Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Olfactory responses of tsetse flies to phenols from buffalo urine

Abstract A comparison was made of the EAG responses of males and females of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood, G.austeni Newstead and G.tachinoides, Westwood to various doses of compounds known to be components of ox and buffalo urine fractions which are attractive to tsetse in the field (phenol, 3‐ and 4‐methylphenol, 3‐ and 4‐ethylphenol, 4‐n‐propylphenol, dimethylsulfone). All three species did not respond to dimethylsulfone. The overall responses to the phenolic substances were higher in females than in males in G.m. morsitans and higher in males than in females in G.austeni and G.tachinoides. Response spectra of the species for the phenolic substances suggested that G.m. morsitans and G. austeni were most responsive to 3‐ and 4‐methylphenol and 3‐ethylphenol, whereas G. tachinoides was most sensitive to 3‐ethylphenol and 3‐methylphenol, and only moderately sensitive to 4‐methylphenol.
Economic evaluations of health technologies: insights into the measurement and valuation of benefits

textabstractEconomic evaluations have been applied in the field of healthcare for several decades with the principle aim of improving the economic efficiency of resource allocation, i.e., help maximizing benefits from available (and constrained) resources. Broadly speaking, “economic evaluation is the comparative analysis of alternative courses of action in terms of both their costs and consequences” (Drummond et al., 1997). Economic evaluations became reasonably well-accepted in the decision-making process within the systems of different countries because they offer a promise of a systematic and transparent framework for deciding which intervention - among alternative interventions - to fund from a restricted budget. That is, once efficacy and effectiveness have been established, decision-makers can decide between competing interventions based on their relative cost-effectiveness and thus maximize the aggregate (value of) health benefits attained.
Effect of glucomannan on haematological, coagulation and biochemical parameters in male rabbits fed aflatoxin-contaminated ration

The main goal of the present work was to explore the effect of glucomannan (GM) as a biological detoxifying agent on haematological, coagulation and biochemical parameters in male rabbits fed aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated ration. Thirty male White New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. They were divided into 3 equal groups. The first group was given a ration free from mycotoxins and kept as a control group. Rabbits in the second group were fed a ration naturally contaminated with AFB1 (0.1 mg/kg ration) for 28 days, while rabbits in the third group were fed AFB1-contaminated ration (0.1 mg/kg ration) in addition to GM (1 kg/ton) for 28 days. The results of the present work revealed that aflatoxicosis elicited a picture of microcytic hypochromic anaemia, leukopenia, lymphocytopenia and monocytopenia. Coagulopathy recorded in this work due to aflatoxicosis was characterised by thrombocytopenia, prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Hepatotoxicity due to AFB1 recorded.
Cell wall polysaccharidase activities and growth processes: a possible relationship

In Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczeck hypocotyl, the maximal growth zone is located right under the hook and moves 5 mm lowe exogenous auxin. A good correlation has been obtained between the magnitude of the growth response and the cell wall β 13 endoglucanase activities. In cell walls from segments with different growth potentials, the kinetic constants of the β 13 endoglucanases are not identical. When the enzymes are rendered soluble, their behaviors become almost similar. These data indicate a relationship between the kinetic behavior of the immobilized enzymes and the structure of their support, i.e. the cell wall organization, which is modified during cell elongation. The possible involvements of these enzymes in some pathways of growth processes are discussed.
Mechanism for increased leaf growth in elevated CO2

