Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards a general rule for estimating the stage of pregnancy in field‐caught tsetse flies

Abstract. Ovarian dissections were performed on the tsetse flies Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood and G.pallidipes Austen of known ages, maintained in the laboratory or on an island in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. The lengths (l2 and lu) of the second largest oocyte and of the larva in utero were found to increase approximately exponentially during pregnancy. The length (l1) of the largest oocyte increased exponentially for about the first 80% of pregnancy. Linear relationships between the log values of l1, l2 and lu in field‐caught flies, of unknown chronological age, are consistent with the idea that growth patterns are similar in laboratory, island and open field situations. The egg phase takes up c. 45% of pregnancy in both species, regardless of season and the absolute duration of pregnancy. The changes in the log values of l1, l2 and lu, over the ranges within which they change linearly, can be used to assign flies to their stage of pregnancy. When applied to field data the rule showed that G.pallidipes caught in odour‐baited traps, and on a mobile electric net, exhibited major activity peaks shortly before and after parturition. Flies from the trap (but not the net) showed a smaller peak of activity near the middle of pregnancy. The egg and the three larval phases in utero take up c. 45%, 25%, 20% and 10% of pregnancy respectively.
Women’s Consumption of Pornography: Pleasure, Contestation, and Empowerment

This article draws on 27 interviews with women (with exclusive and non-exclusive sexual orientations) to understand the role of pornography in the construction of female sexuality. Building upon research that moves beyond the ‘negative effects paradigm’ in the study of pornography, we show that consuming pornography is both disciplining and empowering for women. Our informants recognise that pornography reproduces and promotes patriarchal discourses of sexuality, but they manage to use it to reach a state of pleasure (exercise of fantasy, sexual gratification) and perfection (optimal way of performing sex). We also show pornography’s role in cultivating a renewed understanding of female sexuality. In this process, aspects of the genre are questioned, negotiated and reconciled in order to continue using pornography to satisfy desire. We contribute to ongoing debates about the role of pornography in society by documenting the experiences of women whose voices have been hitherto underrepresented in the literature.
Partner diversity and identity impacts on plant productivity in Acacia–rhizobial interactions

Genetic variation for functionally important traits is ubiquitous in communities of nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia, and while some studies have described significant effects of diversity on the functioning of plant‐associated microbial communities, we lack a systematic test of how rhizobial diversity influences plant productivity. The complexity of potential interactions among rhizobia and plants complicates the development of general predictions regarding causal relationships between rhizobial diversity and plant productivity. For example, while rhizobial complementarity may result in positive associations between symbiont diversity and plant productivity, antagonistic competition may reduce rhizobial community function. Using two widespread native Australian Acacia species (A. salicina, A. stenophylla) and experimental rhizobial communities derived from 16 bacterial genotypes naturally associated with these hosts, we examined how the provision of mutualistic benefit varies with rhizobial identity, diversity and phylogenetic relatedness. Analysis of plant performance in relation to rhizobial genotypic richness revealed that the presence of multiple rhizobial genotypes in the rhizosphere was associated with a general decrease in plant productivity compared to growth with single rhizobial genotypes. Importantly, these results appear to be robust in the face of variation in host identity and host diversity (i.e. one or two species mixtures). We also found that rhizobial genotypic identity and host species significantly influenced plant productivity in Acacia–rhizobia interactions, both in single‐ and multistrain inoculations. Synthesis. Together, our data show that multiple rhizobia interacting with a single host species creates opportunities for emergent or higher‐order effects that extend beyond those that could be simply predicted based upon outcomes of pairwise interactions and that increased mutualist diversity does not necessarily translate into positive effects on plant growth.
Moisture Loss and Lipid Oxidation for Precooked Beef Patties Stored in Edible Coatings and Films

