Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Species Diversity and Feeding Guilds of Birds in Paya Indah Wetland Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia

The objective of this study was to examine the bird species diversity and feeding guilds in Paya Indah Wetland Reserve, Peninsular, Malaysia. Distance sampling-point count method was used to survey the bird species. A total of 13872 birds belonging to 100 species and 38 families were recorded. The results show that Treron vernans (12.42%), Pycnonotus goiavier (12.13%), Geopelia striata (7.58%), Porphyrio porphyrio (6.87%) and Streptopelia chinensis (6.33%) were the most dominant species in the area. The Ardeidae was the most dominant family with nine species and sixteen families were rarest only with one species each. The highest bird diversity was observed in Marsh swamp (Shannon’s N1 = 27.16), while the lowest was in Patchy shrubland (Shannon’s N1 = 22.51). The highest bird species richness was observed in Marsh swamp (Margalef’s R1 = 9.52), while the lowest was observed in open water bodies (Margalef’s R1 = 7.35). The evenness of individuals among the species was higher in Marsh swamps (Pielou J = 0.71) and lower in Patchy shrubland (Pielou J = 0.67). Analysis of variance and Tukey (HSD) tests showed that bird species among habitats is significantly different (F4, 495 = 8.82 p<0.0001). Feeding guilds indicated that insectivore was the most dominant group (37%), while Carnivore/Insectivore and Granivore were the least dominant groups (3% each) in all five habitats. This study clearly indicated that Paya Indah Wetland Reserve is highly important in providing food resources, shelter, nesting and roosting sites for wide range of bird species.
Pirfenidone in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a real-life experience

Background: Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic drug used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pirfenidone in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Methods: Twenty-three patients with chronic HP treated with pirfenidone were enrolled in this study based on a retrospective medical record review. Results: The change in vital capacity (VC) in the 6 months after the start of treatment (-152±56.1 ml) was significantly improved compared with that in the 6 months before treatment (-292±77.8 ml, p=0.047). No patients discontinued the treatment with adverse events. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that pirfenidone may reduce the decline of VC in patients with chronic HP without eliciting significant adverse events. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2018; 35: 139-142)
Effect of Various Pretreatment for Extracting Intracellular Lipid from Nannochloropsis oculata under Nitrogen Replete and Depleted Conditions

Microalga is one of the most compelling microbial biomasses for biodiesel production. Various pretreatment processes, namely, enzyme treatment, lysis by acid, ultrasonicator, microwaves, autoclave, and 40% NaCl, for nitrogen replete and depleted algal cultures of Nannochloropsis oculata had been carried out to check the most feasible and effective technique to disrupt cells for procuring lipids, for which concentrations were determined. Fatty acid composition, essential functional groups, and cell disruption were analyzed by GC-MS, FT-IR Spectroscopy, and Nile Red fluorescent microscopy, respectively. The present investigation showed that lipid yield was higher in nitrogen depleted cells than that in normally nourished cells. GC-MS revealed the presence of major fatty acids—palmitic, oleic, stearic, arachidic, lauric, and linoleic acids. Highest efficiency was found when cells were pretreated using acid for 3 h. The lipid content was calculated as 33.18% and 54.26% for nitrogen rich cells and nitrogen starved cells, respectively. This work thus aided in identifying the most eligible pretreatment process to avail lipids from cells, to convert them to eco-friendly and nonpolluting biodiesel.
Influence of Temperature and pH on Growth and Toxin Production from Spores of Clostridium botulinum

ABSTRACT This study was undertaken to determine the influence of temperature and pH on growth and time to toxicity of spores of Clostridium botulinum types isolated from tropical fish. Anaerobic meat medium with varying temperatures (4–30°C) and pH values (4.5 to 7.0) were used and toxicity was tested by mouse bioassay. An increase in lag phase was noticed by lowering the growth temperature from 30°C to 4°C and the pH from 7.0 to 4.6. The probability of toxin production increased with storage time, but decreased as either the pH or storage temperature and pH (combined stress) was decreased. The results indicated the effect of pH in controlling toxin production by C. botulinum spores in refrigerated foods with pH 5.0 or < 5.0.
Paraxial organ of a scorpion: structural and ultrastructural studies of Euscorpius tergestinus paraxial organ (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae)

