Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fissiparity in Holothuria leucospilota from tropical Darwin waters, northern Australia

Fission was studied in a population of Holothuria leucospilota at Darwin harbour. Fission resulted in smaller size anterior portions (A to P ca. 34.81%). A greater number of posterior individuals (P and Pa) may be assumed to mean a greater survival capacity than with anterior individuals (A and Ap). Monthly observations from September 1998 to September 1999 revealed that fission occurred throughout the year at an estimated rate of up to 28% at East Point and 8% at Nightcliff. At East Point, maximum fission occurred in April and coincided with a period of sexual reproduction, when annual precipitation was at a maximum and the reefs were exposed for less than 4 hrs day -1 . This study suggests that H. leucospilota may use fission to maintain population level when sexual recruitment fails.
Muscle relaxation in Parkinson's disease: implications for function

In people with healthy neuromotor control, rapid isometric contractions are produced with a linear relationship between rate of force development (RFD) and peak force that results in relative invariance in time to peak force (TPF). Bradykinesia is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that often results in prolonged force development and relaxation. In many cases, this slowing is accompanied by disruptions in motor output that cause discontinuity in the rate of change in force and a segmented appearance in force-time curves. Aim 1 was to compare rates of muscle force development and relaxation, as well as segmentation between young adults (YA), older adults (OA), and people with PD in rapid isometric contractions. Aim 2 was to determine the effects of segmentation on force development and relaxation and on mobility in people with PD. Aim 3 was to determine whether measures of force relaxation are related to performance on timed tests of mobility in OA and PD. Participants performed rapid isometric grip force pulses to 30-50% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force. Dependent variables related to force development were TPF, peak RFD, average RFD, and the number of force segments from rest to peak force. Dependent variables related to force relaxation were half relaxation time
EVOLUTION OF VIVIPARITY IN THE LIZARD GENUS SCELOPORUS

We compared modes of reproduction in the lizard genus Sceloporus with ele- vation, latitude, environmental moisture, habits, and body size. Viviparous species of Sceloporus more commonly are found at high elevation than at low elevation, and tend to exhibit arboreal or saxicolous habits. Our findings suggest the following hypothesis: Within oviparous species of Sceloporus, animals exhibiting egg retention have a selective advantage over conspecifics in the cold environments of high elevation or latitude. Egg retention leads to ovoviviparity in which eggs hatch in utero. Once ovoviviparity has evolved, the placenta evolves primarily as an ad- aptation to supply oxygen to the developing embryo. Viviparous forms then can assume an arboreal or saxicolous habit as an anti-predatory and/or thermoregulatory adaptation. Finally, viviparity evolves as an irreversible trait. Subsequent radiation of the viviparous forms produces species that can live in environments not originally a factor in the evolution of the viviparous mode of reproduction.
Comparative proteomics of Giardia duodenalis from humans and cattle

Giardia duodenalis is a gastrointestinal parasite capable of infecting humans as well domesticated animals, for example cattle. There are seven distinct genetic groups, termed assemblages A-G, with assemblages A and B able to infect humans and assemblage E specific to livestock, including cattle. The level of genetic variation between the assemblages has been studied over multiple loci and the phylogenetic relationship between these assemblages is well known. There is however, little information available on the protein differences between the assemblages. Proteins of the human infective assemblages A and B were compared using SDS-PAGE and 2D-PAGE to determine proteins of difference. Proteins determined to be assemblage-specific were then identified using mass spectrometry. In total, eleven proteins of difference were identified between assemblages A and B. Four proteins; alpha 2 giardin, GASP-180, UPL-1 and GLORF-C4, were chosen for further characterisation. Genetic analysis confirmed that alpha 2 giardin is absent from assemblage B and that the size variation seen in the GASP-180 protein is mirrored by a series of indels in a portion of the gene sequence. The UPL-1 gene did not show any variation indicating the protein variation seen is likely due to post translational modification. The GLORF-C4 protein, which is involved in the formation of cysts, was only identified in assemblage B. Therefore, the ability of assemblages A and B to undergo the encystment process was also studied. The assemblage B isolates produced fully formed cysts 24 hrs faster than assemblage A isolates. Analysis of levels of GLORF-C4 mRNA indicated that the gene is constitutively expressed in assemblage B and induced in assemblage A. The proteins of the human infective assemblages were then compared to those of the livestock infective assemblage E, with thirteen protein variants identified, the majority of which are the same as those identified between assemblages A and B. The proteins identified in this study are the first protein variants documented between assemblages of G. duodenalis.
INCORPORATION OF GENOMIC INFORMATION INTO THE SIMULATION OF FLOWERING TIME IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA by

