Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GENETIC STRUCTURE OF MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL (STRIX OCCIDENTALIS LUCIDA) POPULATIONS IN A FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE

Abstract We used mitochondrial DNA control-region sequences to investigate the genetic structure of Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) populations in the southwestern United States. This subspecies is federally listed as threatened, and its preferred habitat is naturally fragmented. We found that intrapopulation genetic diversity was high in all but the southeastern Arizona “sky island” populations, where it was variable. Genetic variance partitioning indicated that ≈17% of the variation was distributed among populations and 7.5% was distributed among physiographic regions. Patterns of genetic correlation with geographic distance indicated that gene flow was substantial among populations within the relatively continuous habitat zone of the Mogollon Rim-Upper Gila Mountains in central Arizona and west-central New Mexico. However, there was significant isolation-by-distance elsewhere, and estimates of genetic divergence increased exponentially with geographic distance among fragmented populations on the scale of a few hundreds of kilometers; this implies that gene flow is restricted among those habitat fragments. Genetic heterogeneity among southeastern Arizona populations suggest that they have regularly received immigrants from the central Arizona populations. The Colorado population either was larger than thought or, more likely, has continuously received immigrants from elsewhere and is not a self-sustaining population. Estructura Genética de las Poblaciones de Strix occidentalis lucida en un Paisaje Fragmentado
Web Table Extraction, Retrieval, and Augmentation

Tables are powerful and popular tools for organizing and manipulating data. A vast number of tables can be found on the Web, which represent a valuable knowledge resource. The objective of this survey is to synthesize and present two decades of research on web tables. In particular, we organize existing literature into six main categories of information access tasks: table extraction, table interpretation, table search, question answering, knowledge base augmentation, and table augmentation. For each of these tasks, we identify and describe seminal approaches, present relevant resources, and point out interdependencies among the different tasks.
Effect of Plant density and Cultivar on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp)

A field experiment was conducted for two successive rainy seasons (2007/08-2008/09) in Kazgail area, in North Kordofan State, Sudan, to examine the effect of plant density and cultivar on growth and yield of cowpea. The three cultivars of cowpea (Buff, Haydoob and Eien Elgazal) were sown in four plant densities of 30,000, 60,000, 90,000 and 120,000 plants ha -1 . The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. The results showed that, plant density had a significant effect on most of the growth attributes measured. Increasing plant population increased plant height and decreased number of leaves per plant and leaf area index (LAI). Increased plant density significantly increased seed yield per unit area, however the number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant and harvest index reduced with increased plant density. The local cultivar (buff) had a significantly taller, greater number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, heavier 100-seed weight, greater seed yield per plant, greater final seed yield (t/ha) and late in maturity. The improved cultivar (Ein Elgazal) scored the highest values of harvest index.
Stability studies in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) under different nutrio environments.

Fourteen genotypes in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) of diverse origin were evaluated in three nutrio-environments viz., Farm yard manure, vermicompost and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers under irrigated condition in Karaikal region in order to identify stable genotypes for the three nutrio-environments. From the analysis of variance for stability, it was observed that analysis of genotypes for their stability for environment + (genotype x environment) variance was significant for vine length, fruit weight and yield. For the linear component genotype x environment interaction showed significance for yield and for non-linear components pooled deviation was significant for all the characters. Using the stability parameters as per Eberhart and Russells model, COBgOH 1 and MDU1 were identified as stable genotypes. These genotypes gave high yield and had adaptability for all the three environments under study viz., farm yard manure, vermicompost and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers. Stability studies in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) under different nutrio environments M. RAJA AND A. SHANTHI See end of the article for authors’ affiliations
Recovery of Meiofauna in Intertidal Feeding Pits Created by Rays

