Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Caffeine on Guinea Pig Epididymal Spermatozoa: Motility and Fertilizing Capacity

Guinea pig epididymal spermatozoa, when taken from different segments of the epididymis, are known to differ markedly in their in vitro motility, metabolism and morphology. In this report, the fertilizing capacity of epididymal spermatozoa isolated from proximal and distal segments and treated with caffeine was tested. Twenty six guinea pig sows were inseminated 16–26 h after parturition with isolated epididymal spermatozoa. In 15 cases the spermatozoa were treated with caffeine (10 mM), and 11 cases served as controls. Sperm characteristics (mean ± SE) were: proximal sperm; concentration 48 ± 3.9 millions/ml, vitality 94 ± 0.9%, motility 42 ± 5.3%. Distal sperm: concentration 161 ± 21 million/ml, vitality 94 ± 0.9% and motility 86 ± 3.0%. Caffeine increased significantly the motility of proximal spermatozoa (by 59.5%). These suspensions of spermatozoa were used for intraperitoneal artificial insemination. The impregnation rate of untreated proximal sperm was zero (0 out of 4), compared with 83% (5 out of 6) for the caffeine treated sperm. The impregnation rate of untreated distal segment sperm was 42.8% (3 out of 7) compared with 100% (9 out of 9) for caffeine treated sperm.
Response of mustard (Brassica juncea) to varying levels of sulphur and fortified vermicompost under loamy sand soil.

Effect of sulphur and fortified vermicompost on growth and yield of mustard [Brassica juncea] was carried out at College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner (Rajasthan) during rabi season: 2010-11. Sixteen treatment combinations comprising four levels of each sulphur and fortified vermicompost were evaluated. Progressive increase in levels of sulphur from control to 40 kg ha-1 resulted significant improvement in growth and yield attributest. Seed yield and net returns during the crop season, it represented the seed yield 15.98 q ha-1 that was 8.9 and 24.02 per cent higher than 20 kg ha-1 and control, respectively. Remaining at par with 60 kg ha-1, it also fetched 10.47 and 30.4 per cent higher net returns than above levels of sulphur. Growth and yield attributes, seed yield as well as net returns in mustard also increased considerably with every increase in levels of fortified vermicompost. The highest value of most of these attributes was recorded under 6.0 t ha-1, only. Providing the seed yield of 18.65 q ha-1, this level enhanced it to the extent of 10.86, 13.34 and 79.68 per cent over 4.0 t ha-1, 2.0 t ha-1 and control, respectively. Application of fortified vermicompost at 6.0 t ha-1 fetched the maximum net returns of Rs 29551 ha-1 that were 8.17, 33.73 and 86.05 per cent higher than 4.0 t ha-1 , 2.0 t ha-1 and control.
Changes in heat tolerance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 after exposure to acidic environments

Acid-adapted bacterial cells are known to have enhanced tolerance to various secondary stresses. However, a comparison of heat tolerance of acid-adapted and acid-shocked cells of Escherichia coli O157:H7 has not been reported. D - and z -values of acid-adapted, acid-shocked, and control cells of an unusually heat-resistant strain (E0139) of E. coli O157:H7, as well as two other strains of E. coli O157:H7, were determined based upon the number of cells surviving heat treatment at 52, 54 or 56°C in tryptic soy broth (pH 7·2) for 0, 10, 20 or 30 min. The unusual heat tolerance of E. coli O157:H7 strain E0139 was confirmed. D -values for cells from 24-h cultures were 100·2, 28·3, and 6·1 min at 52, 54 and 56°C, respectively, with a z -value of 3·3°C. The highest D -values of other E. coli O157:H7 strains were 13·6 and 9·2 min at 52 and 54°C, respectively, whereas highest D -values of non-O157:H7 strains were 78·3 and 29·7 min at 52 and 54°C. D -values of acid-adapted cells were significantly higher than those of unadapted and acid-shocked cells at all temperatures tested. In a previous study, we observed that both acid-adapted cells and acid-shocked cells of strain E0139 had enhanced acid tolerance. This suggests that different mechanisms protect acid-adapted and acid-shocked cells against subsequent exposure to heat or an acidic environment. The two types of cells should be considered separately when evaluating survival and growth characteristics upon subsequent exposure to different secondary stress conditions.
Sexual dimorphism in the mandibles of a homogenius black population of Tanzania

