Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How to prioritize allocating conservation efforts: an alternative method tested with imperilled herpetofauna

Several methods were developed with the aim of prioritizing conservation efforts. However, most of these methods were focused on ranking areas for land protection, without offering alternatives for sites poorly ranked. We propose an alternative method that allows prioritizing conservation efforts independently of the status of a specific area. The conservation priorities method considers data related with biodiversity, availability of suitable habitat and human pressure, on area‐based units. This information is then standardized, obtaining a vector of three values, which reflects the situation of a specific area categorically (positive and negative) and quantitatively (how far from zero). Based on these values, specific conservation efforts can be settled at each area‐based unit. We tested this methodology on several political units located at the Pampean Coastal Dunes in Argentina, using herpetofauna as surrogate taxon. Our results confirm the needs of performing several conservation approaches to deal with Pampean Coastal Dunes' problems. The conservation priorities method showed to be a useful tool to characterize sites and to set conservation efforts based on its specific status, supplementing current methodologies.
Mechanisms of malignant transformation of human urothelial cells by monomethylarsonous acid

Sources of arsenic exposure include air, water, and food from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Arsenic is categorized as a human carcinogen, and is associated with pleiotropic toxicities including cancers of the skin, lung, and bladder. Despite arsenic’s long recognition as a human carcinogen, the exact mechanisms of arsenicalinduced carcinogenesis are unknown. Arsenic exposure has been shown to cause DNA damage. However, because arsenic does not directly react with DNA, genotoxicity is generally considered to result from indirect mechanisms. The generation of arsenicalinduced reactive oxygen species and the inhibition of critical DNA repair systems are believed to contribute to arsenical-induced carcinogenicity. The DNA damaging effects of arsenical exposure and alterations in DNA repair processes were examined within the human bladder urothelial cell line, UROtsa, following continuous exposure to the arsenic metabolite, monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)]. Chronic, low-level MMA(III) exposure results in the induction of DNA damage that remains elevated following the removal of MMA(III). Furthermore, data presented herein, defines the critical period in which continuous low-level MMA(III) exposure causes the malignant transformation of the UROtsa cell line. Results indicate that malignant transformation of UROtsa cells is irreversible following 12 wk of low-level MMA(III) exposure. Assessment of the MMA(III)-induced biological alterations leading to the malignant transformation of UROtsa cells following 12 wk of exposure suggest two potential interdependent mechanisms in which MMA(III) may increase the susceptibility of UROtsa cells to
The role of simulation in imagery rescripting for post-traumatic stress disorder: a single case series

Abstract Background: Imagery rescripting (ImRs) is an experiential therapy technique used to change the content and meaning of intrusive imagery in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by imagining alternative endings to traumatic events. There is growing evidence that ImRs is an effective treatment for PTSD; however, little is known about how it brings about change. Aims: This study aimed to explore the role of mental simulation as a candidate mechanism of action in ImRs, and, specifically, whether well-simulated imagery rescripts are associated with greater change in symptom severity during ImRs. Method: Using a single-case experimental design, seven participants receiving cognitive therapy for PTSD were assessed before, during and after sessions of imagery rescripting for one intrusive image. Participants completed continuous symptom severity measures. Sessions were recorded, then coded for goodness of simulation (GOS) as well as additional factors (e.g. rescript believability, vividness). Results: Participants were divided into high- and low-responders and coding was compared across groups. Correlational analyses were supported by descriptive analysis of individual sessions. High-responders’ rescripts tended to be rated as well-simulated compared with those of low-responders. Specific factors (e.g. intensity of thoughts/emotions related to original and new imagery elements, level of cognitive and emotional shift and belief in the resultant rescript) were also associated with reductions in symptom severity. Conclusions: There was tentative evidence that well-simulated rescripted images tended to be associated with greater reductions in symptom severity of the target image. Clinical implications and avenues for further research are discussed.
Zoological results of the Dutch New Guinea expedition, 1939. No. 51) The Birds

