Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of hydropriming treatments on the invigoration of aged Dodonaea viscosa seeds and water‐holding polymer on the improvement of seedling growth in a lava field

Restoration requires techniques similar to those used in agriculture to improve germination and seedling vigor. We treated 6‐year‐old (collected in 2003, S‐2003) and 1‐month‐old (S‐2009) seeds of Dodonaea viscosa with hydropriming (HP). Seeds were made permeable with hot water prior to hydration for 24 or 48 hours (HP‐24 and HP‐48, respectively) followed by dehydration. The resulting seedlings exposed to both HP treatments were sown in a lava field in soil mixed with hydrogel (HG) under the shade projected by five vegetation patches. The effects of these treatments on germination, seedling field survival, and growth were assessed. HP‐24 in S‐2009 and HP‐48 in S‐2003 increased the germination percentage from 22.5 and 31.7% in control seeds (permeable seeds) to 63.3 and 98.3%, respectively. The seedlings‐2009 (from S‐2009) with HG maintained high survival in all vegetation patches. Seedlings‐2003, however, had low survival. The lack of HG was negatively related to the photon flux in each patch. Survival of seedlings‐2009 increased with HG of up to 398.41 µmol m−2 s−1; after which survival decreased. During the rainy season, HP enhanced seedling growth, except the basal diameters and number of leaves in the seedlings‐2003 with HP‐24. During the dry season, the effects of HG and HP were similar for all the seedlings. In the following rainy season, the priming effect was lost while HG continued to promote seedling growth. The combined use of HP and HG and the shade projected by the patches resulted in a successful vegetation recovery strategy.
Epiphyte Orchid Establishment on Termite Carton Trails 1

In the coastal zone of central Veracruz, Mexico, we recorded the abundance of orchid plants growing on termite carton trails or directly on the peeling bark of Bursera fagaroides. Although only 19 percent of the surveyed trees contained termite carton trails, trees with termites hosted 92 percent of all orchid individuals. A disproportionate number of orchid seedlings occurred on termite cartons given the relative availability of carton and bark substrate. Our results show for the first time that orchids can establish on termite trails, and we discuss the potential for termite facilitation of orchid populations.
Effect of supplementation of mannan oligosaccharide and probiotic on growth performance, relative weights of viscera, and population of selected intestinal bacteria in cyclic heat-stressed broilers

SUMMARY A study was conducted to elucidate the effects of supplementation of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), a prebiotic, and probiotic mixture (PM) on growth performance, relative weights (RW) of viscera, and population of selected intestinal bacteria to broilers reared under cyclic heat stress (HS). Two hundred fifty 1-d-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates. From d 22 onward, the broilers were reared either in a thermoneutral zone (TN) or exposed to HS until d 42. Birds were fed either a corn-based basal diet (TN and HS groups) or the same diet supplemented with 0.5% MOS, 0.1% PM, or their combination as synbiotic. Birds were killed on d 42 to collect viscera and jejunal and cecal digesta. Digesta was used to enumerate Clostridium perfringens, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. The HS decreased mean BW gain, feed consumption, and FE of broilers compared with the TN broilers. The TN group had higher RW of spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and ceca compared with the HS group. The supplementation of PM and SYN improved mean BW gain and FE compared with the HS group. Increase in RW of spleen, bursa, intestine, and ceca was observed in the supplemented groups compared with the HS group. Based on these findings, we concluded that HS has significant negative effects on mean RW of viscera and growth performance of broilers. Moreover, feeding a diet supplemented with either MOS or PM alone or as combination can partially or completely ameliorate these effects.
Feeding behaviour of green mussels, Perna viridis farmed in Marudu Bay, Malaysia

The green mussel, Perna viridis is known to have the ability to selectively ingest certain suspended particles from water. However, the preferential ingestion of specific phytoplankton taxa by P. viridis under different environmental conditions is not well understood. A study was undertaken to identify the phytoplankton taxa that are preferentially ingested and rejected by P. viridis in different environmental conditions at Marudu Bay, Malaysia. Phytoplankton abundance and composition in stomach and surrounding waters were determined microscopically. The gonad development stages of P. viridis and various environmental parameters of the bay including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, current speed, pH, visibility, chlorophyll a, nutrients concentration and suspended particles were also determined. Results of current study demonstrated that selective ingestion in P. viridis was mainly influenced by seston concentration, phytoplankton abundance and composition. At high seston concentration with low phytoplankton abundance, P. viridis selectively ingested Coscinodiscus spp. In contrast, P. viridis was found to ingest wider range of phytoplankton at low seston concentration and high phytoplankton abundance. Interestingly, Chaetoceros spp. and Bacteriastrum spp. were selectively rejected by P. viridis in both high and low seston conditions. Nevertheless, no selective ingestion behaviour was evidenced in low seston with low phytoplankton conditions. Besides phytoplankton, zooplankton has also contributed significantly in the diet of P. viridis, where high numbers of copepod and bivalve larvae were found in the stomach. The findings of current study can be useful in determining potential farming sites for green mussel in future.
The Effects of Hydropower Releases from Lake Texoma on Downstream Water Quality

