Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting pilot-reported bird-strike rates at Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand.

Abstract Pilots’ reports of their aircraft striking birds or having near misses at Christchurch International Airport from 1981 to 1993 were analysed to identify factors influencing the rate of such incidents. A preliminary analysis indicated that reporting of near misses was not influenced by recent bird strike incidents, which suggested that the data were reasonably robust to variation in pilot awareness of the problem. A total of 362 strikes was reported during the survey period, most commonly involving sparrows and gulls. Pilots were more likely to report near misses if the birds were large (e.g., gulls Larus spp., spur‐winged plover Vanellus miles novaehollandiae, white‐backed magpies Gymnorhina spp., and Australasian harrier Circus approximans) than if they were small (e.g., sparrows Passer domesticus and finches Carduelis spp.). The risk of an aircraft being struck varied both diurnally and seasonally, being highest at 0800–1000 h and in April. Birds seemed better able to avoid Boeing 737s than the.
Effect of Polymer Seed Coating with Micronutrients on Soybeans in Southeastern Coastal Plains

Polymer seed coating with micronutrients may affect soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) growth and yields under dryland conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two seed application rates (265 and 395 mL 100 kg seeds-1) of polymer based mixture of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) micronutrients on dryland soybeans near Blackville, SC from 2011 to 2012. Soybeans were evaluated for plant Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), plant height, seed weight and grain yields. Compared to untreated control, polymer seed coating significantly increased grain yields by 8.1 and 14.0% with seed applications at 265 and 395 mL 100 kg seeds-1, respectively. Plant NDVI improved by 10.5% with application of polymer seed coating treatment at 395 mL 100 kg seeds-1. Seed coating at 265 and 395 mL 100 kg seeds-1 significantly increased plant NDVI by 10.2 and 10.8% at 8 weeks after soybean planting and 4.6 and 4.2% at 12 weeks after planting. Based on significant linear relationships, grain yields increased by 179.2 kg ha-1 with increasing plant NDVI by 0.1 unit at 6 weeks after planting soybeans and 99.4 kg ha-1 with increasing weight by 1 g of 100 seeds. Treatment application did not affect plant NDVI at 4 through 6 and 9 weeks after planting, plant LAI at 8 and 12 weeks after planting and plant height. These results indicate that polymer seed coating may help to improve some growth parameters and grain yields of soybean under dryland conditions in Southeastern Coastal Plains.
MG289 in Mycoplasma genitalium Enhances Microbial Invasion and Bacterial Persistence in Benign Human Prostate Cells

Introduction: Recent studies suggest that infectious organisms may facilitate initiation and metastasis of many human cancers. One infectious organism of interest is Mycoplasma genitalium(Mg), a prevalent organism in humans known to cause sexually transmitted infection, as well as urethritis and prostatitis. Previous studies have demonstrated that benign, non-tumorigenic human prostate cells (BPH-1) chronically exposed to M. genitalium led to the malignant transformation of these cells as demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo models. Based on work from our laboratory, we felt this malignant transformation revolved around a specific M. genitalium’s ABC transporter (MG289) with homology to M. hyorhinis’ ABC transporter, p37. In this study, differences in M. genitalium’s ability to infect and induce a unique proteome conducive to tumoral growth were studied with engineered M. genitalium in which the p37 protein was silent. Materials and Methods: Wild-type M. genitalium (strain 431c, designated as M. genitalium WT) and MG289 deficient M. genitalium mutant (strain 260_3, designated as Mg260_3) were used for this study. We studied the infectivity potential between M. genitalium WT and Mg260_3 upon exposure to BPH-1 cells. Furthermore, we set out to identify a unique proteome in BPH-1 cells exposed to M. genitalium WT that could explain its ability to induce malignant transformation of benign cells. Validation of selected proteomic targets was carried out by Western blot analysis. Results: Both M. genitalium WT and Mg260_3 strains showed somewhat similar growth curve when absorbance at 450nm was matched at day 0. Colony forming units (CFUs) were similar for both strains at the same absorbance. However, the ability to infect BPH-1 cells was greatly reduced in Mg260_3 compared to the M. genitalium WT (p Conclusions: In summary, we demonstrate that Mg260_3, which is deficient of the phosphonate ABC transporter substrate-binding protein; MG289 (homologue to M. hyorhinis p37), is less effective in invading and maintaining an intracellular persistence in benign human prostate cells. In addition, deletion of MG289 resulted in altered BPH-1 responses to M. genitalium infection as evidenced by differential proteome profiling of BPH-1 infected cells.
Fatty acid analysis of blood from violent offenders

