Polish populations of the Polish primitive horse (also known as Polish Konik) and Hucul breeds over the time period of 30 years (1980–2011). Based on genotypes in 12 microsatellite loci (for 3865 Polish primitive horses and 1627 Huculs), as well as on pedigree data derived from over 7000 individuals (both breeds), several indices describing structure of the analysed populations were estimated. For both analysed breeds, we observed an increasing trend of inbreeding since 1980 which seems to be much more stable (oscillating around 10 % in the Polish primitive horse and 5 % in Hucul) since the beginning of 2000s when they were included in conservation programs in Poland. We observed that generally, indices related to genetic diversity are higher in the Hucul breed. Our study indicated that genetic diversity in the Polish primitive horse and Hucul breeds in Poland is still relatively high and conservation programs should be continued to keep it on the "safe" level in the future.
Time-Varying Economic Dominance Through Bistable Dynamics

By developing a continuous-time heterogeneous agent model of multiassets traded by fundamental and momentum investors, we provide a potential mechanism in generating time-varying dominance between fundamental and nonfundamental in financial market. The deterministic skeleton of the nonlinear model tends to have bistable dynamics, characterized by a Bautin bifurcation, in which a locally stable fundamental steady state coexists with a locally stable limit cycle around the fundamental, leading to two very different market states. Market prices switch stochastically between the two persistent market states, leading to the coexistence of seemingly controversial efficient market and price momentum over different time periods. The model also generates other financial market stylized facts, such as spillover effects in both momentum and volatility, market booms, crashes, and correlation reduction due to cross-sectional momentum trading. Empirical evidence based on US market supports the main findings.