Mandibles of known age and gender from cadavers of Tanzanian Bantu population were studied to determine if the human mandible could be sexually dimorphic in a homogenous population. All mandibles were measured using electronic two-digit millimetre veneer calliper. All of the male (100%) and 96% of the female mandibles were positively sexed. The present study indicates that the mandible of the Tanzanian Bantu population possesses metric parameters that make it sexually dimorphic. More studies, involving other Tanzanian groups, might reveal racial or ethnic differences based on mandibular morphometrics. Tanz. J. Sci. Vol. 28(2) 2002: 47-54
Response of Hard Red Spring Wheat Genotypes to Management Systems

Average yields of hard red spring wheat (HRSW) (Triticum aestivum L.) are low compared with the intensively managed winter wheat of western Europe. Information on intensive cereal management (ICM) of HRSW is limited in the USA. This study was conducted to investigate the agronomic response of 12 HRSW genotypes to ICM inputs. A randomized complete-block design in a split-plot arrangement was used with genotypes as main plots and management systems as subplots. Genotypic selection was based on year of selection from 1911 through 1986(.)
Ecological Adaptations of the Oriental Greenfinch Carduelis sinica on the Ogasawara Islands

The ecological adaptations made by the Ogasawara Greenfinch Carduelis sinica kittlitzi on the Ogasawara Islands, and its present situation, were studied during the periods 24-31 December 1995 and 4-10 April 1996. Their main breeding area was the small islands around Hahajima, and their distribution was closely related to the distribution of arid shrubs. They were mainly observed in an environment of arid shrubs. Feeding behaviours in breeding season were most frequently observed on the ground, amongst arid shrubs. Nests were found in trees, in arid shrubs, and in adjacent groves. Mean clutch size was 3.5, a size smaller than that of other popultations of the Japanese Greenfinch C. sinica minor. Mean egg size, however, was larger than that of other populations. Food items in breeding season were mainly the seeds of arid shrubs, as opposed to the seeds of grasses with other populations of Japanese Greenfinches. In spite of its small body size, the Ogasawara Greenfinches has a large bill and a longer tarsus length, given the geographic latitude at which they live. From these facts, it was concluded that Ogasawara Greenfinches have adapted to the arid shrub on the Ogasawara Islands: their large bill and long tarsus length constitute adaptations to the need to forage for seeds among the arid shrubs; their small body size and small clutch size are adaptations to subtropical climate; and their movement after breeding season to the main island of Hahajima is a moult migration closely related to the shortage of food and water during the summer season.
Influence of Reaction Conditions on the Oxidative Behavior of Model Maillard Reaction Products

Model nondialyzable Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were synthesized by reacting d-glucose or d-fructose with l-lysine under four different initial reaction parameters (pH, water activity, reaction time, and temperature) and evaluated for potential antioxidant or prooxidant activity and genotoxic properties. All model Glu−Lys and Fru−Lys MRPs showed various degrees of antioxidant activity when evaluated in a metal-free model linoleic acid emulsion system using thiobarbituric acid (TBA) as an end point measure of lipid oxidation. The oxidative behavior of the same MRPs, when determined by an oxygen electrode in the presence of copper ions, consisted of both prooxidant and antioxidant activities for specific MRPs. Using an in vitro DNA model system, both Glu−Lys and Fru−Lys MRP mixtures induced significant (p ≤ 0.05) strand breakage in PM2 bacteriophage DNA at high concentrations (>0.001%, w/v). In general, Fru−Lys MRPs exhibited more prooxidant and genotoxic activity compared to Glu−Lys MRPs synthesized .
Efficacy of neem compost on root knot nematode pest of Lagos spinach, Celosia argentea

