Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assortative Mating without Complete Reproductive Isolation in a Zone of Recent Secondary Contact between Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) and Caspian Gulls (L. cachinnans)

ABSTRACT. The zone of secondary contact between Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) and Caspian Gulls (L. cachinnans) in central Poland is characterized by high levels of introgreeRzemyscular mars several phenotypic characters, with the exception of bare-parts coloration. These patterns suggest a role for coloration as a premating isolating barrier between these species. We investigated the degree of reproductive isolation in this zone of secondary contact by testing three hypotheses: (1) postmating isolation is weak or absent, (2) a partial premating isolation is present, and (3) orbital-ring color or another closely correlated trait is involved in premating isolation, which explains the signal of disruptive selection previously observed (a lower degree of introgression). We also investigated whether differences in breeding phenology could contribute to premating isolation. We found no evidence of postmating isolation, but premating isolation occurred: heterospecific pairs were significantly scarcer than expected under random mating. This assortative mating is best explained by a combination of divergent breeding phenology and mate choice influenced by orbital-ring color. However, because the differentiation in orbital-ring color between L. argentatus and L. cachinnans is incomplete and their breeding periods overlap, premating isolation is only partial. That a previous study found a high level of genetic introgression between these species suggests that reinforcement can occur only in association with sufficiently strong postmating isolation.
The Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Method and Several Rheological Models of Blood Flow: A Review

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method can be applied for gaining insights to the most fluid processes and related phenomena. Applying CFD method in the investigation of physiological flows especially blood is one of the interesting topics for many researchers. Because of its significant effect on various human cardiovascular diseases and arterial diseases, extended knowledge of blood flow in physiological conditions is required. This review provided an overview of recent studies on the application of CFD method of blood flow inside the corkscrew artery, arterial stenoses, human patient-specific left ventricle and arteries affected by multiple aneurysms. Also, several rheological models for describing the blood rheology were discussed. Based on this review, it was concluded that the application of CFD method can help the medical practitioners in the patients’ treatment decision in the investigation of blood flow
PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY OF THE MARINE ALGA ACROCYSTIS NANA

SUMMARY Acrocystis nana is a tropical and subtropical red alga confined to areas of the shore emersed for between 3 and 9 h per tide. In the laboratory, it becomes unhealthy if immersed constantly but retains its original weight if dried for 3 h out of each 24 h and is aerated during the immersion period. Weight loss in various regimes in the light and in the dark is largely confined to material soluble in 0.1 N HC1 and is greatest from an 80% ethanol-soluble fraction tentatively identified as floridoside. The thalli contain an extracellular sap with an ionic composition distinct from seawater. Results are discussed in relation to the zonation of A. nana on the shore and the concept of physiological buffering.
Respiratory medicine in Nunavut and Northern Canada

Abstract Relatively little is known about Inuit health pre-colonization. Health has formed a major part of the history of colonization; both in terms of new exposures to infectious diseases — particularly respiratory pathogens — brought by Europeans, and in terms of Inuit and government perceived needs for health care. Tuberculosis (TB) has been a major cause of mortality for Inuit and northern First Nations (FN) individuals from the 1860s until the 1950s. The establishment of sanatoria distant from people's communities, case finding using patrol boats and forced relocation of infected individuals, and mandatory establishment of permanent communities — at least partly to provide health care — has been an important source of intergenerational trauma for Canadian indigenous peoples. Other important epidemics of respiratory pathogens have included influenza, pertussis, and respiratory syncytial virus. Post-infectious bronchiectasis is particularly common in Inuit youth, and lung cancer is a growing challenge for elders. While access to advanced diagnostic techniques in the North is improving, research needs to focus on optimal use of new diagnostic techniques and intervention studies. Ultimately, reducing respiratory morbidity and mortality will require major improvements in the social determinants of health, including poverty, education, access to clean water, nutrition and housing.
Mink (Mammalia; Carnivora; Mustelidae): correction of a widely quoted error

