Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allometric, Phylogenetic, and Adaptive Components of Climbing Performance in Seven Species of Didelphid Marsupials

Abstract Didelphid marsupials specialized in arboreal locomotion have morphological features convergent with primates, and hence are an ideal group to test hypotheses about the evolution of arboreality. We analyzed the relative contributions of allometric, phylogenetic, and adaptive aspects to the climbing performance of 7 species of didelphid marsupials of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. These species encompass a diversity of body sizes, use of the vertical strata, and lineages within didelphid marsupials. Climbing performance was evaluated by measuring the velocity in climbing 3 nylon ropes of 0.6, 0.9, and 1.25 cm diameter. The cycle of maximum velocity was chosen to measure relative stride length, frequency, and relative velocity. As expected, arboreal species (Gracilinanus microtarsus, Marmosops incanus, Micoureus paraguayanus, and Caluromys philander) had higher relative climbing velocities than more terrestrial species (Didelphis aurita, Philander frenatus, and Metachirus nudicaudatus). Stride frequency was mostly associated with phylogeny and vertical use of the forest, but relative velocities generally were determined by a combination of stride length and frequency. Differences in climbing performance originated early in the diversification of the group, but continued to evolve because significant differences also were detected at the subfamily, tribe, and genus levels, which seems to parallel the evolution of grasping abilities in primates.
The Molecular Pathology of β-Thalassemia in Turkey: The Boğaziçi University Experience

The thalassemias are a diverse group of hemoglobin (Hb) disorders characterized by a reduced synthesis of the globin chains of Hb. Today, more than 200 mutations, affecting different levels of β-globin gene expression, by a variety of mechanisms, are known to result in a β-thalassemia (thal) phenotype. According to recent findings, the multilayered complexity in the phenotype of β-thal is the result not only of marked molecular heterogeneity at the β-globin locus, but at the level of several other genes as well. The heterogeneity at the β-globin locus, which is the most reliable and predictive factor of disease phenotype, is simplified, to a certain extent, by the fact that the mutations are ethnic-group specific. Fifty out of >200 β-thal mutations account for 90–95% β-thalassemias worldwide. In the broad group of Mediterranean countries, ∼35 mutations have been reported thus far; however, allele frequencies vary among countries. β-Thal is a major public health concern in Turkey; throughout the country the gene frequency is estimated to be 2.1%, but in certain regions, this figure increases to 10%. The estimated number of carriers is 1,300,000 and the number of homozygous β-thal patients is around 4,000. The number of affected births is higher than expected, since the birthrate is still very high in Turkey, and the number of consanguineous marriages is above 60% in the eastern parts of the country. Unlike many other Mediterranean countries, β-thal in Turkey is very heterogeneous at the clinical level, transfusion-dependent β-thal major predominating. Between 1987 and 2006, more than 1,500 patients with homozyous β-thal, unrelated and not preselected, were investigated by DNA analysis. Our results revealed that by far the most common mutation in Turkey is IVS-I-110 (G→A), followed by IVS-I-6 (T→C) and frameshift codon (FSC) 8 (−AA). The six most common mutations add up to ∼70.3%, and the overall frequency of the first 12 mutations is 83.3%. The ratio of β 0:β +-thal mutations is 1:1, but the majority of β +-thal cases carry the severe IVS-I-110 lesion; thus, most of these mutations give rise to β-thal major in homozygous or compound heterozygous combinations. In addition to the 12 common mutations, several rare and four novel β-thal mutations were reported in the framework of this project, totaling 36 mutations. Turkey's large molecular heterogeneity can be explained by its unique geographical position and rich history, an important crossroad between cultures, civilizations and continents for several centuries. This study shows that despite its great molecular heterogeneity, and with the advent of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques and improved methods of early fetal sampling, heterozygote screening and prenatal diagnosis are feasible in Turkey.
The cytogenetic effects of the food additive boric acid in Allium cepa L.