The objective of this research is to create a dynamic gene regulatory network model to predict flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. To achieve this goal, seven flowering time mutants and their common wild type (Ler) were grown in growth chamber experiments including several combinations of temperature and photoperiod. Leaf number dynamics and phenological events were recorded. A study on the phyllochron interval of the eight genotypes in Arabidopsis reveals that phyllochron intervals vary significantly with genotypes and demonstrates that a novel developmental unit is more useful than previous thermal and photothermal units. An investigation of photothermal effects on several flowering time-related traits shows: 1) Genes in the autonomous pathway are most responsive to temperature; 2) Leaf number, bolting time, and the bolting-to-flowering interval are all significantly affected by temperature and/or photoperiod; 3) The FCA, CO, and PHYB loci have pleiotropic effects on Arabidopsis leaf appearance rates. To investigate the temperature dependency of gene expression, Ler plants were reared in a growth chamber under two constant temperature regimes (16oC and 24oC) in long day condition (16 h.). Northern blot analysis shows that 1) SOC1 expression level oscillates daily and peaks around midday; 2) average SOC1 mRNA level increases with the plant’s physiological age; 3) SOC1 mRNA level is dependent on temperature; and 4) bolting time of plants occurs at the same SOC1 mRNA level under both temperature regimes. A dynamic gene regulatory network model was established to predict Arabidopsis bolting time. The structure of the differential equation model was based on a qualitative, multi-pathway, gene regulatory network. Observed bolting times and literature expression level data were used in model parameterization. Parameter sensitivities were determined based on their influence on bolting time. The maximum likelihood confidence limits were estimated. The model not only accounts for 85.4% of the variation in observed bolting time for the original eight genotypes but mimics key rhythmic expression features for most clock-regulated genes. The model accounted for 74.3% of the variation in observed total leaf number when validated against data from a wide range of genotypes and environments reported in the literature.
Field management effects on soil enzyme activities.

Agricultural practices that reduce soil degradation and improve agricultural sustainability are needed particularly for preluvosoil. No-tillage planting causes minimal soil disturbance and combined with crop rotation may hold potential to meet these goals. Soil enzyme activities can provide information on how soil management affects the soil potential to perform processes, such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. Soil enzyme activities (actual and potential dehydrogenase and catalase) were determined in the 0—20, 20—40 and 40—60 cm layers of a preluvosoil submitted to a complex experiment including tillage (no-till and conventional tillage), crop rotation (2 and 6 years crop rotations) and fertilization [mineral (NP) fertilization and farmyard-manuring], for three years, from 2005 to 2007. Each activity in both non-tilled and conventionally tilled soil under all crops of both rotations decreased with increasing sampling depth. No-till — in comparison with conventional tillage — resulted in significantly higher soil enzymatic activities in the 0—20 and in significantly lower activities in the deeper layers. The soil under maize or wheat was more enzyme-active in the 6 than in the 2 crop rotation. In the 2 crop rotation, higher enzymatic activities were recorded under wheat than under maize. The enzymatic indicators of soil quality were calculated from the values of enzymatic activities determined in the plots of the 6 crop rotation. This means that by determination of enzymatic activities, valuable information can be obtained regarding fertility status of soils. It should be emphasized that farmyard-manuring of maize — in comparison with mineral (NP) fertilization — led to a significant increase in each of the three enzymatic activities determined.
Minor Diagnostic Factors in Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in Children