Edible/biodegradable wheat gluten ( WG), soy protein (SP), carrageenan (CA) and chitosan (CH) films and coatings were used on precooked beef patties. After 3 d of refrigerated storage, no difference was found in moisture loss between WG, SP, and CH film-wrapped patties and unpackaged patties (control-A). All coatings were as effective as polyvinyl chloride film (control-B) in reducing moisture loss. CA film decreased moisture loss but not as effective as control-B. WG, SP, and CA coatings and CA film reduced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and hexanal values compared to control-A. WG-coated patties had lower hexanal
Molecular markers in Brassica oilseed breeding: current status and future possibilities

As PCR techniques have developed over the last 15 years, a wealth of new DNA marker technologies have arisen which have enabled the generation of high-density molecular maps for all the major Brassica crop species. Molecular markers have also been heavily used in analyses of genetic diversity in Brassica crops. The majority of the work utilizing molecular markers in Brassica oilseed breeding has to date been based on genetic mapping using various DNA marker systems in segregating populations generated for specific investigations of particular traits of interest. For numerous qualitative traits, traditional mapping approaches have led to the development of marker-assisted selection strategies in oilseed Brassica breeding, and in some cases to map-based cloning of the responsible genes. For quantitative traits, however, it has become apparent that traditional mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) is often not sufficient to develop effective markers for trait introgression or for identification of the genes responsible. In this case, allele-trait association studies in non-structured genetic populations represent an interesting new approach, provided the degree of gametic phase disequilibrium between the QTL and the marker loci is sufficient. Because Brassica species represent the closest crop plant relatives to the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, significant progress will be achieved in the coming years through integration of candidate gene approaches in crop brassicas, using the detailed information now available for the Arabidopsis genome. Integration of information from the model plant with the increasing supply of data from physical mapping and sequencing of the diploid Brassica genomes will undoubtedly give great insight into the genetics underlying both simple and complex traits in oilseed rape. This review describes the current use of available genetic marker technologies in oilseed rape breeding and provides an outlook for use of new technologies, including single-nucleotide polymorphism markers, candidate gene approaches and allele-trait association studies.
Credibility Perceptions and Detection Accuracy of Fake News Headlines on Social Media: Effects of Truth-Bias and Endorsement Cues

This article focuses on message credibility and detection accuracy of fake and real news as represented on social media. We developed a deception detection paradigm for news headlines and conducted two online experiments to examine the extent to which people (1) perceive news headlines as credible, and (2) accurately distinguish fake and real news across three general topics (i.e., politics, science, and health). Both studies revealed that people often judged news headlines as fake, suggesting a deception-bias for news in social media. Across studies, we observed an average detection accuracy of approximately 51%, a level consistent with most research using this deception detection paradigm with equal lie-truth base-rates. Study 2 evaluated the effects of endorsement cues in social media (e.g., Facebook likes) on message credibility and detection accuracy. Results showed that headlines associated with a high number of Facebook likes increased credibility, thereby enhancing detection accuracy for real news but undermining accuracy for fake news. These studies introduce truth-default theory to the context of news credibility and advance our understanding of how biased processing of news information can impact detection accuracy with social media endorsement cues.
A pareto artificial fish swarm algorithm for solving a multi-objective electric transit network design problem

This study presents a multi-objective optimization model for the urban electric transit network design problem by simultaneously determining the set of transit routes, the service frequency and the location of charging depots with the objectives of minimizing the costs for passengers and operators. The constraints about the bus route, charging depot, vehicle operation and charging schedule are considered to ensure the rational design and operational feasibility of the electric transit network. The solution approach is based on a Pareto artificial fish swarm algorithm (PAFSA) in combination with the crossover and mutation operators. The transit network in an urban region of Beijing is studied in a case study, revealing that the proposed optimization model solved by the PAFSA is able to provide the Pareto optimal solutions to design a relatively large-scaled transit network for the best fits between the passengers and operators.
The combination of quantitative faecal occult blood test and faecal calprotectin is a cost-effective strategy to avoid colonoscopies in symptomatic patients without relevant pathology