The effect of exposure to elevated CO2 on the processes of leaf cell production and leaf cell expansion was studied using primary leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Cell division and expansion were separated temporally by exposing seedlings to dim red light for 10 d (when leaf cell division was completed) followed by exposure to bright white light for 14 d (when leaf growth was entirely dependent on cell expansion). When plants were exposed to elevated CO2 during the phase of cell expansion, epidermal cell size and leaf area development were stimulated. Three pieces of evidence suggest that this occurred as a result of increased cell wall loosening and extensibility, (i) cell wall extensibility (WEx, measured as tensiometric extension using an Instron) was significantly increased, (ii) cell wall yield turgor (V, MPa) was reduced and (iii) xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (XET) enzyme activity was significantly increased. When plants were exposed to elevated CO2 during the phase of cell division, the number of epidermal cells was increased whilst final cell size was significantly reduced and this was associated with reduced final leaf area, WEx and XET activity. When plants were exposed to elevated CO2 during both phases of cell division and expansion, leaf area development was not affected. For this treatment, however, the number of epidermal cells was increased, but cell expansion was inhibited, despite exposure to elevated CO2 during the expansion phase. Assessments were also made of the spatial patterns of WEx across the expanding leaf lamina and the data suggest that exposure to elevated CO2 during the phase of leaf expansion may lead to enhanced extensibility particularly at basal leaf margins which may result in altered leaf shape. The data show that both cell production and expansion were stimulated by elevated CO2, but that leaf growth was only enhanced by exposure to elevated CO2 in the cell expansion phase of leaf development. Increased leaf cell expansion is, therefore, an important mechanism for enhanced leaf growth in elevated CO2, whilst the importance of increased leaf cell production in elevated CO2 remains to be elucidated.
Are non-estuarine mangroves connected to coral reefs through fish migration? A mini-review

Mangroves are an important fish habitat, but little is known of their nursery function and connectivity to other habitats such as coral reefs. Here, the present status of knowledge on connectivity between non-estuarine mangroves and coral reefs by postlarval coral reef fishes is reviewed. Only since the year 2000 has more indirect evidence been obtained for such connectivity, largely based on studies: (1) quantifying juvenile/adult fish abundances in these habitats to deduce ontogenetic migrations, (2) investigating the effect of absence of mangroves on reef fish assemblages, (3) investigating the effect of mangrove forest size on reef fish abundances, and (4) investigating the effect of distance from mangroves on reef fish abundances. Almost all studies have been done in the Caribbean, and they are practically absent for the much larger Indo-Pacific region. So far, it appears that coral reef fish species do not show an obligate dependence on mangroves as a juvenile habitat, except perhaps for the vulnerable Caribbean parrotfish species Scarus guacamaia Cuvier, 1829. Six Caribbean species of Haemulidae and Lutjanidae show high dependence on mangroves/seagrass beds as juvenile habitats, and may be the most vulnerable to loss of these habitats. A study on otolith microchemistry has provided some evidence for one species that mangroves may indeed contribute to coral reef fish populations.
Reproductive Phase Dependent Photosensitivity of Gonad and Pineal Gland of a Short-Nosed Fruit Bat, Cynopterus sphinx

Abstract Photoperiodic sensitivity of gonad in relation to pineal gland activity was noted during two important reproductive phases i.e. reproductively active (February- March) and inactive (July- August) phases of nocturnal flying mammal, Cynopterus sphinx of Indian tropical origin. They were exposed to experimental long (Light: Dark in hours; 16L: 8D) and short (8L: 16D) photoperiods for 30 days during both the reproductive phases. Exposure to the long photoperiod (LP) during reproductively active phase had no significant effect on pineal gland, gonad and its hormonal concentration. However, exposure to short photoperiod (SP) induced a decrease in gonadal activity and increase in pineal activity (as judged by the gland weight, histology, low level of estradiol / testosterone and high level of melatonin in plasma). Increased melatonin and decreased estrogen levels following the short photoperiod exposure caused abortion in females, which were undergoing delayed embryonic development during reproductive inactive phase. Exposure to LP during reproductively inactive phase reactivated the gonadal axis and inhibited the pineal activity (as judged by the gland weight, histology, high level of estradiol / testosterone and low level of melatonin in plasma), while exposure to SP had no significant effect on pineal and gonad during this phase. From these observations, it is suggested that depending upon the reproductive status, short and long photo-period affected differently the gonadal and pineal gland activity of this bat. SP induced gonadal regression during reproductive active phase and LP reactivated the gonadal axis during reproductive inactive phase. Under experimental condition the inverse relationship between pineal and gonadal activity was maintained as observed in nature.
Decision-support model to explore the feasibility of using translocation to restore a woodland caribou population in Pukaskwa National Park, Canada