Summary By combining ultrastructural and histochemical approaches, the paraxial organs of Euscorpius tergestinus (syn. E. carpathicus; Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae) have been studied for the first time. The paraxial organs are symmetrical structures in the male genital system. They are located on each side of the mesosoma and end at the genital aperture. The paraxial organs have a glandular function. They are directly involved in the secretion of the two hemispermatophores, which are deposited in the glandular lumen. When the hemispermatophores are extruded, they constitute the spermatophore, which is involved in sperm transfer. The epithelium of the paraxial organs is complex, being either unistratified or pseudostratified. Moreover, in the different parts of the gland, such as at the pars bulbosa, the epithelium can show folds. In addition, the appearance of the epithelial cells varies with secretory activity. The cells deposit the different components of the hemispermatophore in the lumen. We show that the cells have two successive methods of secretion: firstly merocrine and then apocrine. This has never been described before. The histochemical observations of the hemispermatophore show its complex structure with the presence of different constituents.
The HMW Glutenin Subunit and Gliadin Compositions of German-Grown Wheat Varieties and their Relationship with Bread-Making Quality

The HMW glutenin subunit and gliadin compositions of 57 Germanâgrown varieties of wheat were determined by 1Dâ and 2Dâpolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. A Gluâ1 quality score was calculated for each variety based on previously observed associations between individual HMW glutenin subuints and SDSâsedimentation volume. The results indicated that approximately 30% of the variation in breadâmaking quality of the varieties was accounted for by variation in the Gluâ1 quality score, and that this proportion was raised to 54 % if the presence or absence of chromosome 1BL.1RS was taken into account. It was also shown that allelic variation at the Gliâ1 and Gliâ2 loci had a relatively minor effect on quality; indeed, the only significant effect was associated with variation at Gluâ1, and the influence of this locus was principally due to the deterimental effect of 1BL.1RS.
SPATIAL SEGREGATION OF CO2 FIXATION IN TRICHODESMIUM SPP.: LINKAGE TO N2 FIXATION POTENTIAL 1

The aggregate‐forming, nonheterocystous, filamentous blue‐green alga (cyanobacteria) Trichodesmium spp. is a widespread and important planktonic N2 fixer and primary producer in tropical and subtropical oceans. It is unique among nonheterocystous genera because it conducts N2 and CO2 fixation (O2 evolution) simultaneously; a notable achievement, because O2 is a potent inhibitor of N2 fixation. Spatial and temporal CO2 fixation patterns were examined in trichomes and aggregates from natural and cultured populations, utilizing microautoradiographic detection of 14CO2 incorporation. Parallel N2 fixation (acetylene reduction) measurements were also made. Diel N2 and CO2 fixation patterns were similar, with co‐optimization of both processes near midday. Microautoradiographs revealed several trichome‐level 14CO2 incorporation patterns: 1)uniform, heavy labeling, 2)uniform, light labeling, 3) heavier labeling in distal as opposed, to proximal regions, and 4) virtually no labeling throughout. Similar patterns were observed in natural and cultured populations. Given previous immunochemical findings that N2 fixation potential is widespread in Trichodesmium spp. trichomes and aggregates, current results suggest a high degree of individuality, and possibly a “division of labor” in terms of CO2 fixation, among trichomes comprising active N2‐fixing aggregates. Segregation of photosynthesis within and among trichomes facilitates simultaneous N2 and CO2 fixation in Trichodesmium spp. trichomes and aggregates.
Multiscale modeling of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)