The present paper is the report on a collection of birds brought together during the expedition of the "Koninklijk Nederlandsch Aardrijkskundig Genootschap" to the Wissel Lake area in 1939. The zoologist of this expedition Prof. Dr. H. Boschma collected with the assistance of two mantris of the Buitenzorg Museum in this district from mid-August till mid-November, whilst also some collecting work was done at the Etna Bay. Of great importance was the help of the natives, who brought many birds that otherwise would have been difficult to obtain. Included in this report is a small collection made by Mr. J. P. K. van Eechoud in the same district in 1938. For permission to include it here I am indebted to the authorities of the Buitenzorg Museum. Though birds were only one of the many groups of animals that have been collected and no field notes have been made, this collection from an area where never has been collected before, is of much importance. The collection contains, together with that of van Eechoud, 137 species of which 3 are new to New Guinea: Limicola falcinellus (migrant), Porzana pusilla and Megalurus gramineus. Described as new were 12 races of the following species : Rallus pectoralis, Porzana pusilla, Ptilinopus viridis, Ducula rufigaster, Malurus alboscapulatus, M egalurus gramineus, Phylloscopus trivirgatus, Pitohui kirrhocephalus, Neositta papuensis, Ptiloprora guisei, Dicaeum geelvinkianum, Lonchura castaneithorax (cf. Zool. Mededelingen, vol. 31, no. 22, July 11, 1952). Of these 9 originated from the Wissel Lake district, 1 from the Etna Bay, 1 from the southern slopes of the Snow Mountains, and 1 from Meos Num in the Geelvink Bay. Moreover an interesting hybrid between two species
Determination of fatty acids composition in Persian Gulf shrimp, Metapenaeus affinis

The aim of this work was to analyze the fatty acid profile in Persian Gulf shrimp, Metapenaeus affinis that is one of the edible and well-known shrimps and has suitable amount of fatty acids specific polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). It has been reported that, a high dietary consumption of marine n-3 fatty acids may prevent the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. The fatty acids profile were analysed in the male and female shrimps. The maximum amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was 35.88 percent of total fatty acids in Bandar Abbas (St. A) samples. Highest monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were 19.59% in station C and uppermost of PUFA was in Bushehr samples equal to 47.2 %. The figures of SFA showed significant difference between stations (p 0.05) and finally PUFA differed statistically only between station A and B. ω3 and ω9 in station A also had statistically differ with other stations and demonstrate that ω3 lower but ω9 higher than other stations. Difference in percentage of fatty acids among stations may consequence of consuming different nutrients by each group of shrimp.
Induction of resistance to Penicillium digitatum and chilling injury in ‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit by a short hot-water rinse and brushing treatment

Summary Postharvest heat treatments have been used for many years as alternatives to chemical control of fungal diseases and insect infestation of fruits and vegetables. In this study, the effects of a new hot-water brushing (HWB) treatment on the resistance of red grapefruit (C. paradisi cv. Star Ruby) to green mould decay caused by Penicillium digitatum (Pers.: Fr.) Sacc. and on the development of chilling injury (CI) symptoms during cold storage were examined. The HWB treatment comprises rinsing hot water on the fruits as they move along a belt of brush rollers. A twenty second HWB treatment at 59 or 62° reduced decay, after arti®cial inoculation of wounded fruit, by 52 or 70%, respectively, compared with control unwashed fruit, whereas rinsing and brushing the fruit with tap water (~20°) or with hot water at 53 or 56°, were ineffective. HWB treatments applied 1–3 d prior to inoculation were most effective in enhancing the disease resistance of fruit, but were much less effective when the fruit were inoculated on the same day or 7.d later. HWB treatments at 59 or 62° for 20.s also significantly reduced the CI index and the percentage of fruit displaying CI symptoms by 42 and 58%, respectively, after six weeks’ storage at 2° and an additional week at 20°. Furthermore, HWB treatments cleaned the fruit and improved its general appearance without causing any surface damage, and did not influence fruit weight loss, percentage of total soluble solids (TSS) in the juice, juice acidity or fruit colour.
Mitigation of salt stress-induced inhibition of Plantago crassifolia reproductive development by supplemental calcium or magnesium.