Since the European Mink Mustela lutreola and the introduced American Mink M. vison are now sympatric in some parts of the former's native range, and since the two species are similar in appearance, ecology, and behaviour, a need has arisen for a simple way of discriminating live specimens of the two species in the field. Many publications, particularly field guides, have recommended diagnosis on the basis of the presence of white hair on the upper lip of the European species, and its absence in the American species. This is a mistaken suggestion, which should be avoided by authors. American Mink seldom if ever show the large white moustachial bands seen in some European Mink, and may indeed have no white hairs on the upper lip; but white patches of lesser size are common enough to be a possible cause of confusion.
FUNGI IN A LOWER CRETACEOUS TURTLE EGG FROM CHINA: EVIDENCE OF ECOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS

Abstract Fossil fungi and arthropod body parts are present in one of 27 unhatched eggs in a turtle egg clutch from the Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Liangtoutang Formation, Zhejiang Province, China. The fossil fungal structures include branching septate hyphae, conidiophores supporting multiple phialides, and chains of up to five basipetal conidia (asexual spores). The morphology of the fossil fungus is similar to extant taxa within the genus Penicillium (order Eurotiales), making it the first reported intact Early Cretaceous asexual ascomycete and the earliest record of a presumed intact Penicillium. Biomineralization, a physiologic response to calcium-rich microenvironments, occurs in some extant fungi and may have facilitated detailed preservation of the fossil specimen. This rare evidence of fungal-animal association provides clues to clutch-related paleoecological interactions. The fungus-bearing egg occurs on the clutch periphery, whereas adjacent and more distant eggs show no evidence of fungal invasion. We suggest that the fungi were opportunistic contaminants invading after the egg was compromised, and the fungus failed to spread to adjacent eggs prior to burial and fossilization.
Variation in water-mediated connectivity influences patch distributions of total N, total P, and TN:TP ratios in the Upper Mississippi River, USA

Abstract. Floodplain rivers have been conceptualized as patchwork mosaics of hydrogeomorphic zones that differ in hydrological, physiochemical, and ecological conditions. However, few investigators have empirically examined the extent to which basic ecological properties of large rivers, such as nutrient concentrations, are patchily distributed or the relationship between such distributions and water-mediated connectivity. We used global and local measures of spatial autocorrelation in 5 reaches of the Upper Mississippi River from 1994–2008 in spring (higher discharge) and summer (lower discharge) to examine distributions of total N (TN), total P (TP), and TN∶TP for evidence of patchiness. TN was distributed as discrete patches regardless of season, but the patches of TP and TN∶TP were more distinct during summer low-flow than spring high-flow conditions. The occurrence of patches of high TN, low TP, and high TN∶TP was highly predictable, generally occurring in backwater, low-velocity (0.1 m/s) environments. Patches of low TN, high TP, and low TN∶TP were less common and less predictable, but were more likely to occur in channels with high current velocities (>0.1 m/s) or in impounded areas with low current velocity, but adjacent to channel environments. These patch distributions are consistent with our current understanding of dominant mechanisms of riverine nutrient cycling and were generally consistent across 5 river reaches that spanned nearly the entire length of a large floodplain river. Watershed characteristics ultimately determine nutrient inputs to river systems, but our results support the idea that local geomorphic and hydraulic conditions influence spatial patterns of nutrient delivery and biochemical transformation and create a patchwork mosaic of nutrient distributions within large floodplain rivers.
The effects of long-day photoperiod on growth, body composition and skin colour in immature gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.)