ABSTRACT Impacts of peaking generation on water quality in the tailwater of Lake Texoma, on the Texas and Oklahoma border, were evaluated during summer stratification in the lake. Sampling was conducted before, during, and after a daily generation cycle with measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, iron, manganese, and turbidity. Temperatures were near 25°C during generation, fluctuated 3–4°C during nongeneration, and increased in a downstream direction to near 28°C. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were between 4 and 6 mg L−1 during generation and increased in a downstream direction. During nongeneration, concentrations in the upstream regon of the tailwater were near 2 mg L−1 but were between 4 and 10 mg L−1 in the rest of the study area. Maximum concentrations, 6 to 10 mg L−1, were observed prior to the hydrograph peak at each station, suggesting leading edge effects of increased flow and aeration as substrate was covered during river stage increases. Concentrations of metals increased in a downst.
Genetic Diversity of Antifungi-Producing Rhizobacteria of Pseudomonas sp. Isolated from Rhizosphere of Soybean Plant

Antifungi-producing rhizobacteria have been recognized playing an important role in plant disease suppression. In our laboratory, 13 indigenous soybeans' rhizobacteria Pseudomonas sp. that showed strong growth inhibition of root pathogenic fungi, Rhizoctonia solani , Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotium rolfsii, have been isolated from rhizosphere of soybean plant. For further understanding, the genetic diversity of the antifungi-producing Pseudomonas sp. was investigated using Amplified 16S rDNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) and 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis. 16S rDNA were amplified by PCR technique and digested with restriction endonuclease HaeIII, RsaI and AluI. Sequences of 16S rRNA gene were analyzed using the BLAST program for similarity searches on sequence databases. ARDRA based dendrogram analysis was carried out by neighbor-joining of TREECON 1.3b software package. ARDRA indicated the variability of Pseudomonas sp. based on the digestion sites. Dendrogram clustering analysis based on the restriction enzymes profile of the amplified rDNA distinguished Pseudomonas sp. into 7 ribotype groups. The sequences of 16S rRNA gene confirmed that the isolates belonging to Pseudomonas sp. and the phylogenetic tree formed 4 clusters. There was a quite overlap among ARDRA groups and 16S rRNA sequence clusters. This finding suggested that antifungal producing Pseudomonas sp. were present in the rhizosphere of soybean plant and the level of genetic diversity exist within these species. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of the Pseudomonas sp. with an identical ARDRA pattern confirmed that members of an ARDRA group were closely related to each other.
Biogeographic patterns on Kimberley islands, Western Australia

Australia's islands play a significant role in the conservation of its biota. The near-pristine islands along the Kimberley coast of north-western Australia are important natural refuges that have been relatively isolated from many of the threatening processes affecting the adjacent mainland. Between 2007 and 2010, 24 of the largest of these islands were surveyed for non-volant mammals, reptiles, birds, frogs, bats, land snails and vascular plants. To facilitate the setting of conservation priorities, I examined congruence in the biogeographic patterns among these taxonomic groups and related those to island-wide attributes. A high level of congruence in both spatial patterns of species richness and community similarity across most of the taxonomic groups was found. Congruence in species richness was best explained by a strong relationship with island area; while congruence in community similarity was influenced by the dispersal ability of taxa. Average annual rainfall and the extent of rock scree (or ruggedness) on an island were also strong correlates of both spatial patterns in community similarity and richness of regional endemics. I also show that this pattern was not explained by richness differences of species between islands alone, but largely due to species replacement among islands. These patterns reflect the greater diversity of regional endemic species and/or habitat specialists that are restricted to the relatively high rainfall and extensively rocky islands; whereas the drier islands typically support widespread generalists that have distributions that extend into the semi-arid and arid zones. In terms of conservation significance, the largest islands in the most mesic section of the coast are important for their high species diversity, including regional endemics. However, the lower rainfall islands support unique assemblages, and some are also important for their threatened mammal species. The high level of island endemism of the camaenid land snails indicates that all the islands sampled are important in terms of representing their diversity. The results of the survey also support the hypothesis that these islands are microcosms of the adjacent Northern Kimberley mainland with 74% of mammal, 59% of reptile, 70% of frog, 69% of bird and 49% of plant species of the Northern Kimberley bioregion now known on the islands sampled. Future management of the islands requires strategies that minimise the risk of incursions by exotic species and appropriate fire regimes to preserve habitat quality.
Color stability of individually stained monolithic zirconia following occlusal adjustment.