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is nosocomial pneumonia. Minor diagnostic criteria in children are poorly understood. Present study aimed to determine the new diagnostic factors for VAP in children admitted in the intensive care unit according to clinical, laboratory, and radiological assessments. Materials and Methods One hundred thirty pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admitted patients were selected and classified as VAP (29 patients), and non-VAP (101 patients), prospectively. Clinical parameters, laboratory and radiological findings were followed in patients with and without VAP. Results Among the patients, 60% (78 cases) were male. The median age was one month. All of the VAP patients were neonates with the average age of 10.7±25.29 months. There was no significant difference in age and gender. Duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU admission had significant difference between groups (29.31±20.5 versus 8.45±8.76, and 32.62±21.15 versus 12.88±12.16 days, respectively, p<0.001). Tachycardia was detected in 27 (93.1%), and 51(50.5%) patients in VAP and non-VAP, respectively (p<0.001). Respiratory secretion was detected in 8(27.6%) and 9(8.9%) in VAP, and non-VAP, respectively (p=0.009). Crackles was detected in 9(31%) and 15(14.9%) in VAP and non-VAP, respectively (p=0.04). Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) culture, need to change device setting, O2 desaturation, WBC count and chest X- ray showed significant difference between groups (p<0.05). Conclusion According to the results, some clinical and laboratory factors including WBC count, blood culture, crackles and need to change settings should be considered as minor but new diagnostic criteria for VAP.
Beyond Toll-Like Receptor 9: Interactions Between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Aspergillus Fumigatus: A Dissertation

viii List of Tables xiv List of Figures xv List of Abbreviations xvii Chapter I: Introduction 1.1 Aspergillus 1.2 The Pathogen A. fumigatus 1.3 Overview of the Immune System 1.4 Toll-Like Receptors 1.5 Host Immune Responses against A. fumigatus 1.6 Thesis Overview 1
Seed production and spring seedling establishment of diffuse and spotted knapweed.

Annual seed production of diffuse (Centurea diffusa) and spotted knapweed (Centurea maculosa) is reduced in dry years by a reduction in the number of viable seeds per seed head and increases when above-normal precipitation occurs by increase in the number of heads/flower stem. Seed production was approximately l,OOOfold that needed to maintain observed levels of infestation. Seedlings emerging in April had a high rate of survival with most plants flowering the following season, while those emerging after May 15 had a very low survival rate and almost no flower stem production the following season. (Table 1). Each site was sampled annually the first week of August in 1973 through 1976. The number of flower stems per unit area was estimated by random counts of m* hoop. Each area was subsampled to determine the number of seed heads/flower stem and the number of mature achenes/flower head. Only seed heads that were in the maturity range of well-developed seed, but had bracts still tightly closed, were counted for the latter measurement. Location and general features of each site are shown in Table 1. Diffuse and spotted knapweed are short-lived perennials of the Centaurea genus that have become major weed problems on semiarid range and pasture lands of the Pacific Northwest. The problem of these weeds, which are continuing to spread into many prime grazing areas, was recently reviewed (Maddox 1979). Control of these species is possible by chemical means (Renney and Hughes 1969) but these measures are not always practical because of economics, terrain, or environmental considerations. Several biotic agents are under study [Maddox (1979); Watson and Renney (1974,] but at present have only a minor impact. Watson and Renney (1974) summarized observations related to the reproduction of these species. In general, they reported that these species under range conditions were capable of producing 400-900 seeds/plant that would germinate under a range of temperatures of 7 to 34O C when optimum moisture was supplied. Some post harvest and light-induced dormancy was measured. We have also observed viability greater than 80% of the seeds still retained in the seed heads of diffuse in April. These normally are fully dispersed by mid June. Both fall and spring seedling emergence is common with these species.
Detection of transgenic DNA and protein, in rumen fluid, duodenal digesta, milk, blood and faeces of lactating dairy cows