Immature gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) with a mean initial weight of 25.6 g were reared over 11 months to market size under different photoperiods: 16L:8D; 24L:0D and a control. Differences in final mean weight were significant between the three treatments (P<0.001): 16L:8D, 465.0 g; 24L:0D, 445.9 g; control, 402.6 g. Fish from the 24L:0D consumed most while 16L:8D fish converted it most efficiently. The lipid content of fillets was lower (P<0.05) for the 24L:0D (5.37±0.16 g 100 g−1 of fillet) than for the control (6.02±0.12 g), and the moisture content lower for the control than for either treatment groups. Skin luminosity (L*) was directly related to the number of hours of light exposure.
Modification of the total soluble sugar content of the C4 grass Paspalum notatum expressing the wheat-derived sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase and sucrose:fructan 6-fructosyltransferase genes

Fructans are water-soluble fructose oligomers and polymers that are accumulated in many plants, especially the C3 temperate grasses. Fructan accumulation enhances cold and drought tolerance in grasses, and the increased soluble carbohydrates improve forage quality, especially the nutritional value animals can gain from these grasses. The C4 grasses yield high biomass but their inability to accumulate fructans coupled with their low water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content are limiting factors for the forage quality of these grasses. The aim of this study was to produce fructans and increase the total soluble sugar content by introducing and expressing fructan biosynthesis genes in a C4 grass, bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge). Using particle bombardment, we transformed bahiagrass with a wheat-derived sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST) gene and a sucrose:fructan 6-fructosyltransferase (6-SFT) gene, both of which were regulated by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Transcripts of the 1-SST and 6-SFT genes were detected in six out of 12 transgenic plants carrying both genes. Transgenic bahiagrass plants expressing the 1-SST and 6-SFT genes accumulated 1-kestose and nystose. Although further polymerization of fructose units by 6-SFT activity was not detected in transgenic plants, the total soluble sugar content increased. These results suggest that transgenic bahiagrass plants expressing wheat fructosyltransferase genes created a new metabolic pathway for fructan biosynthesis, which is an important requirement for producing fructans in C4 forage grasses with the objective of increasing the total soluble sugar content of these plants. This is the first report of introducing plant-derived fructosyltransferases with the goal of increasing fructan accumulation in C4 forage grasses.
Influence of integrated nutrient management on vegetative growth parameters of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.).

Different chemical and biofertilizers were tried at different levels to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on vegetative growth of marigold. Regarding the growth parameters viz. height of the plant, number and length of primary branches and stem diameter increased subsequently at all the growth stages of the crop and at 90 DAT, significantly maximum height of the plant (119.60 cm), number of primary branches per plant (13.26), length of the primary branches (36.50cm) and stem diameter ( 2.47cm) were recorded in the treatment receiving 70% RDF + Azospirillum 5 kg ha -1 + PSB 5 kg ha -1 . Also this treatment showed maximum fresh weight of shoots (232.66 g) and roots (94.33 g) and total dry matter weight (100.35 g). However, the standard with recommended dose of fertilizers was found to be the second best treatment. See end of article for authors’ affiliations Correspondence to :
Alternate host plants, hibernation sites and survival strategy of Cylas puncticollis Boh.: A new pest of cotton

Survey and field experiments from 2001 – 2005 were carried out on cotton farms and surroundings to determine the alternate host plants, hibernation and survival strategy of Cylas puncticollis Boh. (Coleoptera: Brentidae) in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. Trials were also conducted on five malvaceous crops (cotton, kenaf, okra, red and white calyx roselle) in a completely randomised block design in three replications at Ngurore the ‘hot spot’ zone for the weevils. C.puncticollis was found on the following plants Astripomeoa lachnosperma, Ipomoea eriocarpa, Corchorus spp. , Celeosia spp. , Commelina spp. , Boerhavia spp. , Hibiscus spp. and Abelmoschus spp. Peak period C. puncticollis was Nov. 1st with about 12 weevils/5plants. Hibernation for the adult weevils were cotton bracts, exposed roots of cotton, thrash debris and cracked soils. Pupae and adults of C. puncticollis were found within 1 – 15cm cracked soil depths around cotton and Ipomoea weeds. Adult weevils prefers dark corners and when disturbed moves at a faster speed or fain/fake death to escape enemies. Keywords : Alternate hosts, survival, hibernation, Cylas, Ipomoea, pests
Breeding ecology of the Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis and the Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla in high-arctic northeastern Greenland, 1993

