Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomechanics of Pteranodon

The fossil evidence is re-examined to determine the structure of Pteranodon ingens . New measurements include the cross-sections and thickness of the wing bones, the degree and direction of movement of the joints, and the size and position of major tendon and muscle insertions. From this data a reconstruction is made suitable for engineering and aerodynamic analysis. The reconstruction is based largely on Eaton’s type specimen, 1175, and has a wing span of 6.95 m. The mass is estimated as 16.6 kg by calculating the volume of each part, making due allowance for the soft parts and cavities. The engineering design of the wing is considered in some detail. The shape deduced from the angles of the joints agrees well with that required for strength and aerodynamic efficiency. The strength of each part has been compared with the loads on it in gliding flight, showing that the structure is extremely well designed; it is strong enough everywhere, but with little unnecessary weight. Wind-tunnel experiments on model heads show that the sagittal crest was primarily a weight-saving device; by balancing the aerodynamic loads on the beak, it allows the neck muscles to be reduced, saving much more than its own weight. The performance of Pteranodon as a glider has been calculated, and compared with birds and man-made gliders. With a sinking speed of only 0.42 m/s at a flying speed of 8 m/s, Pteranodon is a superb low speed soaring aircraft, able to soar in weak thermals, or hill lift in very light winds. With its low stalling speed, it could also land very gently. Powered flight is considered, and it is shown that Pteranodon is just capable of level flight; but it is clearly primarily a glider. The environment in which Pteranodon lived is determined as far as possible from an analysis of the palaeobotany, palaeozoology and palaeoclimatology of the Cretaceous. The evidence points to a warmer and more uniform climate with lighter winds than today. This agrees well with Pteranodon9s performance, which is ideally suited to light wind conditions. The mode of life is considered, showing that Pteranodon probably lived on sea cliffs facing the prevailing wind. After landing on the top, it would scrabble forwards (it could neither stand up nor walk) and hang from its hind feet over the edge. From here it could easily launch itself. When flying near the cliff it would soar in the hill lift; when far out at sea it would use the weak thermals generated by convection over the warm sea. Dynamic soaring and slope-soaring over the waves are not possible for such a slow-speed glider. Some consideration is given to methods of feeding, social organization and defence against predators. Finally it is suggested that extinction could have been due to climatic change, particularly an increase in the average wind speed at the end of the Cretaceous.
Food and Habitat Utilization by Juvenile Salmonids in the Campbell River Estuary

Salmonid behaviour and abundance in several microhabitats within the Campbell River estuary was observed monthly, from May to July, by divers using snorkels and face masks. Concurrent vertical profiles of physical and biological parameters at each microhabitat were taken to characterize habitats frequented by the fish. Data were collected at high and low tide to record behavioural reactions to changes in water velocity, salinity, and temperature associated with tidal height and salt wedge intrusion. Samples of plankton collected at each microhabitat were compared with stomach contents of salmonids caught nearby to determine if interspecific differences in diet could be correlated with differences in the habitats they occupied. Fish occurred in loose assemblages, aligned with the current, feeding near estuarine banks. As water velocities increased with the ebbing tide, the fish concentrated in a shear region near the mouth of a slough and behind large rocks and submerged vegetation. At both high and low ti.
The effects of turbidity and complex habitats on the feeding of a galaxiid fish are clear and simple

The habitat used by animals plays an important role in their interactions with predators and prey. By using complex habitats such as areas of dense macrophyte cover in response to elevated predation risk, small fishes may reduce their foraging success. Because the threat of predation by introduced brown trout increases the use of complex habitats by the threatened Galaxias auratus (Johnston), we experimentally examined its foraging in different habitats to estimate indirect impacts of brown trout presence. The lakes in which G. auratus lives have recently become more turbid, so the experiment was also conducted under different turbidity levels. Laboratory feeding trials in which planktonic and epibenthic prey were simultaneously offered to G. auratus in the presence or absence of artificial macrophytes and at three turbidity levels (0, 50 and 100 NTU) revealed that its overall foraging success was unaffected by habitat complexity; however, in trials with artificial macrophytes, G. auratus consumed a greater proportion of planktonic prey than in the absence of artificial macrophytes. Neither overall foraging success nor prey selection by G. auratus was affected by high turbidity, indicating that water clarity does not appear to directly negatively impact its feeding. The switch in prey types would probably not be detrimental to G. auratus in the long term, and thus it appears that there is no substantial feeding cost associated with its increased use of complex habitats. It could, however, affect lower trophic levels in the lakes to which it is endemic.
Partial age‐specific life tables for Monochamus titillator in Dendroctonus frontalis infested loblolly pines