Abstract We have studied the fatty acids of red cell phospholipids, plasma phospholipids, cholesteryl esters and high density lipoproteins in 19 violent offenders and in 25 age-matched controls. There were highly significant increases in oleic acid (18:ln9) in plasma phospholipids, cholesteryl esters and high density lipoproteins, and there were decreases in arachidonic acid (20:4n6) in the same lipids in the offenders. There were also decreased concentrations of other n6 and n3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the offenders. The reductions in n6 fatty acids were evident without an increase in linoleic acid (18:2n6), therefore it is unlikely that the findings can be explained by altered activity of the delta-6 desaturase enzyme.
Southern pollen sired more seeds than northern pollen in southern seed orchards established with northern clones of Pinus sylvestris

Abstract Contamination by southern pollen is a considerable problem in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seed orchards established with northern clones. This study investigated whether the contamination was due to the competitive superiority of southern pollen by carrying out competition trials using mixtures of pollen from northern and southern populations of Scots pine. Trials were performed in a southerly seed orchard established with clones originating from northern populations. Seed paternity (siring) was determined through the analysis of allozyme variation. Southern genotypes sired significantly more seeds (76%) than their northern competitors and across all mixed-pollen crosses. Maternal genotype had no effect on seed siring success. The mean flower abortion rate was lower in southern pure-pollen crosses and mixed-pollen crosses than in northern pure-pollen crosses. The results show that local pollen may induce high levels of background pollination in southern seed orchards composed of northern genotype grafts. These results must be taken into account when aiming to produce suitable reforestation material for northern areas.
Consumption of fisheries discards by benthic scavengers : utilization of energy subsidies in different marine habitats

1. Man has increased the input of carrion to marine communities worldwide through the practice of discarding fisheries-derived material. A large proportion of discarded material sinks to the sea bed and becomes available to benthic scavengers. Carrion from fisheries discards will subsidize marine food webs, which can sometimes result in the enhancement of consumer populations. 2. This study examines the benthic scavengers that feed on fisheries discards in three habitats in the Irish Sea. We investigated the relationship between the abundance of scavengers feeding on carrion in terms of numbers of each species and the density of those scavenger species in the surrounding area. 3. Observations with baited time-lapse cameras at a site offshore from Anglesey showed that the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus was attracted to carrion in greatest abundance and aggregated at densities of up to 330 m -2 . At Red Wharf Bay a wider range of species was observed: starfish Asterias rubens, hermit crabs P. bernhardus, whelks Buccinum undatum and swimming crabs Liocarcinus spp. There was relatively little scavenging activity at the Walney Island site where the edible crab Cancer pagurus appeared to consume the greatest proportion of the carrion. 4. Numbers of each scavenger species at the bait were only partially related to the background population density of each species at each site. The rate of consumption of carrion varied between sites and could be related to the abundance of different scavenger species at the bait. 5. Baited traps were used to investigate those benthic scavengers that were too small to be observed by time-lapse photography. The traps caught a variety of amphipod and isopod species. Some species were habitat-specific, whereas others were ubiquitous, but specialized in eating a particular type of carrion; for example, Orchomene nanus, which was only caught in traps baited with crab. 6. The results demonstrated that the responses of scavengers to fisheries discards varied between different habitats. The responses of hermit crabs, P. bernhardus, were particularly variable, with large aggregations of individuals occurring at one site but not at others, despite similar background population densities.
An investigation into the effects of sowing time, N and P fertilizers on seed yield, oil and protein production in Canola

Canola (Brassica napus L.) has been grown in Kerman province, Iran, for many years. However, little information is available on its response to sowing date, nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) fertilizers. Therefore, a field study was conducted in a research station located 17 km southwest of Kerman, investigating the effects of early and late October sowing, N and P fertilization in 2005 and 2006. The design used with split plot arrangement was randomized complete block design. Canola was sown after barley and alfalfa in the first and second year, respectively. At early October sowing 2005, 3.4 t seed ha−1 were obtained with fertilization of 300 kg N ha−1 and 50 kg P ha−1. In 2006, alfalfa had enriched soil with N. Consequently, at early October sowing 2006, 200 kg N ha−1 and 50 kg P ha−1 produced 3.9 t seed ha−1. N and P fertilizers had increased total dry matter accumulation and seed yield, while oil and protein production were increased as a result of seed yield increase. Delayed sowing reduced growth; therefore, seed, oil and protein production were decreased. It is concluded that sowing time and fertilizing according to soil test results cause optimum canola yields.
The food entrainable oscillator studied by DNA microarrays: What is the liver doing during food anticipatory activity?