The effects of neem compost on root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, pest of Lagos spinach, Celosia argentea, cv. TLV 8, was studied during 2010 and 2011 planting seasons on the field. The trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. There were four treatments, replicated five times fitted into randomised complete block design. Neem compost was applied at 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 tonnes/ha. Experimental plots, where no compost was applied served as the control. The result obtained shows that Lagos spinach treated with neem compost significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the final soil nematode population and root infections (damage), with resultant improvement on crop growth and yield. The result of the chemical analysis of the neem compost revealed the presence of flavonoids, sterols, glycosides, alkaloids and saponins.
The cetoniine fauna of the Upper Guinean forests and savannas of Ghana (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)

The cetoniine fauna of Ghana (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae, excluding the tribes Valgini and Trichiini) is presented based on results from the Ghana Insect Project (GIP). Data from 1,571 specimens including the species and number found at each of 16 collecting sites, collecting methods, months collected, ‘common’ species and habitat associations are presented. The fauna now consists of 109 species in 51 genera. Previously known distributions and specimen label data are given for 31 species (including Genuchina, a subtribe of Cremastocheilini) recorded from Ghana for the first time. Comparisons with the works of Endrodi (1973, 1976) and Joly (2001) are made and several misidentifications are annotated and corrected. GIP results suggest moist evergreen/semi-deciduous forest and Guinea savanna/semi-deciduous forest are species-rich habitats. Faunal lists for four protected areas (Ankasa Resource Reserve, Atewa Range Forest Reserve, Bia National Park and Mole National Park) sampled by both the GIP and Joly (2001, 2011) are presented. PAST (Hammer et al., 2001) was used to estimate GIP inventory completeness through individual rarefaction. EstimateS (Colwell, 2009) was used to estimate total species richness using several classic nonparametric species richness estimators. Based on a data matrix of species abundances from each of the 16 GIP sites, the Chao 2 estimator stabilizes at ca. 113 taxa, and the jackknife 2 estimator at ca. 130 taxa. Richness estimates based on a broader, incidence-based matrix from all three sources GIP, Endrodi (1973, 1976) and Joly (2001, 2011) were: Chao 2 = 153, jackknife 1 = 157, jackknife 2 = 173. Additional sampling in under-sampled habitats such as wet and moist evergreen forest and Guinea savanna, and during the dry and early wet seasons should yield additional species.
Aphytophagy in butterflies: its relationship to myrmecophily

The regular or obligate aphytophagy of certain lycaenid butterflies (Lepidoptera) is discussed within the framework of the most recent general classification of the family. A summary survey of all Lycaenidae known to be aphytophagous is presented, together with a brief account of cannibalism and other opportunistic aphytophagy exhibited by normally phytophagous butterflies. The range of food sources (plants, animals, excretions and regurgitations) exploited by lycaenids is reviewed with emphasis falling on the ecology of myrmecophilous early stages and the significance of their ant-related adaptations. Adult feeding and oviposition behaviour reveal further associations with ants. Specificity of lycaenid/ant relationships and the possible biological effects of aphytophagy on the Lycaenidae are discussed. Finally, speculations concerning the evolution of aphytophagy by these butterflies are critically presented.
The Retrotransverse Foramen of the Human Atlas Vertebra

The occurrence of a retrotransverse foramen of the atlas has been investigated in a series of 409 nonhuman primates representative of 40 genera, and in a series of 500 human atlases (dried bones). In nonhuman primates, no retrotransverse foramen was found in any of the individuals studied. In humans, the retrotransverse foramen was observed in 71 cases (14.2%). It was present bilaterally in 21 cases (29.6% of the 71 foramina), and unilaterally in 50 cases (70.4%). The foramen was present in 44 cases on the right side, and 48 on the left side. The character was noted as present only if it was complete; partial forms were not recorded. Various aspects of the retrotransverse foramen were observed. The present observations suggest that the retrotransverse foramen is a uniquely derived trait (autapomorphy) within primates which is restricted to some individuals in Homo sapiens. Appearance of this foramen in human evolution can be related to the acquisition of the erect posture and bipedal locomotion, and consecutive modifications of the regional venous circulation.
Inheritance of septoria glume blotch resistance in wheat