Partial age‐specific life tables were constructed for Monochamus titillator (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) infested loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees. Successive life stages including egg, early larvae, mid‐stage larvae, late larvae, and adult emergence were sampled within six sample trees. Generation mortality ranged from 60.94% to 98.61% in sample trees. Highest mortality typically occurred to eggs and mid‐stage larvae. Possible mortality factors included resinosis, predaceous beetles, parasitoids, and woodpeckers. Dendroctonus frontalis brood stages were determined for consecutive M. titillator sampling. Monochamus titillator and D. frontalis coexisted and likely interacted in the phloem of host trees for at least 20 days.
Comparative studies of social behavior in Callicebus and Saimiri: Behavioral and physiological responses of established pairs to unfamiliar pairs

Comparisons were made of the behavioral and physiological responses of heterosexual pairs of two closely related New World primates, Callicebus moloch and Saimiri sciureus, to confrontations with unfamiliar pairs. Subject pairs were exposed to strangers in two situations differing in the presumed degree of arousal they imposed: obligatory (full visual exposure) and facultative (one part of the test cage allowed visual withdrawal). Behavioral reactions were evaluated employing frequencies of affiliative behaviors, agonistic behaviors, and spatial distribution. Physiological reactions were evaluated employing heartrate and plasma corticosteroid levels. Callicebus males and females were similarly affected by unfamiliar pairs. Both sexes behaved agonistically towards strangers; pairmates drew closer together and behaved in a coordinated fashion. Display behaviors declined, and spatial withdrawal increased over time. Heartrate in both sexes increased during confrontations, particularly during obligatory exposure. The reactions of Saimiri to strangers differed between the sexes. Males reacted agonistically toward unfamiliar conspecifics, as reflected in displays and spatial adjustments. In contrast, females showed a strong attraction to unfamiliar females. Despite the sex differences in behavior, heartrate did not differentiate confrontation conditions clearly in either sex. Plasma cortisol measures failed to differentiate between experimental conditions in either species.
Nitric oxide pathway is induced by FcεRI and up‐regulated by stem cell factor in mouse mast cells

Murine stem cell factor (SCF) induces the differentiation of mucosal mast cells (MMC) into connective tissue mast cells (CTMC) and potentiates mediator release induced by aggregation of high‐affinity IgE receptors (FcεRI). In the present work, we investigated the effect of FcεRI aggregation on nitric oxide (NO) pathway induction in the different subsets of mast cells, as well as the contribution of SCF in this induction. Inducible NO synthase (iNOs) expression was not evidenced in non‐stimulated MMC obtained by culture of hematopoietic progenitors in the presence of interleukin‐3, whereas IgE‐antigen‐stimulated MMC expressed iNOs mRNA and protein and synthesized nitrites. Long‐term treatment of MMC with SCF, allowing them to differentiate into CTMC, induced iNOs expression in non‐stimulated cells and up‐regulated iNOs expression and generation of NO derivatives induced by IgE‐antigen stimulation. Thus, NO derivatives generated by mast cells could participate in inflammatory reactions during allergic stimulation.
Chick myotendinous antigen. II. A novel extracellular glycoprotein complex consisting of large disulfide-linked subunits