In Plantago crassifolia, a moderate halophyte characteristic of borders of salt marshes in the Mediterranean region, reproductivedevelopment is more sensitive to high soil salinity than vegetative growth. To investigate the possible role of calcium and magnesiumsalts in the responses of this species to salt stress, adult plants were submitted over a 2-month period to treatments with 300 mMNaCl-a concentration which affects, but does not completely inhibit seed formation in P. crassifolia-either alone or combined with lowconcentrations of CaCl2 (10 mM) or MgCl2 (20 mM). The NaCl treatment did not affect plant vegetative growth and had a stimulatingeffect on flowering. Yet almost half the spikes produced had aborted seeds, and the effect on seed number and quality-estimated bytheir mean weight and germination capacity-was obviously deleterious. Addition of calcium or magnesium chloride during the saltstresstreatment completely counteracted the negative effect of NaCl on the â€˜reproductive successâ€™ of the plants: the number, weightand germination frequency of the seeds were similar to that in the control, non-stressed plants. These results indicate that both divalentcations can suppress or mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress. While this protective role is well established in the case of calcium,we provide here the first experimental evidence of a similar function for magnesium.
Crescimento e qualidade de mudas de Cassia grandis LINNAEUS f., Plathymenia foliolosa BENTH. E Dipteryx alata vogel em resposta à adubação fosfatada e saturação por bases do substrato

vii 1. INTRODUCAO GERAL 1 REFERENCIAS BIBLIOGRAFICAS 4 2. CAPITULO 1: Crescimento e qualidade de mudas de Cassia grandis Linnaeus f. em resposta a adubacao fosfatada e saturacao por bases do substrato 6 Resumo 6 Introducao 7 Material e metodos 9 Resultados e discussao 11 Conclusoes 19 Referencias bibliograficas 19 3. CAPITULO 2: Crescimento e qualidade de mudas de Plathymenia foliolosa Benth. em resposta a adubacao fosfatada e saturacao por bases do substrato 24 Resumo 24 Introducao 25 Material e metodos 27 Resultados e discussao 29 Conclusoes 36 Referencias bibliograficas 36 4. CAPITULO 3: Crescimento e qualidade de mudas de Dipteryx alata Vogel em resposta a adubacao fosfatada e saturacao por bases do substrato 40 Resumo 40 Introducao 41 Material e metodos 43 Resultados e discussao 45
RESPONSE TO SALT STRESS IN GROWTH, WATER RELATIONS, AND ION CONTENT OF Jatropha curcas AND J. cinerea SEEDLINGS

"Saline stress on Jatropha curcas, a plant native to humid tropical areas, was assessed to determine its potential for cultivating it as a biodiesel crop in arid and saline areas and compared with Jatropha cinerea, a wild species of saline dry areas. J. curcas and J. cinerea were subjected to four NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 200mM) for 28 days, and the effects on growth, ion relations, water potential and stomatal conductance were measured. Both species had the capacity to regulate and maintain water uptake. Stomatal conductance decreased in approximately the same amount in both species. Chlorophyll content decreased only in J. curcas. Biomass production was strongly affected in both species, probably as a consequence of reduced stomatal conductance and ion toxicity. Biomass production and ion relations responded similarly at 50mM, but salinity inhibited J. curcas more than J. cinerea at 100mM from larger Na+ uptake and nutritional disorder. Young J. curcas plants have the capacity to grow in dry areas when soils are moderately saline. "
Chromosomal Characterization of Prochilodus lineatus from Parana River, Corrientes, Argentina. I. B Chromosomes and NOR Banding