Background: Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) has demonstrated effectiveness in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Faecal calprotectin (FC) has proven efficient for evaluating activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but its value in CRC detection is less established. Most symptomatic patients have benign pathologies, but still undergo colonoscopy in many settings. Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the combination of FOBT plus FC in symptomatic patients. Methods: Patients who completed colonic investigations and returned stool samples, on which FOBT and FC were performed, were recruited prospectively. CRC, advanced adenoma, IBD and angiodysplasia were considered as relevant pathologies. Results: A total of 404 patients were included, of whom 87 (21.5%) had relevant pathologies. Sensitivity and specificity were 50.6% and 69.6% for FOBT, 78.2% and 54.4% for FC. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 90.1% for FC and 86.9% for FOBT. NPV for the combination of FOBT and FC was 94.1%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.5% and 50.3%. The area under ROC (receiver operator curve) (AUC) was 0.741 for FOBT, 0.736 for FC and 0.816 for the combination. The total cost for visits and procedures was €233,016 (€577/patient). Using a combination of FOBT and FC as pre-endoscopic tool allows colonoscopies to be reduced by 39.4%, reducing total costs by 20.5%. Conclusion: The combination of FOBT and FC has a better diagnostic accuracy compared with each test alone. Performing both tests before colonoscopy is a less costly and more effective strategy, reducing unnecessary procedures and complications.
Local Mate Competition and Sex Allocation in Simultaneous Hermaphrodites

How should simultaneous hermaphrodites allocate resources to reproduction? Simple extrapolation from sex ratio theory suggests that outcrossing hermaphrodites should expend equally on male and female functions (Maynard Smith 1971). Recent work shows, however, that under a variety of conditions allocation should be female biased (Charnov 1979, 1982; Fischer 1981). In some species, such female bias may even be necessary for the hermaphroditism to be evolutionarily stable (Fischer 1981). Such qualitative predictions are useful, but quantitative ones would be more directly testable. One case that has been worked out is the low density or local mate competition model (Fischer 1981; Charnov 1980, 1982). Suppose that a hermaphroditic species occurs in breeding roups of size v. Suppose further that individuals have a constant amount of energy that can be expended on reproduction, and that reproductive success as a male and as a female are proportional to the amount of resource allocated to male and female functions. Finally, assume that the cost of making sufficient sperm to fertilize an egg is much less than the cost of the egg, and that no selling occurs. If (x = the proportion of reproductive effort devoted to female functions, then the evolutionarily stable state (ESS) is given by
Spread of parasites and diseases of aquatic organisms by acclimatization : a short review

The influence of transportation and acclimatization of fishes and shellfishes on their parasites and pathogens is discussed. It has been shown that aquatic organisms lose most of their parasites during the period of establishment, but some species may remain. In most instances these are parasites with direct development (Myxosporea, Monogenea, Crustacea). Species with intermediate hosts, but which utilize many species of invertebrates, establish more easily than those which have specific invertebrate intermediate hosts. If there are closely related host species to those introduced into the water body, parasites brought to it can transfer to these related species. This may result in a high infection of the native species and significant mortality.
Desert Conditions and Goat Milk Production

Abstract Adaptation of the small Black Bedouin goat breed to arid desert conditions is discussed. They are watered only once in 2 to 4 days which increases their foraging range greatly. During water deprivation for 4 days, they lose 25 to 30% of body weight from reduction of total body water and blood plasma volume. Nevertheless, these goats are relatively high milk producers. Daily yields of over 2kg have been recorded for animals weighing only 15 to 25kg. Milk composition is similar to that of other goat breeds. Yearlings have usually only single kids, but twinning occurs about 50% of the time in older does. Birth weights of single kids are about 2kg with twins slightly lighter. Growth rates of kids have exceeded those of other goat breeds. Milk production efficiencies have exceeded 33% of energy consumed.
Ritonavir-boosted darunavir: a powerful option for treatment-experienced HIV-1-infected patients