In this study, the cytogenetic effects of boric acid (BA) were investigated in root tip cells of Allium cepa L. The roots of A. cepa were treated with the concentration of 1 g/l, 2 g/l and 4 g/l of BA for 10 and 20 h treatment pariods. BA significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI) compared to the control at all concentrations and treatment periods. However, the decreasing of the MI was not dose-dependent. BA slightly increased the percentage of abnormal cells.
Enumeração de coliformes fecais e presença de Salmonella sp. em queijo Minas

Foram submetidas a contagem de coliformes fecais e pesquisa de Salmonella sp. 168 amostras de variedades de queijo Minas (20 frescal, 48 canastra e 100 padronizado) coletadas em Belo Horizonte no periodo de 1995 a 1996. Foram adquiridos queijos com e sem registro no Servico de Inspecao Federal (SIF) para avaliar a diferenca de qualidade microbiologica. Os resultados evidenciaram ausencia de Salmonella sp. em todas as amostras de queijo. Entretanto, verificou-se que 90% das amostras de queijo Minas frescal, 81,2% de Minas canastra e 52% de Minas padronizado apresentavam elevada contagem de coliformes fecais, sendo essas superiores aos valores permitidos para inspecao. Nao houve diferenca estatistica significativa entre os queijos com e sem SIF com relacao aos resultados das analises microbiologicas de queijo Minas frescal padronizado.
Ammonium enhancement of dark carbon fixation and nitrogen limitation in symbiotic zooxanthellae: Effects of feeding and starvation of the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida

The nutrient status of algae symbiotic with marine invertebrates is controversial. We assessed the nitrogen status of zooxanthellae symbiotic with the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida using NH,+ enhancement of dark C fixation; enhancement increases with N limitation in other microalgae. Freshly isolated symbionts obtained from laboratory populations of known feeding history and from field populations were assayed: NH,+ enhancement depended on the nutritional history of the host anemones. Zooxanthellae from well-fed laboratory populations showed little enhancement of dark 14C fixation by NH,+, while mean dark enhancement ratios (NH,’ rates: seawater rates) exceeded 2.3 for zooxanthellae from anemones unfed for l-6 weeks. Photosynthetic rates of the isolated algae declined with starvation. V,,, : V,, an index which includes both dark NH,+ enhancement and photosynthesis, increased markedly with time since feeding. Three of four field samples of A. pallida yielded zooxanthellae with dark enhancement ratios similar to those of fed laboratory populations; I’,. : V, values were somewhat higher. Symbionts from anemones collected on a fourth date had a mean enhancement ratio of 2.88, and I’,,. : V, values similar to those from laboratory anemones that had not fed for l-2 weeks, indicative of increased N limitation.
Influence of shrubs on soil characteristics and their function in Sahelian agro-ecosystems in semi-arid Niger

Abstract Soil beneath shrubs form ‘fertile islands’ in fallow sites and millet fields in semi-arid Niger. To gain more information about this phenomena different shrub species in fallow sites following a gradient from 350–650 mm precipitation were examined. For each shrub two different areas were distinguished: an area under the canopy of the shrubs and an area in the nearby open land. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 0–10 cm and analysed for C org , N total , P Bray , pH(H 2 O), exchangeable cations, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and soil texture. Significantly higher concentrations between 38–51% for C, N, P and 22% on ECEC for K + were found in the soil under the shrubs. The pH showed only slight but significant differences, whereas Al 3+ and H + rates on ECEC under the shrubs were increased by 44–55%. For Guiera senegalensis , the most common shrub of the studied area, enrichment ratios of most soil properties increased relatively more with increasing aridity. In general, enrichment ratios decreased with the age of the fallows, whereas concentrations showed no clear evolution. The chemical composition of the shrub litter seems to influence the degree of soil enrichment. The main step of fertile island formation takes place during the cultivation period by trapping wind-blown sediment. This work shows that shrubs are of vital importance for the accumulation of nutrients and maintenance of soil fertility within agro-ecosystems of Niger.
Effect of Different Probiotics on Breast Quality Characteristics of Broilers Under Salmonella Challenge