OBJECTIVE To meet esthetic requirements, monolithic zirconia can be stained by color-infiltration. However, adjustments of occlusal surfaces are often necessary, leading to demasking effects if too much of the color-infiltrated layer is removed. The effect of subsequent material removal on color stability of individually stained zirconia is analyzed here. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six white zirconia disks were divided into three groups. Standardized staining strategies for tooth colors VITA A2, A3.5, and A4 were developed and applied to the disks. Samples were grinded in nine successive steps from 20 to 500 μm. A spectroradiometer was used to measure the color differences after each step. Regression analyses were performed for color differences from baseline as a function of depth of material removal. Depth of material removal resulting in color changes surpassing the acceptability threshold of ΔE00 = 1.8 was estimated using inverse prediction. RESULTS Up to 500 μm material removal, color difference ΔE00 changes linearly with the depth of material removal (P < 0.05). Regression analyses showed coefficients of determination (R2 ) of 0.97 (VITA A2), 0.87 (VITA A3.5), and 0.96 (VITA A4). Acceptability threshold was surpassed at 62, 87, and 92 μm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Discolorations occur within clinically relevant occlusal adjustments of <100 μm. The effect is more severe with lighter, less saturated tooth colors. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Staining that is resistant to occlusal adjustments and abrasion is only possible if the staining solution infiltrates sufficiently deep into the ceramic structure. This study provides for the first time in the literature numerical values that describe the thresholds of acceptability of color differences in zirconia ceramics. These values are essential because they determine the extent of possible occlusal adjustments, and thus the color stability. Further research is necessary to improve the infiltration depth of staining solutions.
Bionomics, behaviour and control of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in pome fruit orchards in South Africa

The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) has been a major pest of pome fruits since before the turn of the last century. However, despite its high economic profile little is known about the bionomics and . behaviour of this pest in apple orchards in South Africa, information required for the development of a sustainable integrated management programme. In field trials there was contingency between the time of year and the upper and lower half of the tree. First generation moths laid significantly more eggs in the bottom half of the tree while second and third generation moths laid significantly more eggs in the top half of the tree. The preferred oviposition sites on Granny Smith (GS) and Golden Delicious (GD) cultivars, in order of preference, were leaves, fruit and wood. More eggs were laid on the fruit ofGS spurs (35.6 %) than on those ofGD spurs (10.7 %). On fruit spurs there was a significant increase in the number of eggs on GD leaves and GS fruit over the season, whereas the number of eggs on GS leaves and GD fruit remained constant. On branches there was an increase in the number of eggs on GD and GS leaves, but not on the fruit or wood. The preferred oviposition site on the fruit was the fovea of the stalk insertion and the rounded cheek area surrounding the fovea. The distribution within different fruit bearing classes (1 4 fruit per spur) was random only for one fruit per spur, while on the other spur classes clustering occurred. In laboratory studies of the embryonic and immature stages there was a linear relationship between rate of development and constant temperatures of 15, 17,20,25 and 30·C ± l·C. The lower threshold temperatures for embryonic, larval and pupal development were 11.1, 7.9, 9.9°C respectively. The degree-days required to complete embryonic, larval and pupal development were 80.5, 345, and 279 respectively. The response of the different stages to constant temperatures was similar to that under fluctuating temperatures. At temperatures below 16°C or abouve 27°C moths did not mate and few eggs were laid. Moth longevity decreased with increasing temperature. There was seasonal variation in longevity and oviposition at constant and fluctuating temperatures. Summer adults produced significantly more eggs than spring adults at constant temperatures. At a constant temperature of2S·C and fluctuating temperatures there were five distinct larval instars. The similarity between the mean head capsule width and ranges for each instar reared on fruit of Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration versus mediastinoscopy for mediastinal staging of lung cancer: A systematic review of economic evaluation studies

Introduction The emergence of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) changed the approach to staging lung cancer. As a new method being incorporated, the use of EBUS may lead to a shift in clinical and costs outcomes. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to gather information to better understand the economic impact of implementing EBUS. Methods This review is reported according to the PRISMA statement and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019107901). Search keywords were elaborated considering descriptors of terms related to the disease (lung cancer / mediastinal staging of lung cancer) and the technologies of interest (EBUS and mediastinoscopy) combined with a specific economic filter. The literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane Library of Trials, Web of Science, Scopus and National Health System Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) of the Center for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD). Screening, selection of articles, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by two reviewers. Results Seven hundred and seventy publications were identified through the database searches. Eight articles were included in this review. All publications are full economic evaluation studies, one cost-effectiveness, three cost-utility, and four cost-minimization analyses. The costs of strategies using EBUS-TBNA were lower than the ones using mediastinoscopy in all studies analyzed. Two of the best quality scored studies demonstrate that the mediastinoscopy strategy is dominated by the EBUS-TBNA strategy. Conclusion Information gathered in the eight studies of this systematic review suggest that EBUS is cost-effective compared to mediastinoscopy for mediastinal staging of lung cancer.
Evaluation of a reversibly immortalized human hepatocyte line in bioartificial liver in pigs