Darunavir is a HIV protease inhibitor with potent activity in vitro against a broad range of HIV-1 strains and isolates containing multiple protease inhibitor resistance-associated mutations. Its bioavailability increases when co-administered with low-dose ritonavir, or if taken with a meal. Darunavir (in combination with ritonavir) has been approved for treatment of antiretroviral drug-experienced patients with limited therapeutic options. Clinical trials demonstrated significant efficacy with darunavir/ritonavir 600/100 mg twice daily plus optimized background regimens, with sustained response after 48 weeks and no major safety and tolerability concerns. Clinical trials assessing its efficacy in earlier treatment failure have been favorable, however, its role in the treatment of naive patients has not yet been defined.
Effect of Storage Temperature on Rigor-Mortis and ATP Degradation in Plaice Paralichthys olivaceus Muscle

Live specimens of the plaice Paralichthys olivaceus were spiked at the brain, stored at various temperatures ranging from 0° to 20°C and examined for changes in rigor tension and ATP degradation in the muscle. The ATP degradation rate was clearly slower at 5–15°C than at WC, resulting in retardation of rigor- mortis onset at the former temperatures. Lactic acid accumulation in the muscle correlated well with the decrease of ATP. The muscle showed an ATP concentration of 3 μmol/g and “rigor index” (full rigor = 100%) at 30% when lactic acid increased up to 30 μmol/g at most storage temperatures. The muscle showed full rigor when ATP completely disappeared and lactic acid attained the maximum plateau (40–50 μmol/g).
Fécula de mandioca e farinha de aveia como substitutos de gordura na formulação de hambúrguer de carne ovina

Nos produtos carneos com teor de gordura reduzido, ingredientes tem sido utilizados para manter os atributos de qualidade e rendimento. As farinhas de mandioca e de aveia tem sido usadas como componentes uteis para melhorar as caracteristicas de suculencia e maciez em hamburgueres com baixo nivel de gordura. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o efeito da fecula de mandioca e da farinha de aveia sobre as caracteristicas fisicas, quimicas e sensoriais de hamburgueres de carne ovina com teor de gordura reduzido. Foram testadas 4 formulacoes a base de carne ovina limpa: testemunha sem gordura adicionada (F1), com 9,15% de gordura ovina adicionada (F2), sem gordura adicionada e 2% de fecula de mandioca (F3) e sem gordura adicionada e 2% de farinha de aveia (F4). Foram avaliados durante o cozimento: composicao centesimal, rendimento, encolhimento e capacidade de retencao de agua, forca de cisalhamento, cor e analise sensorial dos hamburgueres. Os produtos nos quais foram adicionados os substitutos de gordura (F3 e F4) apresentaram menor teor de gordura, antes e depois de cozidos, menor encolhimento, maior rendimento e capacidade de retencao de agua do que os das formulacoes F1 e F2. A forca de cisalhamento e a intensidade de vermelho (a*) foram menores nos produtos aos quais foram adicionados os substitutos de gordura (F3 e F4) do que nos produtos sem substituicao (F1 e F2). Nao foram detectadas diferencas na aceitacao global dos produtos com diferentes formulacoes. Desta forma, conclui-se que o uso de fecula de mandioca e farinha de aveia pode ser uma alternativa de substituicao de gordura em produtos de carne ovina de baixo nivel de gordura tipo hamburguer.
Radiosynthesis of N.C.A. Sodium [18F]Fluoroacetate and Radiopharmacological Characterization in Rats and Tumor-Xenografted Mice

A convenient remotely-controlled synthesis of no-carrier-added sodium [18F]fluoroacetate is described. Three ethyl esters 1a- 1c and three t-butyl esters 3a-3c containing either a methanesulfonyloxy- (OMs), p-toluenesulfonyloxy- (OTs) or p-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxy (ONs) leaving group were investigated as labeling precursors. The optimized radiosynthesis of n.c. a. sodium [18F]fluoroacetate was performed in two steps: (1) Incorporation of fluorine into (methanesulfonyloxy)-acetic acid t-butyl ester 3a as the superior labeling precursor in CH3CN at 100 ° C for 5 min followed by (2) acidic hydrolysis of the resulting [18F]fluoroacetic acid t-butyl ester at 100 ° C for 10 min to afford [18F]fluoroacetic acid. Several consecutive purification steps using anion exchange cartridges (Alltech Maxi-Clean SAX) and Sep-Pak neutral alumina cartridges gave sodium [18F]fluoroacetate in reproducible radiochemical yields of 20-25% (decay-corrected, n=20) in high radiochemical purity ( > 99%) within 50 min. Radiopharmacological characterization of sodium [18F]fluoroacetate was studied in Wistar rats and HT-29 tumor-bearing mice in comparison with [11C]acetate.
Effects of selective defoliation on the competitive interaction between palatable and unpalatable grasses native to a temperate semi-arid grassland of Argentina