The current study was performed to investigate the influence of probiotics or antibiotic on breast quality characteristics of broiler chickens that were subjected to Salmonella challenge. Two hundred, one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were allocated in five experimental treatments for 42 d. Ten cages of birds received one of the following treatments: T1=positive control (+CONT), unsupplemented, unchallenged; T2=negative control (-CONT), unsupplemented, challenged; T3=supplemented with antibiotic neoxyval (NEOX), challenged; T4=supplemented with probiotic Toyocerin (TOYO), challenged; and T5=supplemented with probiotic CloSTAT™ (CLOS), challenged. Birds in treatments T2 to T5 were challenged with 3x109 CFU/mL of Salmonella enterica subsp. typhimurium on day 16. Nine birds per treatment were sampled at the end of the trial for breast characteristics. Overall, pH and temperature values of the breast muscle were similar among all groups tested. Cooking loss results indicated that breasts from T3 birds had the highest degree of shrinkage upon cooking while those of the probiotic group had similar control values (P<0.0001). Probiotic supplementation reduced the extent of destruction of myofibrils caused by homogenisation (P<0.0001). Warner-Bratzler shear test and texture profile analysis showed that neither treatments nor Salmonella challenge had any negative impact on texture or sensory attributes of chicken breast. In conclusion, results show that breast characteristics were better when probiotics were supplemented in the diets.
Arachidonic Acid Metabolism in Glutamate Neurotoxicity

L-Glutamate (Glu), a putative excitatory neurotransmitter, causes selective neurotoxicity when applied in vivo or in vitro. Alterations in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism have been implicated in the neuronal degeneration caused by seizures and ischemia; this degeneration can be prevented by antagonists for certain Glu receptor subtypes. We have examined the role of AA metabolites in Glu cytotoxicity using the N 18-RE-105 cell line, which expresses a quisqualate subtype of Glu receptor. Addition of 0.1-1 mM quisqualate or 1-10 mM Glu resulted in up to 85% cell lysis within 24 h; however, 10 mM aspartate, N-methyl-D-aspartate, or kainate were not cytotoxic. Cell lysis was first detected after 6-10 h of Glu exposure, did not involve persistent membrane depolarization by Glu, and was attenuated by reducing calcium in the medium. '
Storage and reproductive strategy of the carpet-shell clam, Ruditapes decussatus in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)

In this study, the variations of glycogen concentrations in Ruditapes decussatus from Sfax coasts (Tunisia) were described in relation to the reproductive cycle. Separate analyses were made of gonad, adductor muscle and ‘remainder’. The timing of gametogenic development and spawning was evaluated using qualitative histology associated with image analysis including (1) the estimation of the gonadal occupation index (GOI), (2) surface area occupied by reserve tissues and (3) variation in oocyte diameter. The reproductive cycle of R. decussatus exhibited partial asynchronization between sexes, the major difference being observed in the duration of the spawning period. Contrary to previous studies, we observed continuous partial spawning (e.g. 50% of ripe oocytes still subsisted at the partial spawning stage). During the gametogenic cycle, GOI varied significantly in males and in females. Most oocytes were ripe and ready to spawn when their diameter reached or exceeded 45 µm. The expansion of gonad was inversely proportional to the development of the foot tissue. Glycogen concentration showed significant temporal variations between tissues, indicating the clear differentiation in energy storage between the clam organs.
Incidence of Nest Material Kleptoparasitism Involving Cerulean Warblers

Abstract We document 21 observations of interspecific stealing of nesting material involving Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea), Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus), Blue-gray Gnatcatchers (Polioptila caerulea), Northern Parulas (Parula americana), Black-throated Green Warblers (D. virens), American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla), and Orchard Orioles (Icterus spurius) that occurred during studies of Cerulean Warbler breeding biology. These incidents involved a variety of combinations of nest owner and nest material thief suggesting that each of these species is both a perpetrator and recipient of this behavior in our study areas. Kleptoparasitic incidents occurred at all stages of the nesting cycle from nest-building through post-fledging. Two possible motivations for this behavior are related to saving time in finding nest materials and collecting this material for nest construction.
REAL‐TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION QUANTIFICATION OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM HILA EXPRESSION DURING AGITATION AND STATIC INCUBATION