The distribution and abundance of woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou ) have declined dramatically in the past century. Without intervention the most southern population of caribou in eastern North America is expected to disappear within 20 years. Although translocations have reintroduced and reinforced some populations, approximately half of caribou translocation efforts fail. Translocations are resource intensive and risky, and multiple interrelated factors must be considered to assess their potential for success. Structured decision-making tools, such as Bayesian belief networks, provide objective methods to assess different wildlife management scenarios by identifying the key components and relationships in an ecosystem. They can also catalyze dialogue with stakeholders and provide a record of the complex thought processes used in reaching a decision. We developed a Bayesian belief network for a proposed translocation of woodland caribou into a national park on the northeastern coast of Lake Superior, Ontario, Canada. We tested scenarios with favourable (e.g., good physical condition of adult caribou) and unfavourable (e.g., high predator densities) conditions with low, medium, and high numbers of translocated caribou. Under the current conditions at Pukaskwa National Park, augmenting the caribou population is unlikely to recover the species unless wolf densities remain low (<5.5/1000 km 2 ) or if more than 300 animals could be translocated.
Recent developments in cationic lipid-mediated gene delivery and gene therapy

Gene therapy will revolutionize medicine, helping us to cure and prevent diseases at their core level. Until becoming a widespread reality, the problem of efficient gene transfer and expression (transfection) must be solved. Cationic lipids represent a safer alternative than viral vectors, which, although more efficient, have the drawback of immunogenicity and propagation risks. Additionally, cationic lipids and cationic liposomes allow the delivery of larger plasmids and may be GMP manufactured and stored in bulk quantities. However, their specific transfection efficiency must be improved in order to reach the performance of biological vectors. In recent years, new structures have been released and tested, with designs adapted to recent findings in lipid-mediated transfection mechanisms. Another trend is the increased use of natural, biodegradable, building blocks in the backbone of these compounds. Here we review the very recent developments in the field of cationic lipids, both from industry and academia. Physicochemical characteristics, insights of transfection mechanisms, as well as therapeutic applications are also presented. Finally, some future prospects and trends are proposed.
Chromosome Numbers in Some Cacti of Western North America-VIII

Abstract: Chromosome numbers are determined for 514 individuals belonging to 119 taxa within Cactaceae. Nineteen taxa have chromosome numbers reported for the first time. Based on geographic, morphological, and cytological data, three new nomenclatural combinations are made: Cylindropuntia ×cardenche (GRIFFITHS) PINKAVA & M. A. BAKER, Cylindropuntia imbricata (HAWORTH) F.M. KNUTH var spinitecta (GRIFFITHS) M.A.BAKER, and Echinocereus bonkerae THORNBER & BONKER ssp apachensis (W.BLUM & RUTOW) A.D.ZIMMERMAN. Four species are here newly published as interspecific hybrids based, in part, on several character states intermediate of their respective sympatric putative parents: Cylindropuntia ×cardenche (GRIFFITHS) PINKAVA & M.A.BAKER (pro. sp) comb. nov., Cylindropuntia ×pallida (ROSE) F.M. KNUTH (pro. sp), Opuntia ×charlestonensis CLOKEY (pro. sp), and Opuntia streptacantha LEMAIRE × O. tomentosa SALM-DYCK.
Species delimitation, patterns of diversification and historical biogeography of the Neotropical frog genus Adenomera (Anura, Leptodactylidae)

For many taxa, inaccuracy of species boundaries and distributions hampers inferences about diversity and evolution. This is particularly true in the Neotropics where prevalence of cryptic species has often been demonstrated. The frog genus Adenomera is suspected to harbour many more species than the 16 currently recognized. These small terrestrial species occur in Amazonia, Atlantic Forest (AF), and in the open formations of the Dry Diagonal (DD: Chaco, Cerrado and Caatinga). This widespread and taxonomically complex taxon provides a good opportunity to (1) test species boundaries, and (2) investigate historical connectivity between Amazonia and the AF and associated patterns of diversification.
Morphology to the rescue: molecular data and the signal of morphological characters in combined phylogenetic analyses—a case study from mysmenid spiders (Araneae, Mysmenidae), with comments on the evolution of web architecture