Abstract Benthic meiofauna are important food resources for marine fishes and crustaceans, some of which have important commercial value. Ray feeding activities produce pits that disturb intertidal and subtidal sediments. Our previous research showed that feeding pit formation reduced meiofaunal abundance inside intertidal pits. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the recovery time of meiofauna as the summer season progressed. In July, meiofauna recovered by 4 tidal cycles (within 48 h) after pit formation. In August, meiofaunal numbers took 6–14 tidal cycles (72–168 h) to recover. The longer recovery time later in the summer may be due to the continuous disturbance of the sediments by ray feeding activity, as 16–19% of the intertidal surface area was disturbed by this activity.
Consumer acceptance of edible insect foods: an application of the extended theory of planned behavior

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to measure consumer acceptance of edible insect foods (EIFs) while applying the extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB). Insects as food have attracted interest as potential possible sources of nutrition for the future. This study investigated consumers' perception toward insect food and future purchase behaviors. SUBJECTS/METHODS A survey was conducted among citizens of Korea. About two thirds of respondents had tried an EIF previously, and the mean value for food neophobia was 3.1 on a 5-point Likert scale. Respondents were divided into 2 groups of those experienced with EIFs and those not and by level of food neophobia. An independent t-test, multiple regression and descriptive analyses were conducted on the data. RESULTS The primary reason for not eating EIFs was that their insect form induced disgust. Comparisons of ETPB attributes by experience with EIFs showed significant differences between groups for food neophobia, subjective norm, attitude, and behavioral intention. In addition, significant differences were found for subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, attitude, and behavioral intention between 2 neophobia groups. Finally, the results of measuring the relationships between ETPB attributes and behavioral intention showed only subjective norm and attitude affected behavioral intention. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that enhanced subjective norms producing a publicly accepted EIFs environment would help encourage the purchase of EIFs. The results of this study can help the development of EIF products for future food markets.
Optimal incubating time of in vitro bromodeoxyuridine labeling of human umbilical cord blood- mononuclear cells and their functional assessment in ICH rats

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is a thymidine analog that is ready to be incorporated into DNA and can be used as a marker for in vitro pre-labeling of isolated stem cells. The objective of this study was to explore the optimal incubating time of in vitro BrdU labeling for human umbilical cord blood - derived mononuclear cells (HUCB-MCs). The mononuclear cells were isolated by the standard density gradient technique and were labeled with 10 µM/L BrdU. Then, the cells were incubated at 37°C for 1, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. Immunocytochemistery was performed respectively to calculate the labeling index and the cells' activity for different time. Efficacy of BrdU positive HUCB-MCs was evaluated by in vivo study in intra-cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) rat model. The current findings indicated that labeling ratio significantly increased after 24 incubating hours. Cell viability remained high (75%) after 24 h. There was a significant recovery in behavioral performance 2 weeks after HUCB-MCs infusion to ICH rats and BrdU+ cells were localized by immunohistochemistry in the injured area of brain. This study shows that the most appropriate time for BrdU labeling HUCB-MCs is 24 h and these BrdU+ cells have high efficacy and stability in cell therapy. Key words:
Pest Damage Incidence in Natural and Thinned Lodgepole Pine in Alberta

Thinned stands of young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) in west-central Alberta had a higher incidence of attack by common pest organisms than unthinned stands. Based on a sample of nearly 3000 potential crop trees (on 240 temporary plots) growing on 120 naturally regenerated cut blocks, the rate of attack in thinned vs. unthinned stands was 30% and 18% for western gall rust (Endo-cronartium harknessii (J.P. Moore) Y. Hiratsuka) and 25%. and 16% for leader damage due to terminal weevil (Pissodes terminalis Hopp.) and pitch twig moth (Petrova spp.) Damage from other agents, including that from small mammals, was low and little affected by thinning. Forest management implication of these results are discussed. Key words: western gall rust terminal weevil, pitch twig moth, snowshoe hares, red squirrels.
Caracterización, distribución y manejo de los bosques nativos en el norte de Uruguay Characterization, distribution and management of native forests in northern Uruguay