ABSTRACT Salmonella virulence is influenced by a combination of environmental stimuli including different levels of pH, oxygen availability and osmolarity and involves a coordinated genetic response. The expression of hilA in Salmonella Typhimurium, considered a key regulator of the bacterial virulence, was determined as relative to the expression of the endogenous control gene rsmC using the comparative Ct (ΔΔCt) real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Enhanced osmolarity (total of 2% NaCl) significantly increased hilA expression in cells grown at pH 8 but not at pH 6. The determination of hilA expression in bacterial cells under oxygen limitation, for all experiments, resulted in approximately twofold higher levels compared to agitated cells. The effect was more pronounced when static incubation was combined with complete removal of NaCl. Overall results support that while oxygen limitation can trigger S. Typhimurium virulence, the effect may be enhanced by other extremes for S. Typhimurium growth. By using RT-PCR, S. Typhimurium virulence gene expression can be quantified directly and more rapidly under a wide variety of environmental and laboratory conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Salmonella Typhimurium pathogenicity is influenced by various factors. Historically, hilA expression which is a key regulator of bacterial virulence has been determined by colorimetric β-galactosidase assay. The method, however, requires a preconstruction of an appropriate gene fusion and is limited by its sensitivity. This study demonstrated the utility of quantitative RT-PCR method in determining virulence gene expression under a variety of laboratory conditions. The results confirmed oxygen limitation as a potential stimulant of S. Typhimurium hilA expression, which can also be triggered by other extremes for the bacteria growth.
Grassland changes under grazing stress in Horqin sandy grassland in Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract A grazing trial was conducted from 1992 to 1996 in the Horqin sandy grassland area, located in north‐eastern China. The trial had four grazing intensity treatments: no grazing (0 sheep ha−1), light grazing (2 sheep ha−1), moderate grazing (4 sheep ha−1) and overgrazing (6 sheep ha−1) plots. The overgrazing reduced plant diversity by 87%, vegetation cover by 82%, canopy height by 94%, standing crop biomass by 98%, and root biomass by 92% compared with ungrazed grassland in the fifth year. The proportion of poor quality herbages increased to 86%. Non‐grazing assisted recovery of deteriorated vegetation. Though moderate and light grazing also reduced biomass, these treatments did not lead to serious damage to the community species structure. The plant diversity, vegetation cover, and standing biomass in the lightly grazed plots increased over grazing time. The trial showed that a grazing intensity of 2–3 sheep equivalents per hectare was sustainable in the Horqin sandy grassland in Inner Mongolia, China.
Ecophysiological influence of light and mixing on Anabaena circinalis (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria)

The physiology (growth rate, biochemical composition and flotation rate) of the toxic cyanobacterium Anabaena circinalis was studied in relation to irradiance and mixing regime in two small-scale (250 ml or 1 l) batch culture experiments and one medium scale (1 m high, 4.4 l), semi-continuous microcosm experiment. In batch cultures, A. circinalis had a relatively high irradiance requirement as indicated by its compensation irradiance, E c (13 ± 2 μmol m−2 s−1). The growth efficiency (αg) of A. circinalis, estimated as the initial slope of the growth-irradiance curve , was in the mid to high range depending on the model applied (Monod: 0.33 ± 0.19 m2 mol−1, exponential: 0.43 ± 0.15 m2 mol−1). The flotation rate of the A. circinalis population was 0.69 ± 0.11 m d−1 at 100 μmol m−2 s−1 and decreased at higher irradiance to be negative at irradiances over 135 μmol m−2 s−1. In a microcosm experiment, different mixing intervals were tested (10 min (MIXED) and 48 h (CALM)) across three irradiance treatments. The irradiance treatments differed in both their degree of vertical light attenuation and mean integrated irradiance. The mixing regime had no effect on growth rate in the high irradiance (HE) and medium irradiance (ME) treatments (mean integrated irradiances 60 and 15 μmol m−2 s−1, respectively). However, an increase in A. circinalis flotation rate in the lowest irradiance treatment (LE; mean integrated irradiance 7 μmol m−2 s−1) resulted in a 44% higher growth rate in the CALM microcosm through access to greater irradiance. This suggests that short stable periods (e.g. diurnal stratification) in highly light limited treatments will assist the growth of A. circinalis due to its ability to gain ready access to light in the euphotic zone.
Ca++ channel blocking activity of Artemisia scoparia extract