This report describes the biochemical characterization of a novel extracellular matrix component, " myotendinous antigen," which appears early in chick limb morphogenesis at sites connecting developing muscle fibers, tendons, and bone ( Chiquet , M., and D. Fambrough , 1984; J. Cell Biol., 98:1926-1936). This extracellular matrix antigen is a major component of the secretory proteins released into the medium by fibroblast and muscle cultures; the soluble form is characterized here. This form of myotendinous antigen is a large glycoprotein complex consisting of several disulfide linked subunits (Mr approximately 150,000-240,000). The differently sized antigen subunits are related, since they yielded very similar proteolytic cleavage patterns. M1 antibody can bind to the denatured subunits. The antigen subunits, as well as a Mr approximately 80,000 pepsin-resistant antigenic domain derived from them, are resistant to bacterial collagenase. Despite possessing subunits similar in size to fibronectin, myotendinous antigen appears to be both structurally and antigenically unrelated to fibronectin or to other known extracellular matrix components. About seven times more M1 antigen per cell nucleus was released into the medium in fibroblast as compared to muscle cultures. In muscle conditioned medium, myotendinous antigen is noncovalently complexed to very high molecular weight material that could be heavily labeled by [3H]glucosamine and [35S]sulfate. This material is sensitive to chondroitinase ABC and hence appears to contain sulfated glycosaminoglycans. We speculate that myotendinous antigen might interact with proteoglycans on the surface of muscle fibers, thereby acting as a link to tendons.
Influence of soil pH on the development of symbiosis in field-grown acid-sensitive and acid-tolerant annual medics

Relationships between soil pH, resident population of Rhizobium meliloti in the soil, rhizobial colonisation of the rhizosphere, and nodulation of annual species of Medicago were examined. Established swards of M. truncatula (acid-sensitive) and of M. murex and M. polymorpha (acid-tolerant) growing at 6 different locations in central and western New South Wales were sampled to measure soil pH, to enumerate the populations of R. meliloti resident in the soil and colonising plant rhizospheres, and to assess the extent of nodulation. Soil pH (0.01 mol CaCl2/L) varied from 4.70 to 7.25, soil populations from 3 to 100000 rhizobialg, and rhizosphere populations from 10 to >1 x 106 rhizobia/plant. Nodulation varied from poor to good, depending on growing period and location, but was consistently poorer on M. truncatula than on M. murex or M. polymorpha. Regression analysis showed a consistent and significant (P<0.01) relationship between rhizobial colonisation of the rhizosphere and extent of nodulation. There was also a significant (P<0.001) correlation over all 44 sampling sites between soil pH and the population of R. meliloti resident in the soil. The relationships between soil pH and rhizosphere colonisation, and between soil pH and nodulation, were significant for M. truncatula (P<0.01, P<0.02, respectively) but not for either M. murex or M. polymorpha. These data suggest that the range of soil pH at which M. truncatula was growing (4.80-7.25, but mainly 4.8-5.6) spanned the threshold at which unfavourable soil pH began to obstruct normal expression of its symbiosis, whereas, the critical soil pH levels for symbiotic development of M. murex and M. polymorpha were below this range.
Further Evidence that Activation of Net Photosynthesis by dry Cyanobacterial Lichens Requires Liquid Water

Abstract In contrast to green algal lichens, cyanobacterial species of different families, growth forms and habitats proved to be unable to attain positive net CO2 assimilation when the dry thalli were treated with air of high relative humidity; they needed liquid water for the reactivation of their photosynthetic apparatus. Identical behaviour is shown by all of the 47 lichen species with cyanobacterial photobionts, from six different genera, studied so far. This suggests a widely distributed, if not general, characteristic of cyanobacterial lichens. The difference in performance between both groups of photobionts was maintained when the lichen thallus was macerated. Furthermore, cultures of Chroococcidiopsis were unable to make use of water vapour hydration for positive net photosynthesis, and were similar in this respect to some free-living aerophilic cyanobacteria tested earlier. Possible physiological implications as well as ecological consequences for water-relation-dependent habitat selection of green-algal and cyanobacterial lichens are discussed.
Empirical Evidence of Fall Spawning by Atlantic Sturgeon in the James River, Virginia