The objective was to determine the presence or absence of transgenic and endogenous plant DNA in ruminal fluid, duodenal digesta, milk, blood, and feces, and if found, to determine fragment size. Six multiparous lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas received a total mixed ration. There were two treatments (T). In T1, the concentrate contained genetically modified (GM) soybean meal (cp4epsps gene) and GM corn grain (cry1a[b] gene), whereas T2 contained the near isogenic non-GM counterparts. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to determine the presence or absence of DNA sequences. Primers were selected to amplify small fragments from single-copy genes (soy lectin and corn high-mobility protein and cp4epsps and cry1a[b] genes from the GM crops) and multicopy genes (bovine mitochondrial cytochrome b and rubisco). Single-copy genes were only detected in the solid phase of rumen and duodenal digesta. In contrast, fragments of the rubisco gene were detected in the majority of samples analyzed in both the liquid and solid phases of ruminal and duodenal digesta, milk, and feces, but rarely in blood. The size of the rubisco gene fragments detected decreased from 1176 bp in ruminal and duodenal digesta to 351 bp in fecal samples.
Pemanfaatan Limbah Nitrogen Udang Vaname (Litopenaeus Vannamei) Oleh Rumput Laut (Gracilaria Verrucosa) Pada Sistem Budidaya Polikultur

MUSLIMATUS SAKDIAH. The Use of Nitrogen Shrimp Waste Litopenaeus vannamei by Gracilaria verrucosa in Shrimp Polyculture System. Under direction of ENANG HARRIS S and CHAIRUL MULUK This study is aimed to know the quantity of seaweeds (Gracilaria verrucosa) needed to absorb dissolved N from the waste of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) metabolites in polyculture system, to maintain good quality of water as well as to create an optimal environment condition for growth of vannamei. This study was conducted in six aquaria with the size of 60 x 40 x 50 cm and four cement tanks with the size of 1 x 3 x 1 m. Each cement tank was divided into three compartments by wooden boards and laminated by plastic sheet to avoid mixing between compartments. This study was conducted in two stages. For the first stage, vannamei was cultivated with the density of 5, 10 and 15 shrimps/100 l; where in the second stage, vannamei with the density of five shrimps/100 l was polycultured with 3.125; 6.250 and 9.375 g of seaweed/l. During the experiment, shrimp were fed with commercial feed with contain 40% protein. The result of this study showed that, the differences in density of seaweed was significantly different (P<0.05) toward N retention, weight and survival rates of vannamei as well as to the N retention and weight of seaweed. The density of seaweed (Gracilaria verrucosa) 3.125 g/l has produced survival rate of vannamei up to 82.67% and average weight around 16.99 g. The seaweed has an ability to absorb 95.18% of N from around 15.36 g metabolic waste of vannamei, therefore, it is able to enhance repair the quality of the vannamei cultivation system. Key word : Litopenaeus vannamei, Gracilaria verrucosa, nitrogen waste, feeding
Detection of various U and M chromosomes in wheat-Aegilops biuncialis hybrids and derivatives using fluorescence in situ hybridisation and molecular markers

The aim of the study was to select wheat-Aegilops biuncialis addition lines carrying Aegilops biuncialis chromosomes differing from those which were introgressed into the wheat-Ae. biuncialis addition lines produced earlier in Martonvasar, Hungary. In the course of the experiments new wheat-Ae. biuncialis addition lines carrying chromosomes 2Ub, 6Mb, 6Ub; 5Ub, 3Ub, 7Ub; 5Mb, 6Mb and 7Mb were selected. The 2Ub disomic addition line is relatively stable, as 91% of the progenies contain this chromosome pair. The 6Mb disomic addition line proved to be dwarf and sterile, but it still exists as a monosomic addition line. Progenies analysed from the 6Ub monosomic addition line did not carry the 6Ub chromosome. One plant containing the 5Ub, 3Ub and 7Ub chromosomes and one plant carrying 5Mb, 6Mb and 7Mb chromosomes showed very low fertility. Each of the plants produced a single seed, but seeds of the parent plants are still available. Line No. 49/00 carried a submetacentric Ae. biuncialis chromosome pair and the chromosome number 44 has been constant for several generations. After FISH no hybridisation site was observed on the Ae. biuncialis chromosome pair using the pSc119.2 and Afa family repetitive DNA probes, so it was not possible to identify the Ae. biuncialis chromosome pair. However, the use of wheat SSR markers and the (GAA)n microsatellite DNA probe allowed it to be characterised more accurately. These new lines facilitate gene transfer from Ae. biuncialis into cultivated wheat and the selection of U and M genome-specific wheat SSR markers.
ORIGIN, EVOLUTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE NEW SUPERORDER NEPIOMORPHIA (MOLLUSCA, BIVALVIA, LOWER PALAEOZOIC)