Intravenous administration of a hydro‐methanolic extract of Artemisia scoparia (3–30 mg/kg) produced hypotensive and bradycardiac effects. These effects remained unaltered in atropine treated animals and the presence of the extract did not modify the vasoconstrictor response of norepinephrine, indicating that cardiovascular effects of the plant extract are not mediated through activation of muscarinic receptors or adrenoceptor blockade. In the in vitro studies, it suppressed the spontaneous movements of rabbit jejunum in a concentration‐dependent (0.1‐1 mg/mL) manner. The plant extract inhibited K+‐induced tonic contraction in a manner similar to that of verapamil. Exposure of tissue to Ca++‐free Kreb's solution abolished the spontaneous movements which were restored on addition of Ca++. In tissue pretreated with plant extract or verapamil, addition of Ca++ (50 μM) failed to restore spontaneous contractions. These data indicate that Artemisia scoparia cntains Ca++ channel blocker‐like constituent(s) which may explain the hypotensive effect observed in vivo and the traditional use of the plant as a spasmolytic.
Sampling Effects and Host Ranges in Australian Mistletoes

The number of host species utilized by Australian mistletoe species increases with their geographic range sizes. Rather than resulting from deterministic processes, we demonstrate that this pattern results from wider‐ranging species being sampled more efficiently, and we discuss how sampling effects might be addressed in future analyses of mistletoe biogeography.
Vegetative structure, concealment, and success at nests of two races of spruce grouse

Vegetative structure, concealment, and success were compared at nests of two races of spruce grouse: Canachites canadensis canace (N = 37) in New Brunswick (1976–1980) and C. c. franklinii (N = 67) in Alberta (1970–1975). Nests of both races were similar in design and were often located near the bole of trees or near the perimeter of tree or shrub clumps. Female spruce grouse, particularly in New Brunswick, nest in an array of stand types, densities, and ages. Hens may use certain structural cues when choosing areas to nest since canopy closure, density and percent ground cover, and density of trees at nest sites were different from what was generally available. Concealment and success at nests of canace were significantly greater than at franklinii nests. We attribute these differences partially to the absence of a uniform dense layer of dwarf shrub ground vegetation in Alberta. Nests of adults of both races were better concealed than nests of yearlings and well-concealed nests usually were successful.
When Technology Transfer Enables Sales Growth

Increasing sales performance in any organization requires refinement in product quality, agility in service delivery, innovation, internal flexibility, rareness, and lowest cost of operations. This paper investigated the effect of technology transfer on sales growth of selected agroprocessing companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. The cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The population was 1,150 managers and engineers of selected three agro-processing companies in Nigeria. A sample size of 675 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan formula. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the respondents. A validated questionnaire was administered for data collection. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.72 to 0.97. A response rate of 93% was achieved. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Stability of tylosin in honey at elevated temperatures

Summary Honey containing tylosin has been studied to determine the stability of this antibiotic over time at various temperatures. Tylosin and desmycosin, the latter a hydrolysis product of tylosin, were isolated from diluted honey samples by solid-phase extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography. Tylosin converted to desmycosin exponentially with half-lives of about 102 days at 34°C, 9 days at 50°, 9 hours at 80°, and 48 minutes at 110°. The desmycosin then decayed to unknown products. The sum of tylosin and desmycosin also decayed exponentially, with half-lives of 3–5 times the tylosin half life at that temperature. The honey used in this study itself deteriorated at these temperatures and times, darkening in color and eventually acquiring insoluble material which required filtration to enable the analysis. Therefore, storage of honey containing tylosin at elevated temperatures is not a feasible method of reducing levels of any tylosin that might be present.