Resumen. Los bosques del norte de Uruguay sufren de procesos de transformacio n del territorio y degradacion, actualmente eziste escasa informacion sobre la estructura y composicion Þoristica de las comunidades arboreas que sirva como base para estudiar su dinamica. Se analizo la distribucion, la composicion arborea y el manejo silvicola de los bosques de la region de Rivera, Uruguay. El area de estudio comprende 33 000 ha delimitadas mediante 2 criterios, uno natural (cuenca hidrologica) y otro socioeconomico (ciudad de referencia). La informacion proveniente de inventarios Þoristicos y encuestas a productores fue ingresada a un sistema de informacion geograÝca. Los bosques se agruparon de acuerdo al gradiente hidrico asociado con curvas de nivel. La superÝcie de los bosques ocupa el 13. ;' del area de estudio (region de Rivera), cifra que triplica la superÝcie de bosques ezistente a nivel nacional. Se registraron 80 especies le‚osas. Las familias con mayor frecuencia fueron Anacardiaceae (28.7') y Euphorbiaceae (16.9'). Las Anacardiaceae son mas frecuentes en los bosques subzeroÝlos y las Euphorbiaceae en los bosques hidroÝlos. Todos los bosques son vulnerables debido a la mayor importancia que se concede a la ganaderia, sin que exista un manejo integrado de los bosques que contemple la multifuncionalidad de usos (silvicultura y ganaderia). Los bosques cercanos a la ciudad estan mas degradados debido a la presencia de especies exoticas. Palabras clave: bosque nativo, composicion Þoristica, modelo hidro-antropico, SII.
5α-Reductase Isoenzymes 1 and 2 in the Rat Testis During Postnatal Development1

Abstract The pubertal initiation of spermatogenesis is reliant on androgens, and during this time, 5α-reduced androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the predominant androgens in the testis. Two 5α-reductase (5αR) isoenzymes (5αR1 and 5αR2) have been identified, which catalyze the conversion of testosterone to the more potent androgen DHT. The present study aimed to investigate the developmental pattern of 5αR isoenzymes and their relationship to the production of 5α-reduced androgens in the postnatal rat testis. Both 5αR1 and 5αR2 isoenzyme mRNAs were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, isoenzyme activity levels by specific assays, and testicular androgens by radioimmunoassay after high-performance liquid chromatographic separation. Both 5αR1 and 5αR2 mRNAs and activity levels were low in the 10-day-old (prepubertal) testis, peaked between Days 20 and 40 during puberty, and then declined to low levels at 60–160 days of age. The developmental pattern of both 5αR isoenzyme activity levels was mirrored by the testicular production of 5α-reduced metabolites. Although 5αR1 was greater than 5αR2 at all ages, it is likely, given the substrate preferences of the two, that both isoenzymes contribute to the pubertal peak of 5α-reduced androgen biosynthesis. The peak in 5αR isoenzymes and 5α-reduced metabolite production coincided with the first wave of spermatogenesis in the rat, suggesting a role for 5α-reduced metabolites in the initiation of spermatogenesis. This was explored by acute administration of a 5αR inhibitor (L685,273) to immature rats. The L685,273 markedly suppressed testicular 5αR activity during puberty by 75%–86%. However, a marked increase was observed in testicular testosterone levels (in the absence of changes in LH), and no decrease was observed in the absolute levels of 5α-reduced metabolites. Therefore, whether the formation of DHT in the presence of low testosterone levels in the pubertal testis is required for the initiation of spermatogenesis cannot be tested using 5αR inhibitors. We conclude that both 5αR1 and 5αR2 isoenzymes are involved in the peak of 5α-reduced androgen biosynthesis in the testis during the pubertal initiation of spermatogenesis.
Foliar Application of Boron to Almond Trees Affects Pollen Quality