Abstract Due to overfishing and habitat alteration, the anadromous Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus is severely depleted across its historic range. The James and York rivers in Virginia are the two rivers comprising the Chesapeake Bay distinct population segment, where Atlantic sturgeon reproduction has been confirmed. It is widely recognized that Atlantic sturgeon spawn in the spring throughout their range; however, there is debate over whether they also spawn in the fall. To determine if Atlantic sturgeon spawn in the fall, independent of the spring spawn, large-mesh gill netting in the freshwater portion of the James River (above river kilometer 108) was conducted in the spring (April–June) and fall (August–October) for 3 years (2009–2011), resulting in the capture of 125 adult Atlantic sturgeon (three were recaptures) during the fall sampling, but none were captured during the spring. Field examination for sex and stage of maturity identified 106 mature males and one postspawned femal.
3D Printing Technologies: Recent Development and Emerging Applications in Various Drug Delivery Systems

The 3D printing is considered as an emerging digitized technology that could act as a key driving factor for the future advancement and precise manufacturing of personalized dosage forms, regenerative medicine, prosthesis and implantable medical devices. Tailoring the size, shape and drug release profile from various drug delivery systems can be beneficial for special populations such as paediatrics, pregnant women and geriatrics with unique or changing medical needs. This review summarizes various types of 3D printing technologies with advantages and limitations particularly in the area of pharmaceutical research. The applications of 3D printing in tablets, films, liquids, gastroretentive, colon, transdermal and intrauterine drug delivery systems as well as medical devices have been briefed. Due to the novelty and distinct features, 3D printing has the inherent capacity to solve many formulation and drug delivery challenges, which are frequently associated with poorly aqueous soluble drugs. Recent approval of Spritam® and publication of USFDA technical guidance on additive manufacturing related to medical devices has led to an extensive research in various field of drug delivery systems and bioengineering. The 3D printing technology could be successfully implemented from pre-clinical phase to first-in-human trials as well as on-site production of customized formulation at the point of care having excellent dose flexibility. Advent of innovative 3D printing machineries with built-in flexibility and quality with the introduction of new regulatory guidelines would rapidly integrate and revolutionize conventional pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
Effect of Polyethylene Glycol on in Vitro Gas Production Kinetics of Prosopis Cineraria Leaves at Different Growth Stages

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics of Prosopis cineraria leaves at different growth stages. The contents of total phenol (TPH), total tannin (TT) and condensed tannin (CT) were determined. Effects on in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolisable energy (ME) and effective dry matter digestibility were assessed by PEG tannin bioassay. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for TPH content; however, the stage of flowering had the highest (P<0.05) content of both TT and CT. No interaction effects (P>0.05) were observed between the growth stage and PEG addition for in vitro GP and its parameters. Addition of PEG increased (P<0.05) GP, OMD and ME in all stages. In conclusion, adding PEG to P. cineraria leaves can improve their nutritive value and could be considered as a potential feed for ruminants.
Antifungal activity of Allium obliquum.

A hydroalcoholic extract of Allium obliquum was tested for in vitro germination and growth of Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum F. sp.gladioli, Penicillium expansum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Czapek-agar nutritive medium. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant extract varied between 50 and 80 µl/ml, according to the fungal species. Key words: Alliin, antifungal activity, Allium obliquum, HPLC, phytopathogenic fungi.
Assessment of Reservoir Water Quality Using Water Quality Indices: A Case Study from Jordan.