Abstract Floristic changes induced by grazing frequently involve the replacement of palatable grasses by unpalatable grasses in native grasslands. It is hypothesized that selective defoliation of palatable species allows unpalatable species to realize a competitive advantage. To test this hypothesis, we quantified growth of two unpalatable grasses ( Stipa trichotoma and S. gyneriodes ) in the presence of non-defoliated and defoliated plants of the palatable grass S. clarazii under field and greenhouse conditions. Basal area, end-of-season aerial biomass, seed production, total green blade length per tiller, tiller recruitment and tiller dry mass of S. trichotoma and S. gynerioides were higher ( p 0.05) in the presence of defoliated plants of S. clarazii than in the presence of non-defoliated plants of the same species. These results support the hypothesis that selective defoliation of palatable species confers a competitive advantage to unpalatable species, which could ultimately lead to replacement in grasslands.
Developmental assessments during the first 5 years of life in infants fed breast milk, cow's milk formula, or soy formula

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of infant feeding mode on childhood cognition and language as the differential effects of infant feeding on development remain understudied. Methods Breastfed [BF, 174], cow's milk‐based formula‐fed [MF, 169], or soy protein‐based formula‐fed [SF, 161] children were longitudinally tested from age 3 to 60 months for neurodevelopment. Data were analyzed using mixed models while adjusting for multiple covariates. Sex differences were also assessed. Results Standard scores were within established norms for all groups. There were no differences in mental development to age 24 months, yet BF children had significantly higher motor development scores at age 3 months than SF children (99.1 versus. 97.2). BF children had significantly higher composite intelligence scores at 48 months than MF and SF children (113.4 versus. 109.6 and 108.4, respectively) and higher verbal intelligence scores than SF children at 48 (105.6 versus. 100.7) and 60 months (109.8 versus. 105.9). Greater total language scores at ages 36 and 48 months were found in BF children compared with children fed MF or SF (p < .001), with differences between sexes for auditory comprehension. Higher total language scores at age 60 months were found between BF and SF (105.0 versus. 100.1). Conclusion Breastfeeding was associated with small, statistically significant, differences between children ages 3 and 5 years in verbal intelligence, expressive communication, and auditory comprehension with the latter having potential sexual dimorphic effects. Yet, these differences remain small and may not be of clinical relevance. Overall, MF and SF did not significantly differ.
Medicinal plants used by Ponta Porã community, Mato Grosso do Sul State

The academic interest regarding the knowledge that people in general have about plants and their uses has increased significantly. Therefore, aiming to understand it better, this present work studied parts of the plant used by residents from Jardim Aeroporto, in Ponta Pora, Mato Grosso do Sul State, to prepare and use these medicinal plants. This city shares borders with Pedro Juan Caballero (Paraguay), a place where many people use these herbs. The residents use different kinds of plants which are planted around their houses. The leaf was the most used part to prepare the medicines. The plants used by this community belong to 17 families, 28 genera and 30 species, and the women from 30-40 age group with junior high school degree who know the plants, their usage and the preparation of the medicines. These women are responsible to cultivate the plants in the backyards and around their houses. The botanical families which presented higher number of species were Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Leguminosae. Baccharis trimera (Less). DC. , Mentha piperita L. and Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. were the most used plants by the interviewees, which were prepared in form of tea or plasters.