The breeding ecology of the Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis and the Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla in the high Arctic was studied in relation to the occurrence of the northeast water polynya in northeasternmost Greenland (80dN). Mean laying dates were 31 May in the Fulmar and 18 June in the Kittiwake; the total nesting season for the Fulmar just matched the time window of the polynya opening period. Fulmar colony attendance fluctuated within a period of 11.6 days because of variation in nonbreeding prospectors but showed no clear diurnal variation. Fulmar incubation shifts, on average, lasted 6.1 days (range 1–13 days), which is significantly longer than elsewhere, and the average chick-guard period of 10.9 days (range 1–17 days) was significantly shorter than in other studies. Egg neglect occurred in 18% of Fulmar nests or 0.7% of nests per day. Overall breeding success (chicks fledged per egg laid) was 0.56 in the Fulmar and 0.67 in the Kittiwake; the latter produced 1.4 young per active nest or 1.2 per completed nest. Mean Kittiwake clutch size was 2.03; larger clutches were laid early. Nest site characteristics (presumably reflecting nest predation risk) and breeding behaviour affected breeding success. in the Fulmar, hatching success was negatively correlated with laying date and the proportion of egg neglect, while overall breeding success was correlated negatively with distance to nearest neighbouring site and positively with the length of the chick-guard period. Kittiwake breeding success was negatively correlated with laying date. Using seabirds as indicators of marine food supply, breeding success in both species suggested moderate to good food supply in the northeast water polynya in 1993, although at least in the Fulmar the high reproductive output appeared partly maintained by behavioural buffering; long incubation shifts, egg neglect and short chick-guard periods were symptoms of foraging constraints.
Public Attitudes toward Blindness

By way of summary—this paper has been concerned with a number of problems related to public attitudes toward blindness. A major emphasis has been upon attitudinal components—upon their description, their mediation by different personal values, and their differential sensitivity to methods of attitude change. A second emphasis has been upon tracing through the workings of such introjected attitudes upon the self-concept of the blind person, upon his own attitudes toward the sighted, and upon the degree to which he has obtained independence in his mode of travel, in his work, and in daily activities.
Effectiveness of music therapy on depression, anxiety and stress among haemodialysis patients

Introduction: Music therapy is a non invasive intervention, which is readily accepted by patients and has been used to relieve anxiety, stress and depression. Haemodialysis patients usually experience high level of stress, anxiety and depression. Relieving these psychological issues and helps patients to cope up with their psychological situation, calm music therapy has been found to be effective. Objectives:- To find the effectiveness of music therapy among haemodialysis patients in reducing depression anxiety and stress as measured by DASS scale. To find differences in Blood pressure, heart rate among subjects after music therapy Materials and Method:- Research design adopted for the study was quasi experimental research design with pretest post test with randomization control group. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire & DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) tool. Results:- For this study 40 subjects had been identified and majorities of 29 (72.5%) were males. Around 15 (45%) participant were in the age group of to 44 – 64 years. Among the 40 subjects, a group of 20 received music therapy. There was a difference in mean depression (p= 0.016), anxiety (p=0.035 and stress (p=0.028) between experimental and control group. In experimental group there was a difference in mean Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood pressure (p < 0.05) after the music therapy. In control group, there was a difference in SBP (p <0.005) and no significant difference was found in the Diastolic Blood Pressure. (p = 0.297). Conclusion: This study had been identified that, music therapy is effective in reducing the level depression, anxiety and stress among the haemodialysis cases. Thus, music therapy can be used to relieve depression, anxiety and stress among those who are undergoing Haemodialysis
Physicochemical Properties Related to Quality of Rice Noodles