Incorportion of resistance to septoria glume blotch, caused by Stagonospora nodorum (Berk.) Castellani & E.C. Germano, into wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is complex because resistance is quantitatively inherited. The Brazilian wheat 'Cotipora' expresses a high level of resistance to this pathogen. Crosses were made between Cotipera and the susceptible Purdue line, P83179A1-1-6. Populations of parents, F 1 , F 2 , BCF 1 , and BCF 2 were inoculated with a conidial suspension of the pathogen containing 2.5×10 6 spores mL -1 and given a moist period of 52 h (.)
Endocrine Disorders of Sodium Regulation

Salt and water homoeostasis is tightly regulated by a variety of control mechanisms with the adrenal steroid hormone aldosterone playing a central role. Defects or disturbances in these systems lead to either salt loss, which is life threatening in the neonatal period, or sodium retention causing hypertension. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is required to avoid severe complications. During the last few years molecular genetic advances have been identified as the basic genetic defects for a number of clinical syndromes. This knowledge has considerably increased our understanding of the basic pathways involved in sodium and water homoeostasis and of the pathophysiology of these syndromes, particularly the hypertension. In this review we have summarized the biochemical, physiological and genetic basis for clinical syndromes presenting with salt loss and failure to thrive as well as the rare but important genetic syndromes causing sodium retention and hypertension. Early diagnosis and identification will help to prevent severe complications, but it has to be emphasized that the complicated cascade of aldosterone action is still relatively poorly understood. Further syndromes may exist which once identified will help to better understand the basic physiology of aldosterone action.
New record of Dotilla intermedia (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) from Thailand

The identity of a dotillid intertidal crab from exposed sandy beaches within the Laem Son National Park along the Andaman Coast in Thailand was investigated. The species was identified as Dotilla intermedia De Man, 1888, which represents the first record of this species from Thailand. A description of the species is provided and a lectotype is designated from the type series.
Ascorbic Acid: Microencapsulation Techniques and Trends—A Review

Developments in nutritional sciences have increased the functional significance of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a food component in the human diet for health promotion and disease prevention. This has motivated food researchers to develop ascorbic acid–fortified food products to deliver appropriate levels of this vital food ingredient. Unfortunately, the highly unstable nature of ascorbic acid has posed technological challenges for its incorporation into different food systems. Microencapsulation is a promising approach to ensure the stability of ascorbic acid and to improve consumer acceptability towards the carrier food. The most commonly used techniques for ascorbic acid (water soluble) encapsulation, including spray drying, spray cooling, spray chilling, fluidized bed coating, liposomes, and extrusion, are reviewed and discussed with respect to technical hurdles and potential benefits.
Ácido fumárico e sua combinação com os ácidos butírico ou fórmico em dietas de leitões recém desmamados

Performance, morphological and morphometric characteristics of the small intestine of 210 recently weaned piglets, averaging 4.04 ± 0.66 kg, during two periods ( from 15 to 30 days of age and from 15 to 36 days of age) were evaluated in a randomized block experimental design with seven treatments, T1: control diet (CD); T2: CD + 0.5% fumaric acid; T3: CD + 1.0% fumaric acid; T4: CD + 0.5% fumaric acid + 0.1% butyric acid; T5: CD + 0.5% fumaric acid + 0.5% formic acid; T6: CD + 1,0% fumaric acid + 0.1% butyric acid and T7: CD + 1.0% fumaric acid + 0.5% formic acid, five replicates and six piglets per experimental unit. No effects of treatment (P 0.05) from 16 to 36 days of age. Significant differences (P<0.05) between treatments for duodenal epithelium height were observed, but not for jejunum and ileum epithelium heights. Normal villus patterns were observed in the electromicrographs of duodenum from piglets fed all different diets.
Maturation osseuse des enfants japonais de 6 à 18 ans, estimée par la méthode de Tanner-Whitehouse