The limits and the interfamilial relationships of the minute orb‐weaving symphytognathoid spiders have remained contentious and poorly understood. The circumscription and diagnosis of the symphytognathoid family Mysmenidae have always been elusive, and its monophyly has never been thoroughly tested. We combine sequence data from six genes with a morphological dataset in a total‐evidence phylogenetic analysis (ca. 6100 characters, 109 taxa: 74 mysmenids), and explore the phylogenetic signal of the combined dataset, individual genes, and gene combinations with different parsimony methods and model‐based approaches. Several support values and parameter‐sensitivity schemes are explored to assess stability of clades. Mysmenidae monophyly is supported by ca. 20 morphological and ca. 420 molecular synapomorphies. Mysmenidae is monophyletic under all combined analyses that include morphology. Almost no gene or gene combination supports Mysmenidae monophyly. Symphytognathoids are delimited to include: (Theridiosomatidae (Mysmenidae (Synaphridae (Anapidae + Symphytognathidae)))). Micropholcommatids are a lineage nested within the anapid clade and thus are synonymized with Anapidae (Micropholcommatinae New Rank). We provide morphological diagnoses for all symphytognathoid families and discuss the behavioural evolutionary implications of our hypotheses of relationships. The planar orb web evolved independently twice from three‐dimensional webs. The orb web was modified into sheet or cobwebs three times independently. The spherical mysmenine web has a single origin. Kleptoparasitism evolved once in mysmenids. We comment on the discrepancies and lack of resolving power of the molecular datasets relative to the morphological signal, and discuss the relevance of morphology in inferring the total‐evidence phylogenetic pattern of relationships.
Zooplankton effects on phytoplankton in lakes of contrasting trophic status

Studies were carried out in three lakes of strongly contrasting trophic state to evaluate how the effects of zooplankton on phytoplankton vary as a function of lake productivity. Chlorophyll and total P concentrations differed by 2-3 orders of magnitude among ultra-oligotrophic Lake Tahoe, meso-oligotrophic Castle Lake, and strongly eutrophic Clear Lake. Three experimental designs involving short-term (4 d) manipulations of nutrients, ambient zooplankton, and the common crustacean grazer Duphnia were performed in each lake. Algal responses were assessed at both the “aggregate,” community (Chl, primary productivity, nutrient status) and species levels. Experiments in Lake Tahoe revealed a high degree of nutrient sensitivity but negligible grazing impacts by the very low densities of ambient zooplankton. Daphnia grazing had substantial impacts on Tahoe phytoplankton, however, indicating high susceptibility to grazing in this assemblage of relatively small-sized algal species. Castle Lake experiments revealed strong direct and indirect impacts of both ambient zooplankton and Duphnia on the nutrient-limited algal assemblage. The cyanobacteria-dominated algal community of Clear Lake was resistant to grazing impacts, responding relatively weakly only to the highest densities of Duphnin. Good correspondence between estimates of algal biomass made from chlorophyll measurements and microscopic examination were obtained, and, in Castle Lake, concordance between estimated community productivity tumover times made from species-specific growth determinations and community productivity measurements was observed. The contrasting responses to experimental zooplankton manipulations in the three lakes provide support for the view that the coupling between zooplankton and phytoplankton is strongest in lakes of intermediate productivity and imply that food-web alterations at the top of the food web are most likely to propagate to the level of the phytoplankton (and therefore lake water quality) in lakes of moderate trophic status.
Algal polyunsaturated fatty acids and effects on plankton ecology and other organisms

A review and discussion of the effects of algal polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on phytoplankton and zooplankton ecology and their effects on other animal systems. Topics discussed also include the relationship of cyanobacterial classification to PUFA occurrence, lipid concentrations occurring in the aqueous environment, the general effect of microalgae on zooplankton, and how algal PUFAs may be exerting their inhibitory and toxic effects.
Population trends of large non‐migratory wild herbivores and livestock in the Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya, between 1977 and 1997

The total of all non-migratory wildlife species in the Masai Mara ecosystem has declined by 58% in the last 20 years. This decline ranges from 49% in small brown antelopes to 72% in medium brown antelopes. In individual wildlife species, the decline ranges from 52% in Grant's gazelle to 88% in the warthog. Declines of over 70% have been recorded in buffalo, giraffe, eland and waterbuck. Only elephant, impala and ostrich have not shown any significant decline or increase. Overall, there has not been any significant difference in decline of all wildlife population sizes inside and outside the reserve, except for Thomson's gazelle and warthog. Livestock have not significantly declined over the entire analysis period. However, livestock and cattle populations significantly declined during the 198388 period. Donkey declined by 67%, while shoats (goats and sheep) remained stable. In the case of wildlife, land use and vegetation changes, drought effects and poaching are considered to be among the potential factors that may have been responsible for the decline; the decline in livestock during the 198384 period was probably due to drought effects.
Discussion about novel subgroups of diabetes mellitus