An appropriate cell source is essential for the clinical application of bioartificial liver (BAL) system. This study aimed to test a reversibly immortalized human hepatocyte line (HepLi-4) in our newly validated choanoid fluidized bed bioreactor based BAL in pigs with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). 15 FHF pigs were allocated to three groups: a BAL group receiving BAL treatment with HepLi-4 cells; a sham BAL group receiving cell-free BAL treatment; and a FHF group receiving intensive care only. Expression of liver-specific genes in HepLi-4 cells before and after BAL was analyzed, adult human hepatocytes acted as a reference. In BAL group, Fischer index was higher and serum indirect bilirubin level was lower compared with two control groups. Survival time in BAL group was longer than that in two control groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. Gene expression analysis showed that the transcript levels of liver-specific genes in HepLi-4 were retained after BAL, but significant variations were observed between HepLi-4 and human hepatocytes. HepLi-4 showed beneficial metabolic effects on FHF pigs in BAL, but is still not an appropriate cell source for BAL. More insights into interpreting the conditions for hepatocyte differentiation are needed. Key words : Reversible immortalization, hepatocytes, bioartificial liver, fulminant hepatic failure.
Analyse de la stabilité des performances de rendement du blé dur (Triticum durum Desf.) sous conditions semi-arides

L'analyse des essais pluriannuels pour l'evaluation et la recommandation des varietes est une etape tres importante en amelioration des plantes. Cette analyse porte sur le potentiel et la stabilite des performances genotypiques. La presente contribution compare quelques methodes d'analyse de la stabilite des performances de 15 genotypes de ble dur evalues au cours de six campagnes agricoles sous conditions semi-arides. Les resultats indiquent des differences significatives de rendement entre genotypes et un changement de classement des performances genotypiques selon l'annee, suggestives de la presence d'une interaction genotype x annee. L'etude comparative des methodes d'analyse de la stabilite groupe les indices de stabilite en deux ensembles, representant la stabilite agronomique (Pi, Bot, Srang, Si(2), Si(3), bi) et la stabilite biologique (Wi et S2di). Le premier groupe associe performance et stabilite et identifie deux genotypes stables et performants : Cyrus1 et Heider/Martes//Huevos de Oro. Par contre, le second groupe n'informe que sur la stabilite et identifie Belikh2 et Mrb16/Ente//Mario comme etant les genotypes les plus stables. Ces resultats suggerent l'utilisation des indices du premier groupe pour ameliorer simultanement la stabilite et la performance de rendement. Cependant, dans le cas ou la stabilite prime au detriment de la performance, il est conseille d'utiliser les indices du second groupe.
Cardiac, renal and uterine hemodynamics changes throughout pregnancy in rats with a prolonged high fat diet from an early age

Objective To examine whether the cardiac, renal and uterine physiological hemodynamic changes during gestation are altered in rats with an early and prolonged exposure to a high fat diet (HFD). Methods Arterial pressure and cardiac, renal, uterine and radial arteries hemodynamic changes during gestation were examined in adult SD rats exposed to normal (13%) (n = 8) or high (60%) (n = 8) fat diets from weaning. Plethysmography, high-resolution high-frequency ultrasonography and clearance of an inulin analog were used to evaluate the arterial pressure and hemodynamic changes before and at days 7, 14 and 19 of gestation. Results Arterial pressure was higher (P<0.05) in rats with high than in those with normal (NFD) fat diet before pregnancy (123 ±3 and 110 ±3 mmHg, respectively) and only decreased at day 14 of gestation in rats with NFD (98±4 mmHg, P<0.05). A significant increment in stroke volume (42 ±10%) and cardiac output (51 ±12%) was found at day 19 of pregnancy in rats with NFD. The changes in stroke volume and cardiac output were similar in rats with NFD and HFD. When compared to the values obtained before pregnancy, a transitory elevation in renal blood flow was found at day 14 of pregnancy in both groups. However, glomerular filtration rate only increased (P<0.05) in rats with NFD at days 14 (20 ±7%) and 19 (27 ±8%) of gestation. The significant elevations of mean velocity, and velocity time integral throughout gestation in radial (127 ±26% and 111 ±23%, respectively) and uterine (91 ±16% and 111 ±25%, respectively) arteries of rats with NFD were not found in rats with an early and prolonged HFD. Summary This study reports novel findings showing that the early and prolonged exposure to a HFD leads to a significant impairment in the renal, uterine and radial arteries hemodynamic changes associated to gestation.