Abstract: A number of bivalve taxa defined in the past as ‘Cryptodonten’ by Neumayr, 1884 were grouped together in the high‐level taxon Palaeoconchae Neumayr, 1884. Cox (1969) noted that Palaeoconchae and Cryptodonta were synonymous and Newell (1969) used Cryptodonta as a subclass of bivalves. However, for the past 120 years, the Cryptodonta has been poorly conceptualized and the name was used for poorly understood genera or those lacking dentition. As used by Newell, Cryptodonta included taxa now placed in the subclasses Protobranchia Pelseneer and Autolamellibranchiata Grobben, and to the class Rostroconchia Pojeta, Runnegar, Morris and Newell. The bulk of Newell's use of Cryptodonta was made up of Silurian and Devonian taxa first described by Barrande (1881) from Bohemia; Newell placed these in the order Praecardioida Newell. In effect, Cryptodonta became a ‘wastebasket’ grouping for what, at the time, were poorly understood taxa. Many of the formerly poorly understood praecardioids are now better known and are herein placed in the new superorder Nepiomorphia. The Nepiomorphia contains two orders: (1) order Praecardioida that includes the families Slavidae Kříž, Cardiolidae Hoernes, Praecardiidae Hoernes and Buchiolidae Grimm; and (2) new order Antipleuroida that includes the families Stolidotidae fam. nov., Spanilidae fam. nov. and Antipleuridae Neumayr. The Nepiomorphia originated probably in the early Silurian as result of r‐selection progenesis. When the marine current system became re‐established after the late Ordovician glaciation and in the early Silurian, an at least temporary ventilation of the shallow waters by surface currents was renewed in higher latitudes of peri‐Gondwana and Siberia, producing acceptable sea‐bottom environments. Larvae were distributed by surface currents from the warm tropical regions of Laurentia and Baltica and were among the first benthic organisms to colonize the new environments. Temporary ventilation created frequent density‐independent catastrophic mortalities of early ontogenetic stages, with no competitors and with super‐abundant resources. During the Silurian and early Devonian, the Nepiomorphia underwent several diversifications in the recurring cephalopod limestone biofacies characteristic of peri‐Gondwana, and evolved infaunal, semi‐infaunal and epifaunal modes of life in several lineages. The Nepiomorphia most probably became extinct during the early Carboniferous and had no role in the future evolution of the Bivalvia.
Exclusive Breastfeeding among Women in Rural Suburbs of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Background: The feeding of an infant with breast milk only, to the exclusion of all other feeds - liquids or solids, including water - except prescribed medications; within the first half year of life is referred to as exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Despite its numerous benefits, not many mothers practiced it because of one barrier or the other. This study estimated the prevalence of EBF established the major barriers thereof and determined the link between socio-demographic characteristics and the practice of EBF among women living in the rural suburbs of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: This study was descriptive cross-sectional in design. Results: Among the 370 subjects, 49% practiced EBF. None of the respondents made PNC visit specifically for the purpose of learning or asking questions about breastfeeding. Nonetheless, 18.5% received breastfeeding education during PNC visit. A large proportion of the subjects did not practice EBF because they were not aware (21.1%) of it. Medical reasons, which included HIV positive mothers and those with breast disease constituted the least barriers (1.3%). EBF was prominently linked with maternal education, type of work, delivery place, skilled attendance at birth, husband’s education, and occupation (p<0.05). Conclusion: Capacity building for healthcare personnel on breast feeding, establishment of facilities as close to the communities as possible with their active participation in the planning, implementation and monitoring of EBF practice is recommended. Emphasis should be laid on the need for breastfeeding during antenatal period and then postnatal just before discharge.