The food-entrainable oscillator (FEO) is a circadian clock that elicits behavioral responses based on physiological associations between selected brain areas and peripheral tissues. The liver plays an important role in the control of food intake and in the processing of nutrients. Significant adjustments occur in the metabolic status of the liver during the onset and the manifestation of the FEO. We have used DNA microarrays to identify the expression levels of hundreds of hepatic genes in rats under restricted feeding schedules. The results revealed that 64 out of 1353 transcripts changed significantly in the liver (54 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated), coincident with food anticipatory activity. These data suggest an increased protein synthesis and metabolism. They also imply a predominant role of mitochondria and peroxisomes in the catabolic processing of lipids. Another group of genes with FEO-induced modified transcription was related to the hepatocyte redox state of thiol moieties. Interestingly, several liver-secreted factors related to the acute phase response (APR) presented an enhanced transcription during food anticipation. Taken together, these results make it possible to foresee some of the characteristics of the homeorethic status that the liver adopts when the FEO is expressed.
Localization of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the Manchurian chipmunk, tamias sibiricus barberi

The regional distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells were studied immunohistochemically in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the Manchurian chipmunk, Tamias sibiricus asiaticus. Six kinds of endocrine cells were identified in this study. 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)‐immunoreactive cells were detected throughout the GIT. These cells were observed in moderate numbers in the pylorus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, fundus, colon, and rectum. Somatostatin‐ and bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP)‐immunoreactive cells were also identified throughout the GIT. The former were abundant in the pylorus region while the latter were scattered in ileum and colon. Motilin‐immunoreactive cells were rarely detected in the small intestine. A few neurotensin‐immunoreactive cells were detected in jejunum, ileum and colon. Also, a few substance P‐immunoreactive cells were observed to be restricted to duodenum and jejunum
Performance of different varieties of broccoli under rainfed mid-hill conditions of Mokokchung district of Nagaland

The present study was carried out at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mokokchung, Nagaland during Rabi season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 with the objective of standardizing the production technology of broccoli. Five varieties viz Inspiration, Aiswarya, Packman, Puspa and KTS 1 were tested in the study. The performances of different hybrids of this crop proved that there was ample scope to grow broccoli due to the prevailing suitable agro-climatic conditions of the region. Among all the varieties Packman was found most superior which gave highest yield (115.29 q/ha) in combination with best head formation.
Androdioecy and the evolution of dioecy

The likelihood that dioecy could evolve via androdioecy is examined. It is concluded that female-sterility mutations are unlikely to be able to invade populations of self-compatible hermaphrodite species, even if the resources that an hermaphrodite devotes to seed production can be diverted to yield increased survival and also to increase male fertility. These findings are in agreement with the great rarity of androdioecy. Claimed cases of androdioecy are reviewed. All of the species in question appear to be functionally dioecious, with females retaining substantial anther vestiges. It is argued that this morphological androdioecy is in no way indicative of a previous functionally androdioecious state. The details of the reproductive biology of many of these species seem rather to be consistent with their having evolved dioecy via gynodioecy. The rarity of androdioecy, as a route to the evolution of dioecy, suggests that re-allocation of reproductive resources is unlikely to be the sole factor of importance, and supports an important role for inbreeding avoidance. The fact that females in some dioecious species retain anthers of substantial size, containing considerable quantities of pollen, gives further support to the view that male-sterility mutations can sometimes be favoured even when little or no resources are re-allocated to male functions. This is impossible without substantial selfing and inbreeding. It is therefore concluded that inbreeding avoidance is generally important in the evolution of dioecy, though reallocation of reproductive resources is also necessary.
Vocalizations and Behaviour of Pacific Humpback Dolphins Sousa chinensis

Very little is known about the acoustic repertoire of the Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis. This study, off eastern Australia, used concurrent observations of surface behaviour and acoustic recordings to gain an insight into the behavioural significance of humpback dolphin vocalizations. Humpback dolphins exhibit five different vocalization categories: broad band clicks; barks; quacks; grunts; and whistles. Broad band clicks were high in frequency (8 kHz to > 22 kHz), were directly related to foraging behaviour and may play a role in social behaviour. Barks and quacks were burst pulse sounds (frequency: 0.6 kHz to > 22 kHz, duration: 0.1–8 s) and were associated with both foraging and social behaviour. The grunt vocalization is a low frequency narrow band sound (frequency 0.5–2.6 kHz, duration 0.06–2 s) and was only heard during socializing. There were 17 different types of whistles, ranging widely in frequency (0.9–22 kHz) and vocal structure (n=329). The predominant whistle types used by the groups were type 1 (46%) and type 2 (17%). Most whistles were heard during both socializing and foraging. The number of whistles recorded in a group increased significantly as the number of mother–calf pairs increased, suggesting that whistles may be used as contact calls. Few vocalizations were heard during either travelling or milling behaviours. Broad band clicks, barks and whistle type 1 were the only vocalizations recorded during either travelling or milling.
Toxicity of Common Aquaculture Disinfectants to New Zealand Mud Snails and Mud Snail Toxicants to Rainbow Trout Eggs