The fish of the genus Prochilodus, commonly known as sabalo, are of great economic and ecological importance. Different species of this genus are widely distributed throughout all the basins of South America. Cytogenetic analysis performed on specimens of Prochilodus lineatus from Puerto Abras (Parana River, Argentina), revealed the occurrence of 54 chromosomes of meta-submetacentric type, together with the presence of small supernumerary chromosomes with intra and interindividual variations. The use of the 18S rDNA probe confirmed the results obtained with Ag-NORs, identifying the presence of a metacentric chromosome pair with ribosomal cistrons in interstitial position in the long arm. Through both of these techniques are noted differences in the size of the nucleolar regions, this variation is probably related to the occurrence of events of duplication and/or deletion.
An integrative morphological and molecular diagnostics for Typhlodromus pyri (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Tixier, M‐S. , Okassa, M. & Kreiter, S. (2011). An integrative morphological and molecular diagnostics for Typhlodromus pyri (Acari: Phytoseiidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 68–78.
Shrinkage of fast-growing hybrid poplar clones

Twenty-eight 9-year-old trees from 10 clones of the hybrid Populus x euramericana at one site in south central Quebec were sampled to study the pattern of wood shrinkage variability within trees, within clones, and between clones. Four small standard specimens and a 10-mm-diameter increment core were taken from each tree at breast height. Partial and total radial, tangential, and volumetric shrinkages were evaluated from both types of specimens. Results indicated that clones show highly significant differences in shrinkage behavior. The effect among trees within the same clone was significant but accounted for less than 5 percent of the total variation. The tangential and volumetric shrinkages increased from pith to bark and tended to level off near the bark. Shrinkage values of clearwood and 10-mm increment cores were significantly correlated. However, shrinkage was only moderately correlated to wood density. Finally, no significant relationship was found between growth rate and shrinkage values.
Dark Island heath (Ninety-mile plain, South Australia). I. Definition of the ecosystem. III. The root nodules.

A survey of the literature on the distribution of the sclerophyllous understorey in Australia leads to the conclusion that, although the climatic conditions under which it grows may vary considerably, the soils on which it flourishes are always acid and very low in available phosphorus and nitrogen and sometimes in potassium, copper, zinc, and molybdenum. The problem is how the sclerophyllous species are able to flourish on such deficient soils. To provide a background for the investigation of this problem, a detailed ecological study was initiated on an extensive stand of heath occurring on deep sand (the Makin sand) in the upper south-east of South Australia. This paper outlines the habitat and indicates the general characteristics of the heath vegetation of the area. The climate is typical of a meditsrranean region; the soil is a deep, acid sand, remarkably low in most mineral nutrients; the vegetation is scarcely influenced by grazing animals, but is regularly razed by fire. The vegetation is dominated by a number of nanophanerophytes, not more than 6 ft in height, with an understorey of chamaephytes, hemicryptophytes, and geophytes. The majority of the species possess dull green, small, sclerophyllous leaves (leptophylls). Growth occurs predominantly during the summer, from January to March, while many of the species flower during spring. Most of the dominant species, however, flower during late summer to midwinter. Leaf-fall is greatest towards the end of the dry summer period, while litter decomposition, which is only completed after 1 1/2– 2 1/2 years, reaches its maximum in the spring. It is shown that it is necessary to examine at least four random quadrats of at least 25 sq. yd to study satisfactorily the larger species. In each quadrat, a smaller random sub-quadrat of at least 22 sq. ft will enable the critical examination of the smaller species. The outstanding features of the southern Australian heath are (1) a summergrowth rhythm instead of the spring growth typical of similar vegetation in other mediterranean-type regions, and (2) its consistent occurrence on soils very low in fertility. It is suggested that these are connected with the evolutionary history of the heath which apparently flourished during the Pliocene period on widespread, infertile, lateritic podsols in equilibrium with a warm pluvial climate favouring summer growth.
Benchmark Dose-Response Modeling Approaches to Integrate Toxicogenomics Into Quantitative Risk Assessment