Resume. Sur la radiographie des mains gauches des enfants japonais, 510 garcons et 453 filles de 6 a 18 ans, nous avons estime la maturation osseuse en utilisant la methode de Tanner-Whitehouse et les normes etablies par ces auteurs pour la population anglaise. 1° Chez les garcons, l'âge squelettique a 6 et 7 ans coincide avec l'âge chronologique. Apres 7 ans, l'âge squelettique est en avance sur l'âge chronologique progressivement jusqu'a 16 ans. Mais cette difference aurait une tendance a diminuer apres 16 ans. 2° Chez les filles, l'âge squelettique semblait coincider avec l'âge chronologique en dessous de 6 ans. Puis l'âge squelettique est en avance sur l'âge chronologique pendant plusieurs annees avec le meme ecart. A 15 ans, ces deux âges coincident. Au dela de cet âge, la vitesse de la maturation osseuse des filles de notre echantillon diminue. Cette tendance suggere que la maturation osseuse de ce groupe sera achevee 6 mois plus tot que dans l'echantillon de Tanner-Whitehouse. 3° Nous avons utilise la valeur du score total (overall score) de la methode de Tanner-Whitehouse dans un echantillon d'enfants japonais.
Patterns in the diversity and distribution of epiphytes and vines in a New Zealand forest

Plants that rely on other plants for support (i.e. epiphytes and vines) are common in many forest ecosystems. However, they are poorly understood relative to terrestrial plants, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. To help bridge this gap, we evaluated the diversity and distribution of vascular epiphytes and vines on seven common tree species in a conifer-broadleaf forest on New Zealand's North Island. Ground-based surveys of 274 host trees were used to test whether epiphyte and vine diversity increased with tree diameter, and whether diversity-diameter relationships differed among host tree species. Occurrence patterns of individual epiphyte and vine species were also assessed. We first evaluated the accuracy of ground-based inventories by comparing surveys of trees made from the ground to those made from a canopy walkway. On average, 1 in 10 species of epiphytes and vines were unseen from the ground. However, sampling accuracy did not differ among the three host tree species growing along the walkway, suggesting unbiased comparisons could be made between hosts. Results from ground-based surveys showed that species diversity of epiphytes and vines increased with host tree diameter. However, epiphytes showed stronger diversity-diameter relationships than vines. Epiphyte diversity increased markedly in four host species and less strongly in the remaining three host species. Conversely, vines showed weak diversity-diameter relationships in all host species. Occurrence patterns of individual species helped to explain diversity-diameter relationships. All common epiphyte species occurred more frequently on large trees, regardless of host species, but occurrence patterns in most vine species were unrelated to tree size. Rather, the vines often showed strong host 'preferences'. Overall results illustrate a rich diversity of distributional patterns in New Zealand's epiphytes and vines, and suggest that a similarly diverse set of ecological and evolutionary processes are responsible for them.
Nutritional performance of first and penultimate‐final Instar bagworm larvae on two unrelated hosts as influenced by host of origin

Nutritional performance of early and late instar bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis Haworth) larvae was investigated as a function of host of origin and host type, using two taxonomically distant wild hosts, Salix nigra (Marshall) and Juniperus virginiana (L.). First instar growth and survival were higher on S. nigra; overall performance was similar on the two hosts in penultimate‐final instars. There was no evidence for host associated differentiation with respect to nutritional performance. There were, however, significant genotype & environment interactions for several characters studied, suggesting that the potential for host associated differentiation exists.
Observational methods used in marine spatial monitoring of fishes and associated habitats: a review

Management areas are used in marine spatial planning to conserve biodiversity of marine ecosystems and to protect fish from fishing pressure. To evaluate the effectiveness of these protected areas, observational techniques are used to determine densities, sizes, biomass, habitat types and distribution of fish species in and around management areas. Two types of observational techniques are used in spatial monitoring: (1) fishery-independent techniques, which include underwater visual census (UVC), underwater video, remote sensing, acoustics, and experimental catch and effort data; and (2) fishery-dependent techniques, which include catch, effort and catch per unit effort data from commercial and recreational fisheries. This review summarises the applications, advantages, disadvantages and biases of each of these observational categories and highlights emerging technologies. The main finding from this review was that a combination of observational techniques, rather than a single method, was the most effective approach to marine spatial monitoring. For example, a combination of hydroacoustics for habitat mapping and UVC or video for fish surveys was one of the most cost-effective and efficient means of obtaining fish-habitat linkages and fish assemblage data. There are also emerging technologies that could increase the precision and efficiency of monitoring surveys. There is a need for continued development of non-intrusive technology for marine monitoring studies.