There are few remaining longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) ecosystems left in the southeastern coastal plain of the United States. Restoration and maintenance of these remaining habitats requires an understanding of ecosystem processes at multiple scales. The focus of this study was to develop and evaluate a modeling framework for analyzing longleaf pine dynamics at the spatially explicit landscape scale and at the spatially implicit population scale. The landscape disturbance and succession (LANDIS) model was used to simulate landscape fire dynamics in a managed forest in north-central Florida. We constructed a density-dependent longleaf pine population matrix model using data from a variety of studies across the southeastern United States to extend an existing model. Sensitivity analyses showed that the most sensitive parameters were those from the original pine model, which was based on extensive observations of individual trees. A hybrid approach integrated the two models: the fire frequencies outp.
Patterns of flowering and fruit production in a natural population of Banksia spinulosa

Flowering and fruiting patterns for a population of Banksia spinulosa investigated over three years exhibited a great deal of variability, both amongst plants in a given season and over seasons. Inflorescence production was greatest in 1987, reflecting an increase in numbers of plants flowering and numbers of inflorescences per plant. In contrast, infructescence numbers were similar for the three years. However, seed output was greatest in 1988, due to increased numbers of follicles per infructescence. For all years, considerably fewer inflorescences flowered late in the season. Late-flowering inflorescences also contained fewer flowers with pollen tubes, fewer pollen tubes per flower and produced fewer infructescences. Variability amongst plants was evident in the onset and timing of inflorescence production, rates of flower opening, levels of pollen tube growth and infructescence production. For example, some plants consistently had higher reproductive output than others. These plants produced seed each year, and had a greater number of mature infructescences each year and overall. The total reproductive output of these plants was approximately double that of other plants. Another group of plants never produced seed during the study, even though they flowered each year. These results illustrate the importance of considering individual variability in the population, rather than the more commonly measured, total, or mean reproductive success.
Effects of increased feeding frequency on growth of hybrid bluegill in ponds

Abstract Increased feeding frequency has been used in aquaculture to increase growth and food conversion efficiency, and recent laboratory studies have indicated that feeding frequency could be used to reduce the size variation within groups of hybrid bluegills (F1: Male bluegill Lepomis macrochirus × female green sunfish L. cyanellus). Our experiment evaluated the growth of pond-reared hybrid bluegills fed equal amounts of food either once or four times per day. We were particularly interested in reducing the size variation and increasing the percentage of harvestable-size fish (≥110 g). After 194 d, there was no significant effect of feeding frequency on growth, food conversion efficiency, size variation, or percentage of harvestable-size fish.
Reproductive cycles of the snakes Psammophis crucifer, P. leightoni trinasalis and P. notostictus (Serpentes: Colubridae) in the Orange Free State, South Africa

FLEMMING, A.F. 1994. Reproductive cycles of the snakes Psammophis crucifer, P. leightoni trinasalis and P. notostictus (Serpentes: Colubridae) in the Orange Free State, South Africa. J. Herpetol. Assoc. Afr. 43: 19–27. The male and female reproductive cycles of the colubrid snakes Psammophis crucifer, P. leightoni trinasalis and P. notostictus are described. Males of all three species exhibited basic prenuptial spermatogenic cycles. Onset of spermatogenesis during summer to autumn coincided with decreasing ambient temperature, photoperiod and rainfall. Peak spermatogenesis in P. crucifer occurred from autumn to summer, while in P. l. trinasalis and P. notostictus it occurred during winter to summer. Females of all three species exhibited vitellogenesis and ovulation during spring. Onset of vitellogenesis may occur as early as winter and coincided with increasing ambient temperature, photoperiod and rainfall. Oviposition occurred from spring to early summer. P. crucifer females produced 4–13, P. l. trinasa.
Embryology and fruit development in four species of Pistacia L. (Anacardiaceae)

Pistacia atlantica, P. palaestina, P. lentiscus and P. saportae, were found to have great similarity in their embryology and fruit development. The anatropous, pendulous and crassinucellate ovule was initially unitegmic; later, the integument split close to the micropyle, forming a partial second integument. After anthesis there was a development of a hypostase and an obturator. The development of the Polygonum-type embryo sac followed division of a megaspore mother cell, giving a tetrad or triad of megaspores. The functional megaspore was the chalazal one. The ovary developed into a mature pericarp after anthesis, even when pollination was prevented, and before the zygote divided. Therefore, the fruit can be parthenocarpic. The ovule started to grow after initiation of embryo development until it filled the cavity within the pericarp. The zygotes were dormant for 4–18 weeks after pollination. In P. saportae reproduction became arrested during the development of the embryo sac; only very few abnormal embryos were found. No fixed pattern of embryo development could be discerned. The endosperm was initially nuclear, becoming cellular when the embryo started to develop. The seed coat was derived from the integument and the remnants of the nucellus.
Creating a digital treeless peatland map using satellite image interpretation