糖尿病是胰岛素分泌缺陷或胰岛素作用缺陷为主要病理改变，以高血糖为主要特征并伴有多种异常的临床代谢综合征。 按照既往的分型方法，常见的糖尿病类型为2型糖尿病和1型糖尿病，但既往的分型方法具有局限性，临床上经常遇到分型及治疗困扰。 国际上最新的以6个变量为基础的聚类分析方法可以从另外一个角度对成人发病的1型及2型糖尿病进行分类，此方法较过去的分型方法对临床可能更具有指导意义，但也存在一些不足，未来仍需要开展大量的相关研究。
Burullus Ringing Station (N Egypt) – Ringing Results and Seasonal Bird Migration Dynamics in 2005-2007

ABSTRACT Zaniewicz G. , Chruoeciel J. 2011. Burullus ringing station (N Egypt) - ringing results andseasonal bird migration dynamics in 2005-2007. Ring 33, 1-2: 77-87. Burullus Ringing Station is one of the several stations belonging to the SEEN organization (SE European Bird Migration Network). This station is situated close to the border of Burullus Protected Area in the northern part of Egypt and it started work in 2005. Data were collected during two spring and three autumn seasons. Birds were caught in mist-nets, which were placed mainly in reedbeds. Over 12 thousands of birds from 74 species were caught and ringed during five migratory seasons. Many of them were also tested for directional preferences in Busse’s cage.
GLOMUS MOSSEAE ENHANCES THE GROWTH OF TWO TROPICAL MEDICINAL PLANTS- Withania somnifera AND Spilanthes calva

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus mosseae, family Glomaceae), and fertilization on vegetative growth of two tropical medicinal plants, viz, Withania somnifera and Spilanthes calva was evaluated. The growth was assessed in terms of height, number of leaves and % colonization. Inoculation with G. mosseae was significantly effective in promoting plant growth causing remarkable increase in shoot height, number of leaves and % colonization was compared to uninoculated control. In addition, 40 mg P supplied to the plants was found to be more effective as compared to 80 mg P. BLACPMA 2(4): 56 - 59 (2003)
A subfamily‐level classification of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) based on integrated molecular and morphological data

Abstract The mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) are a speciose and ubiquitous group of sap‐sucking plant parasites, many of which are very serious agricultural pests. There has been much work on the alpha‐level taxonomy, amounting to the description of more than 2000 species, but suprageneric relationships remain poorly known. Downie & Gullan reviewed proposed schemes for a mealybug subfamily‐level classification and used DNA sequence data from three nuclear genes to infer the mealybug phylogeny. They recognized three subfamilies: the Rhizoecinae, the Phenacoccinae, and the Pseudococcinae; and within the Pseudococcinae, recognized the tribes Pseudococcini, Trabutinini, and Planococcini. Excepting the Trabutinini, none of these groupings was well‐supported. We improve our estimation of the mealybug phylogeny by: (i) increasing the taxon sampling by 50%; (ii) adding a morphological character matrix; and (iii) performing mixed model Bayesian and maximum likelihood inference procedures. We recover two primary clades within the Pseudococcidae, to which we apply the subfamily names Phenacoccinae and Pseudococcinae. Within the Phenacoccinae, we recover support for the monophyly of the hypogaeic mealybugs (Rhizoecini), and within the Pseudococcinae, we find support for the tribes Pseudococcini, Trabutinini, and Planococcini. Our results suggest a clear sequence of (i) β‐Proteobacteria primary endosymbionts infecting the mycetome of the most recent common ancestor of the Pseudococcinae, followed by (ii) γ‐Proteobacteria secondary endosymbionts infecting the primary β‐Proteobacteria endosymbionts. For each subfamily, we provide a morphological diagnosis and a comprehensive list of included genera. We resurrect the genus Ceroputo Šulc, currently under synonymy with the genus Puto Signoret (Putoidae), and place it in the mealybug subfamily Phenacoccinae. Greenoripersia kaiseri Bodenheimer is transferred from the Pseudococcidae to the Eriococcidae.