This study was conducted to evaluate the water quality of King Talal Dam (KTD) in Jordan and its suitability for irrigation purposes based on the measurements of several physicochemical parameters and water quality indices. Surface water was sampled from seven different locations in the dam. The values of electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) indicate that KTD surface water is relatively saline but still falls within the permissible category for irrigation. The dam's water is suitable for irrigation based on the sodium adsorption ratio-(SAR) and magnesium hazard(MH) data. It lies between permissible to doubtful categories with respect to the results of sodium percentage (Na%) and lies within the marginal category for irrigation based on Kelly’s ratio-(KR) values. Therefore, crops that are not sensitive to sodium and soils with light textures and good permeability are recommended. The data of irrigation water quality index (IWQI) showed that KTD water distributed between moderate to high restrictions for irrigation uses, which indicates that the dam's water can be used to irrigate plants with moderate to high salt tolerance and in soils with moderate to high permeability and good leaching of salts. KTD water requires special measures to reduce salinity and sodium hazards.
Cephalopod paralarvae assemblages in Hawaiian Islands waters

The distribution and abundance of cephalopod paralarvae near the Hawaiian Islands are described. Paralarvae were collected during 5 plankton surveys in 1991 to 1993. The 404 tows at 59 stations collected 10375 paralarvae from 21 families and 57 species. The most numerous families were the Ommastrephidae (23% of total catch), Pyroteuthididae (17%), Enoploteuthididae (16%), Onychoteuthididae (14 %), and Chtenopterygidae (8 %). The most numerous species were Ommastrephes bartramii (18%), Pterygioteuthis microlampas (15%), Chtenopteryx sicula (8%), and Onychoteuthis compacta (6%). Analysis of paralarval distribution patterns identified 2 paralarval assemblages: 'island associated' and 'oceanic'. The 15 'island-associated' species showed increased paralarval abundance near the islands, suggesting preferential spawning in this area. Epipelagic nearshore spawners included Onychoteuthis sp. C, Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis, and Nototodarus hawaiiensis. Mesopelagic nearshore spawners included 3 reported members of the Hawaiian Mesopelagic Boundary Community (Abralia trigonura, Liocranchia reinhardti, and Chiroteuthis picteti) and 3 probable new members (Liocranchia valdiviae, Histioteuthis hoylei and Enoploteuthis jonesi).
Plankton metabolic balance at the margins of very large lakes: temporal variability and evidence for dominance of autochthonous processes

Summary 1. Planktonic metabolic balance (PMBm) of the surface mixed layer (SML) was measured as the ratio of areal rates of gross photosynthesis (AGP) to community respiration (AR) to test the idea that previously neglected allochthonous inputs of organic matter may support chronic excess respiration relative to photosynthesis even in very large lakes during the summer (May–October) season. Four Laurentian Great Lakes coastal sites of varying trophic status, physical structure and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration were studied with oxygen light-and dark bottle and 14C methods, with excess respiration anticipated in the higher DOC sites. 2. Planktonic metabolic balance was net autotrophic in 73% of the observations. The calculated mixing depth at which respiration would predominate over photosynthesis was greater than typically observed mixing depths, varying from 11 to 25 m in the more transparent, low DOC (<3 g m−3) sites to 8–15 m in the higher DOC (4–6 g m−3) sites. Biweekly measurements at one higher and one lower DOC site over two successive summer seasons showed that seasonal gross photosynthesis (ΣAGP) exceeded seasonal community respiration (ΣAR). Despite the location of the sites at the periphery of the lakes, where allochthonous influences should be strongest, the measurements indicated prevailing conditions of net autotrophy in the SML. 3. Individual measurements of AR from this study and the literature were correlated with AGP but season average values were more tightly correlated, suggesting a tighter coupling of metabolic rates on a larger scale and a looser coupling on a shorter scale. The observed temporal variability was variable in pattern among years, and likely to confound inferences based on limited sampling. 4. It is shown that accepted formulations for AGP and AR lead to the conclusion that PMBm should be largely predictable from knowledge of a biological properties ratio (light-saturated gross photosynthesis to plankton community respiration, Pmax/R) and a physical properties ratio (euphotic to mixing depths, Zeu/Zm) and this prediction was confirmed using data from this study and from the literature. The evident success of this model points to the pre-eminent importance of plankton biomass and physical conditions in determining metabolic balance. Variation in these fundamental factors appears capable of explaining the diversity of PMBm reported for different Great Lakes.