The effect of boron (B) on in vivo and in vitro development of almond ( Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb (syn. P. amygdalus Batsch)) pollen and pollen tubes and the resultant effect on fruit set was studied in mature trees. The cultivars Mono (pistil donor) and Butte (pollinizer) in an orchard with low soil B in Fresno, California were sprayed with B at 0, 0.8, 1.7, or 2.5 kg·ha -1 during Fall 1993. Pollen viability as indicated by the fluorescein diacetate method (FDA) was >85% and was not affected by field-applied B, however, in vivo pollen germination and tube growth were enhanced by foliar-applied B. More effect of applied B on in vivo growth appeared as pollen tubes progressed toward the ovary. For in vitro germination, foliar-applied B reduced bursting of tubes, and addition of B to the culture media significantly increased pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Most commercial almond (Prunus dulcis (syn. P. amygdalus)) cultivars are self-unfruitful (Griggs 1953) and therefore need to be interplanted with cross-compatible, pollinizer cultivars to produce an appreciable crop (Hill et al., 1985). Important factors that a grower must consider when selecting cultivar and pollinizer combinations include bloom overlap and the capacity to produce pollen in sufficient quantity and quality. While genetic factors determine the ultimate potential of the pollinizer (Hill et al., 1985), environmental variables, including mineral nutrition of the plant, can influence the quantity and quality of the pollen produced and its subsequent performance. In some Prunus sp. , including almond, the presence of pollen tubes in the transmitting tissue activates the final phases of ovule and megagametophyte development that lead to ovule receptivity (Herrero and Arbeloa, 1989; Pimienta and Polito, 1983). In almond, pollen tubes arrive at the obturator and there is a temporary cessation of their growth at this point. While pollen tube growth is arrested at the obturator, megagametophyte devel- opment is completed. Pollen tube growth resumes after megaga- metophyte differentiation is complete (Pimienta and Polito, 1983). Williams (1965) introduced the term effective pollination period (EPP) to describe the window of time during which pollination may result in fertilization. EPP incorporates stigma receptivity, ovule longevity and the time needed for pollen tubes to reach the ovule, i.e., the rate of pollen tube growth. Research leading to yield models by Brain and Landsberg (1981) in apple (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. var domestica (Borkh.) Mansf. ), and DeGrandi-Hoffman (1989) in almond shows that fruit set is determined by the number of flowers per tree and EPP. In these models, the time taken by pollen tubes to reach the ovule is a primary attribute used to calculate predicted yields. In view of these relationships, optimal orchard management practices in a species such as almond, where maximum fruit set is desired, should aim at extending EPP to maximize fertilization success.
Molecular Characterization of Orf Virus Isolated from Sheep and Goats in Egypt

2 Abstract: Twenty five (25) samples from affected sheep and goats from four governorates in Egypt showed skin lesions were collected for isolation, identification and molecular characterization of the Orf virus (contagious ecthyma). The prepared samples were inoculated in SPF embryonated chicken eggs (ECE) for three blind passages by the CAM route. The positive pathological changes on CAM were characterized by odema, thickening, hemorrhages, small grayish white foci and pock lesions. Eight samples from each of both positive and negative results on ECE were inoculated on confluent sheet of MDBK cell culture. All the eight samples which gave positive results and only six out of eight that gave negative results with inoculation on ECE were gave positive results with inoculation on MDBK cell culture after the third passage. The developed CPE on MDBK cells 5-7 days post inoculation appeared in the form of cell rounding, multinucleated cells, then progressing of the CPE till distortion of the monolayer and cell detachment. The MDBK cell line was more sensitive than ECE for isolation and propagation of Orf virus. Identification and confirmation of isolated CPD virus was done on the molecular and biological levels. The inoculated MDBK cells showed clear specific yellowish green fluorescence by indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT). The physico - chemical characterization of the obtained isolates were carried out. The examined harvested CAM by electron microscopy revealed ovoid shape virus particles with ball of wool appearance. The viral isolates showed reduction in virus titre due to treatment with (IUDR) ranged from 3.3 Log 10 to 4.5 Log 10 TCID / 0.1 ml. The results of exposing 50 the Orf viral isolate to the effect of temperature at 37°C and 56°C were showed reduction in the viral isolate titre with variable Degrees. Finally the isolated virus was sensitive to the action of diethyl ether reflecting the presence of an essential lipids in the envelop. PCR test was done using known primer on tissue samples. Amplification and running of characteristic fragments of Orf viral DNA on ethidium bromide stained agarose gel gave typical results in many segments on DNA fragment as reference virus which indicate that the given samples contain Orf viral antigen. The PCR technique proved to be more rapid and efficient for diagnosis of CPD virus infection than other tests. Phylogenic analysis of P55 gene and matching the field isolates with reference strains in the gene bank was carried out.
Development of a Cost-Effective Line Probe Assay for Rapid Detection and Differentiation of Mycobacterium Species: A Pilot Study.