Abstract In the satellite image-based estimation and classification of forest variables in Finland peatlands are usually processed separately from mineral soil forests, to improve the accuracy of the results. The division into peatlands and mineral soil forests is based on a mask provided by the National Land Survey. It would be advantageous, however, to update the mask with the satellite imagery used for estimating forest variables. The aim here was to compare methods for treeless peatland detection on a Landsat ETM+ satellite image. The area concerned was located within the southern aapa mire zone in Finland. The classification methods tested included sequential maximum a posteriori (SMAP), supervised maximum likelihood (ML) and unsupervised ML with Iso Cluster-based signatures. The unsupervised Iso Cluster ML method performed poorly, while the overall accuracies of SMAP and supervised ML were better and quite similar (88–94% and 89–90% on forestry land, respectively). SMAP produced more usable maps, by forming compact and unspeckled treeless peatland regions. The existing peatland mask was slightly more accurate than SMAP and ML, although it performed less well in the treeless peatland class. The updating of the existing mask by combining it with the best classification result did not succeed. The main conclusion is that a peatland mask can be based on Landsat TM classification, but in areas where a good topographic mask exists the latter is more useful, and cannot easily be updated with help of satellite image data.
On the Pollen Morphology of Some scandinavian caryophyllaceae

Abstract A total of 36 species, varieties and hybrids from nine genera of Scandinavian Caryophyllaceae with pantoporate pollen grains have been investigated. Habrosia spinuliflora, a non-Scandinavian plant with pantoporate pollen grains, has also been investigated. Diagnoses (p. 71–80) and photomicrographs (including some photopalynograms) are provided. Measurements, etc., are given in tabular form (Tab. 1, p. 68). The smallest grains were found in Gypsophila muralis (24 μ) and Habrosia spinuliflora (27 μ), the largest in Agrostemma githago (63 μ) and Stellaria palustris (60 μ). The number of apertures ranges from 31–37(–45) in Agrostemma githago, Lychnis flos-cuculi and Melandrium album to 12 in Scleranthus perennis, Gypsophila fastigiata, Dianthus deltoides and several species of Stellaria etc. Thin sections of pollen grains in four species have been described (p. 81). Two main types of arrangement of bacula have been encountered. One type has through bacula, connecting nexine and tegillum (e.g. in Sile.
Effect of cincturing on growth and flowering of lychee over several seasons in subtropical Queensland

The effects of autumn cincturing on vegetative flushing and incidence of flowering of 2 lychee (Litchi chinensis) cultivars (Bengal and Tai So) were investigated over 1-3 years at 8 sites in subtropical southern Queensland. Cultivars at these sites varied in the level of natural vegetative dormancy in winter (3-100% of terminal branches) and flowering in spring (0- 100% of terminal branches). There was a strong correlation between percentage flowering (y) and the level of dormancy (x) in the 1-2 months prior to floral initiation (y= 8.8 + 0.83~; r=0.89, P 0.05) on flowering in trees that would have bloomed profusely (70-100%), provided trees were adequately fertilised and actively flushing after harvest. This was shown by the relationship, y= 899 - 23.0x+ 0.14x2; r= -0.96, P<0.001), where y is the percentage change in flowering after cincturing and x is the percentage flowering in control trees. Cincturing reduced or delayed flowering if nutrition was not maintained. It is concluded that trees to be cinctured should be adequately fertilised and complete a significant vegetative flush after harvest.
Cord Blood Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Level: Interpretation in Light of Antenatal and Perinatal Factors