Abstract The New Zealand mud snail (NZMS) Potamopyrgus antipodarum is an invasive species that threatens North American fish populations. Establishment of NZMS in fish hatcheries is a concern because fish stocking practices could expedite the spread of the species. We evaluated the potential use of chemicals to remove snails that are inadvertently collected during egg take operations involving wild broodstock from the field. We exposed green eggs of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss for 5 min to several chemicals that have been proven lethal to NZMS: 1,940-ppm Hyamine 1622; Clorox Commercial Solutions 409 Cleaner, Degreaser, and Disinfectant (full strength; hereafter, Clorox Commercial 409); Pine-Sol (50% dilution); household ammonia (full strength); and a 504-ppm copper solution (as copper sulfate). All of the eggs exposed to Hyamine 1622, Clorox Commercial 409, and ammonia died within 24 h. Among eggs treated with Pine-Sol and copper sulfate, hatch and cripple rates did not differ from the control (wate.
Heterocyst Development in Anabaena cylindrica: The Necessity for Light as an Initial Trigger and Sequential Stages of Commitment

Summary: An initial light-dependent stage in heterocyst formation in Anabaena cylindrica was observed. The length of the period of illumination, between 3 and 9 h, determined the frequency 0 mature heterocyst production. Sequential stages of commitment to both proheterocyst and heterocyst formation were shown by manipulation of the light period, ammonia, drugs and analogues. The modulated response of potential heterocyst-forming cells in a filament, requiring sustained periods of light and lack of nitrogen source, is described.
Eggshell strength: A relationship between the mechanism of failure and the ultrastructural organisation of the mammillary layer

Abstract 1. Stress analysis using modern computer modelling techniques indicated that the shell should fail in tension as a result of the accumulation of stress at its inner most surface with the characteristic notched appearance of the mammillary layer providing the ideal crack initiation site. 2. Practical observations however indicated that crack initiation does not inevitably lead to catastrophic failure. This partly explains why previous attempts to predict shell failure from classical engineering theory underestimated the actual force required to break an egg. 3. Crack initiation should now be denned as localised trauma, characterised by a series of radial cracks which propagate outwards from the load point at first in a stable manner. As the interaction between the shell and its loading environment continues, one or more of these minor cracks become unstable, thus giving rise to catastrophic failure. 4. The fracture toughness of the eggshell is a measure of its resistance to unstable crack growth a.
Uterine dynamics of the southern eagle ray Myliobatis goodei (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatidae) from the southwest Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Uterine layer changes and their relationship with the reproductive cycle were analyzed for the southern eagle ray Myliobatis goodei (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatidae), based on histological and histometric studies. The specimens were collected from bottom-trawl surveys conducted in the coastal southwest Atlantic ecosystem between latitude 34 and 42°S. Oviduct samples were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin until processing for histological analysis. Both oviducts are developed in mature females, but only the left is functional. After ovulation, the size of the right posterior oviduct decreases and the left develops into a complex uterus that occupies almost the entire coelomic cavity. This uterus undergoes successive morphological and functional changes related to reproductive stages. Mucosa was characterized by temporal villous extensions or trophonemata with high variability depending on reproductive events. Invaginations or crypts associated with presumably lipid secretion (histotrophe) were observed between the trophonematum bases. The muscular layer develops into a complex muscular-vascular-conjunctive structure. The nutrition of early-gestation embryos is lecithotrophic and later they receive nutrients from the yolk sac and histotrophe. After yolk depletion, embryos become entirely dependent on histotrophe. Uterolactation, presumptive water imbibition of the muscular layer, and uterine hypertrophy observed in this study reinforce the “similarities” between Myliobatiformes and mammals.
Changes in the Freshwater Mussel Community in the Kentucky Portion of Kentucky Lake, Tennessee River, since Impoundment by Kentucky Dam

ABSTRACT The unionid mussel fauna of Kentucky Lake has changed significantly over the past century. Prior to the completion of Kentucky Dam in 1944, 42 species had been reported from the mainstem Tennessee River now inundated by Kentucky Lake. After Kentucky Dam was completed, the tailwater fauna experienced minor change in species richness with 38 species being reported between 1978 and 1985. Currently, the Kentucky portion of Kentucky Lake supports 21 species. Four of these were not reported in the historical fauna prior to impoundment: Anodonta suborbiculata, Plectomerus dombeyanus, Potamilus ohiensis, and Toxolasma parvus; thus only 17 of the original species survived impoundment while four species invaded after Kentucky Dam was constructed. Amblema plicata is now the most abundant species. Plectomerus dombeyanus, first found in the Tennessee River in 1981, is the second most abundant mussel in the Kentucky portion of Kentucky Lake. Quadrula quadrula peaked in relative abundance at 51% in 1989 but subsequently declined to 10% by 2001. Few mussels survive in the deep channel where fine sediment continues to accumulate and anaerobic conditions sometimes occur. The faunal decline is typical following large dam construction, while the continuing change in the mussel fauna may reflect an aging reservoir and invasion of opportunistic species.