ABSTRACT Eleven rice genotypes with diverse Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) pasting characteristics were evaluated for their physicochemical and gel textural characteristics relative to their suitability for making rice noodles. Apparent amylose content (AC) was highly correlated with swelling power (r = -0.65, P < 0.05), flour swelling volume (FSV) (r = -0.67, P < 0.05), noodle hardness (r = 0.74, P < 0.01), gumminess (r = 0.82, P < 0.01), chewiness (r = 0.74, P < 0.01), and tensile strength (r = 0.72, P < 0.05). Solubility showed an inverse relationship with the pasting parameters and noodle rehydration, and a positive relationship with cooking loss, noodle hardness, and gumminess. FSV and most of the pasting parameters were negatively correlated with noodle hardness. RVA parameters and textural parameters of gels formed in the RVA canister were well correlated with actual noodle texture and may, therefore, be used for predicting rice noodle quality during early screening of genotypes in breeding programs.
E Vitamer Fraction in Rice Bran Inhibits Autooxidation of Cholesterol and Linoleic Acid in Emulsified System during Incubation

: The antioxidant activities of E vitamer fraction extracted from rice bran were investigated and compared with α-tocopherol at 2 concentration levels (16 ppm and 160 ppm) in the emulsified cholesterol and linoleic acid systems. 7-Ketocholesterol, 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7α-OH), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OH), 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OH), and 5,6-epoxycholesterol (5,6-EP) were found at different incubation times (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) in the emulsified cholesterol system accelerated by using 2, 2′-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) at 80°C and pH 5.5. Samples treated with 160 ppm of E vitamer fraction exhibited a significant antioxidant activity by inhibiting the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). Addition of E vitamer fraction to the emulsified linoleic acid model at 37°C significantly inhibited the hydroperoxide formation and decomposition more than that of α-tocopherol. The former was more effective in inhibiting the primary and secondary oxidations of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). No significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in inhibition of the linoleic acid autoxidation between the E vitamer fraction and the α-tocopherol at 16 and 160 ppm, respectively. E Vitamer fraction was most effective in inhibiting both emulsified cholesterol and linoleic acid. These results suggested that compounds inhibiting cholesterol autoxidation and PUFA autoxidation in both food and biological systems were present in the rice bran extract. Thus, the addition of E vitamer fraction to animal- derived muscle food may be a more compelling way to replace the synthetic antioxidants currently used in the food industry because the former is both natural and effective in inhibiting both cholesterol and PUFA autoxidation.
Role of Pattern Electroretinogram in Early Detection of Glaucoma

Background: glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most commonly diagnosed form. Pattern electroretinogram emerged as a promising tool for diagnosing of early glaucoma. Aim of the work: the present study aimed to assess the role of pattern electroretinogram in differentiating between patients with early glaucoma and normal controls. Methodology: this study included 25 early glaucoma patients and 25 normal controls. They were undergone into careful history taking, complete ophthalmic examination and investigations by using PERG, SD- OCT and perimetry. Results: regarding the comparison we found reduction in amplitude of P50 and N95 between early glaucoma patients and normal controls.
Study of genetic variation in population of Bipolaris victoriae , the causal agent of rice brown spot disease, in Guilan Province of Iran

Isolates of Bipolaris victoriae were analysed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) techniques to determine the amount of intraspecific genetic variability. Seven primers were applied and DNA bands of 200-5000 bp were produced. Cluster analysis using UPGMA method gave five groups. Levels of polymorphism were observed between DNA of different isolates. The pattern of RAPD bands did not show any correlation between polymorphism and climates or geographical areas.
Pre-Startup Planning and the Survival of New Small Businesses: Theoretical Linkages

Although eyidence is equivocal and often contradictory, prospective business founders are generally advised to develop formal plans of their proposed ventures. Consistent with this advice, some scholars have suggested that the high mortality of new small businesses could be reduced through greater pre-startup planning. However, there is an emerging view that the value of planning is context-dependent. This view is elaborated here as it applies to new small businesses. First, ways in which pre-startup planning can facilitate survival are delineated. Then, contextual conditions that can limit these impacts are described. Finally, suggestions are offered which show how this view can be used to guide future research and extend the body of knowledge.