Abstract Objective: To study the influence of antenatal and perinatal factors on umbilical cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (CB TSH) levels. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Private Medical College. Methods: CB TSH levels were measured in 1147 neonates using chemiluminescence immunoassay. The effect of antenatal and perinatal factors on CB TSH values was analyzed statistically. Results: The mean TSH value was 6.811 mIu/mL. A total of 44 neonates (3.83%) had a CB TSH value greater than 20 mIu/mL and had to be recalled for a repeat workup. CB TSH was significantly raised in first-order births, those born via normal vaginal delivery, and in those whom the lower section caesarean section (LSCS) was done for fetal distress (all P value <.05). Male babies had a significantly higher CB TSH value as compared to the females. Babies having Apgar < 7 at 1 min also had a significantly higher CB TSH value. Maternal hypothyroidism did not have any significant effect. On multivariate analysis, we found a positive correlation between birth weight, Apgar, and gestational age with CB TSH values. Conclusion: The incidence of neonates having a CB TSH greater than 20 mIu/mL was 3.83%. Male children, those delivered via normal delivery, those delivered via LSCS where fetal distress was an indication, and those requiring resuscitation, were significant factors affecting CB TSH values.
Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) Control in Imidazolinone-Resistant Wheat1

Imazamox ammonium salt at 53 g ae/ha applied postemergence in the fall to imidazolinone-resistant wheat controlled Italian ryegrass 98 to 100% 10 wk after treatment (WAT). Control 22 WAT was 88 to 98% at two locations and 55% at a third location. Imazamox was more effective applied in fall to three- to four-leaf Italian ryegrass than when applied in spring to one- to three-tiller Italian ryegrass. Split applications, with 27 g/ha applied in fall and spring, were no more effective than 53 g/ha applied in fall. Pendimethalin preemergence in combination with fall-applied imazamox increased control 22 WAT 10 to 33 percentage points at two of three locations. Imazethapyr ammonium salt plus imazapyr isopropylamine salt applied at 47 plus 16 g ae/ha and imazamox at 44 or 53 g/ha were similarly effective, whereas imazethapyr at 70 g/ha was ineffective. Control by imazapic ammonium salt at 70 g ae/ha was equal to or greater than control by imazamox at 44 or 53 g/ha. Imazamox, imazethapyr plus imazapyr, and imazapic controlled diclofop-resistant and -susceptible Italian ryegrass. Thifensulfuron plus tribenuron mixed with imazamox increased Italian ryegrass control in field and greenhouse experiments, whereas dicamba reduced control compared with imazamox applied alone. Control by imazamox plus 2,4-D was similar to or greater than control by imazamox alone. Nomenclature: Dicamba; diclofop; imazamox; imazapic; imazapyr; imazethapyr; imidazolinone; isopropylamine; pendimethalin; thifensulfuron; tribenuron; 2,4-D; Italian ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. Marshall #3 LOLMU; wheat, Triticum aestivum L. Additional index words: Herbicide interactions, herbicide-resistant weeds, weed management. Abbreviations: DAT, days after treatment; I80, rate required for 80% visible control or 80% fresh weight reduction; IR, imidazolinone-resistant; POST, postemergence; PRE, preemergence; WAT, weeks after treatment.
Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Junctions: Molecular Regulation in Physiology and Diseases

Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) lining lymphatic vessels develop specialized cell-cell junctions that are crucial for the maintenance of vessel integrity and proper lymphatic vascular functions. Successful lymphatic drainage requires a division of labor between lymphatic capillaries that take up lymph via open “button-like” junctions, and collectors that transport lymph to veins, which have tight “zipper-like” junctions that prevent lymph leakage. In recent years, progress has been made in the understanding of these specialized junctions, as a result of the application of state-of-the-art imaging tools and novel transgenic animal models. In this review, we discuss lymphatic development and mechanisms governing junction remodeling between button and zipper-like states in LECs. Understanding lymphatic junction remodeling is important in order to unravel lymphatic drainage regulation in obesity and inflammatory diseases and may pave the way towards future novel therapeutic interventions.