The 21st century vision for toxicity testing and risk assessment is to become more efficient at evaluating a broader range of chemicals with minimal animal testing. The objective of this research was to determine if short-term global gene expression profiling can be used to inform potency and chemical mode of action (MOA) determinations and thus collectively serve as a strategy to prioritize future or data-poor chemicals for further evaluation. Dose-response modeling was used to estimate low-dose potency for activation or repression of key genes and pathways, and these transcriptional benchmark dose (BMDT) estimates were compared to benchmark dose estimates for more traditional toxicological (i.e., apical) responses (BMDA) at the cellular or tissue level which were observed after the same exposure duration. These BMDT and BMDA were also compared to BMDA for the ultimate adverse outcome that might traditionally serve as the basis of quantitative risk assessment. The case studies included (1) liver gene expression at 30 days for conazole antifungal agents, some of which are hepatocarcinogens in mice, (2) liver gene expression at 2 and 7 days for phenobarbital, a prototype nongenotoxic rodent hepatocarcinogen that activates the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and (3) urinary bladder gene expression at 7 days and 20 weeks for diuron, a substituted urea pesticide associated with urinary bladder cytotoxicity and tumorigenesis in rats. BMDT and BMDA estimates are particularly useful in informing threshold dose-response and risk assessment approaches for nongenotoxic carcinogens. Our studies showed that BMDT estimates for key genes and pathways were highly concordant and thus phenotypically anchored to BMDA for target tissue responses observed after the same exposure duration. Our short-term BMDT were also consistent with potency estimates for the tumorigenic outcome or precursor key events such as hyperplasia. In conclusion, this research demonstrated the utility of short-term global gene expression profiling for informing potency with respect to MOA determinations and quantitative risk assessment of long-term exposures. Further, these case studies encompassed multiple rodent species, target tissues, MOA, and exposure durations ranging from 2 days to 20 weeks, thus demonstrating the potential utility of this approach as a chemical testing and prioritization strategy
Satisfaction Rate of Service Recipients and Providers of Rural Family Physician Program in Iran: A systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background and purpose: Measuring the satisfaction of service recipients and service providers is one of the main key indices for evaluation of rural family physician program. So far, 10 years has passed since this program was implemented and different results have been published. In this study we aimed to estimate the overall level of both service recipients and service providers’ satisfaction using meta-analysis. Materials and methods: National and international databases were reviewed and articles published in March 2005 to April 2015 were identified. We also investigated the study references and interviewed some researchers to enhance the search sensitivity. Eligible papers for final meta-analysis were selected after quality assessment and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. There was a significant heterogeneity between the results of the studies, therefore, random effects model was applied to estimate the total level of stakeholder satisfaction using Stata SE. V.11. Results: This meta-analysis included 18 relevant studies investigating the satisfaction level of 8009 service recipients and 921 service providers. Total levels of satisfaction among service recipients and service providers regarding the rural family physician program were estimated to be 54.03% (40.667.4) and 50.4% (27.8-73.03), respectively. Conclusion: The current study showed a moderate level of satisfaction regarding the rural family physician program among stakeholders.
Taxonomic diversity of European Cottus with description of eight new species (Teleostei : Cottidae)

The taxonomy of European species of Cottus (Cottidae) is revised. Results of molecular studies are summarised and the variability of morphological characters is reviewed. Molecular and morphological data support the recognition of 15 diagnosable species in Europe. A neotype is designated for C. gobio; the type locality is in the lower Elbe drainage. Cottus gobio, C. hispaniolensis, C. koshewnikowi, C. microstomus, C. petiti, and C. poecilopus are re-diagnosed. Eight new species are described. Three of them are restricted to France: C. aturi to the Adour drainage, C. duranii to the upper Dordogne, upper Lot and upper Loire drainages, and C. rondeleti to the Herault drainage. Two new species are described from the Atlantic and North Sea basins: C. perifretum from Great Britain, and the Scheldt, Rhine, Seine, lower Loire and lower Garonne drainages, and C. rhenanus from the Meuse and lower and middle Rhine drainages. Cottus scaturigo is described from a single spring in northeastern Italy. In the Danube drainage, C. metae from the upper Save and C. transsilvaniae from the upper Arges are distinguished from the widespread C. gobio. Lectotypes are designated for C. ferrugineus and C. pellegrini. Cottus koshewnikowi Gratzianow, 1907 is declared nomen protectum and C. gobio microcephalus Kessler, 1868 is declared nomen oblitum. The original spelling of C. milvensis is discussed.