Background The line probe assay (LPA) is one of the most accurate diagnostic tools for detection of different Mycobacterium species. Several commercial kits based on the LPA for detection of Mycobacterium species are currently available. Because of their high cost, especially for underdeveloped and developing countries, and the discrepancy of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) prevalence across geographic regions, it would be reasonable to consider the development of an in-house LPA. The aim of this study was to develop an LPA to detect and differentiate mycobacterial species and to evaluate the usefulness of PCR-LPA for direct application on clinical samples. Methods One pair of biotinylated primers and 15 designed DNA oligonucleotide probes were used based on multiple aligned internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Specific binding of the PCR-amplified products to the probes immobilized on nitrocellulose membrane strips was evaluated by the hybridization method. Experiments were performed three times on separate days to evaluate the assay's repeatability. The PCR-LPA was evaluated directly on nine clinical samples and their cultivated isolates. Results All 15 probes used in this study hybridized specifically to ITS sequences of the corresponding standard species. Results were reproducible for all the strains on different days. Mycobacterium species of the nine clinical specimens and their cultivated isolates were correctly identified by PCR-LPA and confirmed by sequencing. Conclusion In this study, we describe a PCR-LPA that is readily applicable in the clinical laboratory. The assay is fast, cost-effective, highly specific, and requires no radioactive materials.
Lipid Goals in Diabetic Patients. Clinical Implications after Application of a New Formula for LDL-cholesterol Calculation

Background: There are clear recommendations for lipid management in diabetic patients. A new formula for the calculation of LDLcholesterol(LDL-C) would improve the inaccuracy of the Friedewald formula.Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the use of statins and the fulfillment of lipid goals in diabetic patients, evaluatingthe consequences of applying a new formula for LDL-C calculation.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study including type 2 diabetic patients over 18 years of age. LDL-Cwas calculated using the classic Friedewald formula and the new formula. Recommendations of the position document for the appropriateuse of statins from the Argentine Society of Cardiology were followed.Results: A total of 528 patients were included in the study. In secondary prevention, 77.2% of patients received statins (23.4% highintensitystatins) and 36.6% and 36.0% of these patients achieved the goals of LDL-C below 70% mg/dl and non-HDL-C below 100mg/dl, respectively. In 20.8% of patients with LDL-C below 70 mg/dl according to the Friedewald formula, this goal was not attainedwhen the new formula was applied. In primary prevention, 62.2% patients with risk factors or white organ damage received statins(14.7% high-intensity statins) and 20.9% and 20.4% achieved the goals of LDL-C below 70% mg/dl and non-HDL-C below 100 mg/dl. In 27.7% of patients with LDL-C below 70 mg/dl using the Friedewald formula, this goal was not reached when applying the newformula. More patients did not achieve the LDL-C goal with the new formula when the triglyceride level was higher.Conclusion: In this population, the appropriate use of statins and the fulfillment of lipid goals were poor. Applying the new LDL-Cformula optimized the evaluation of these patients.