Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis of diverse responses to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides in sulfonylurea-resistant biotypes of Schoenoplectus juncoides

Sulfonylurea-resistant biotypes of Schoenoplectus juncoides were collected from Nakafurano, Shiwa, Matsuyama, and Yurihonjyo in Japan. All of the four biotypes showed resistance to bensulfuron-methyl and thifensulfuron-methyl in whole-plant experiments. The growth of the Nakafurano, Shiwa, and Matsuyama biotypes was inhibited by imazaquin-ammonium and bispyribac-sodium, whereas the Yurihonjyo biotype grew normally after treatment with these herbicides. The herbicide concentration required to inhibit the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme by 50% (I₅₀), obtained using in vivo ALS assays, indicated that the four biotypes were > 10-fold more resistant to thifensulfuron-methyl than a susceptible biotype. The Nakafurano, Shiwa, and Matsuyama biotypes exhibited no or little resistance to imazaquin-ammonium, whereas the Yurihonjyo biotype exhibited 6700-fold resistance to the herbicide. The Nakafurano and Shiwa biotypes exhibited no resistance to bispyribac-sodium, but the Matsuyama biotype exhibited 21-fold resistance and the Yurihonjyo biotype exhibited 260-fold resistance to the herbicide. Two S. juncoides ALS genes (ALS1 and ALS2) were isolated and each was found to contain one intron and to encode an ALS protein of 645 amino acids. Sequencing of the ALS genes revealed an amino acid substitution at Pro₁₉₇ in either encoded protein (ALS1 or ALS2) in the biotypes from Nakafurano (Pro₁₉₇[rightward arrow]Ser₁₉₇), Shiwa (Pro₁₉₇[rightward arrow]His₁₉₇), and Matsuyama (Pro₁₉₇[rightward arrow]Leu₁₉₇). The ALS2 of the biotype from Yurihonjyo was found to contain a Trp₅₇₄[rightward arrow]Leu₅₇₄ substitution. The relationships between the responses to ALS-inhibiting herbicides and the amino acid substitutions, which are consistent with previous reports in other plants, indicate that the substitutions at Pro₁₉₇ and Trp₅₇₄ are the basis of the resistance to sulfonylureas in these S. juncoides biotypes.
Diet and distribution of elephant in the Maputo Elephant Reserve, Mozambique

The distribution and diet of the elephants of the Maputo Elephant Reserve were studied using dung counts, satellite tracking and faecal analysis. The results were compared with earlier data from before the civil war in Mozambique. The elephant population decreased during the civil war, but 180 animals still remain. Earlier studies described the elephants as preferring the grass plains. Currently, the elephants prefer the dense forest patches over the high quality forage found in the grass plains. Water salinity affected distribution; elephant dung piles were found closer to fresh water in the dry season. A total of 95 different plant species were identified in the faeces. The percentage of grass was relatively low compared with other studies, increasing at the beginning of the rainy season. At the end of the dry season, elephants concentrated on the few available browse species with young leaves, but generally preferred grass species to browse species. Diet composition was mainly affected by season and less by habitat. The elephants have changed their habitat preference in reaction to poaching, and probably increased the contribution of browse species in the diet. The presence of forest patches has been vital for the survival of the elephants.
The Assessment of Pain and the Quality of Postoperative Pain Management in Surgical Patients

The aim of the study was to investigate surgical patients’ pain experience and the quality of nursing care in managing acute postoperative pain. A descriptive cross-sectional study using a Strategic and Clinical Quality Indicators in Postoperative Pain Management Questionnaire collected data of 247 patients who underwent surgery in the surgical clinics of a state hospital. Data of 141 patients were included in the analysis. The mean scores for the scale items indicated that the quality of care was acceptable or low. The level of postoperative care, nursing interventions, and environmental subscales of the questionnaire were at an acceptable level, but pain management subscales of the questionnaire were low. These results suggest that health care, including measurable, applicable quality indicators, should be planned and evaluated to maintain professional nursing services, to achieve postoperative pain management and to relieve pain.
Evaluation of endemic foliar fungi for potential biological control of johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense): screening and host range tests.

(.) After preliminary evaluation of virulence, dew requirements and sporulation capacity, Exserohilum turcicum, Colletotrichum graminicola and Gloeocercospora sorghi were selected for second-stage tests. (.) Isolates of each fungus differed in their virulence and host specificity. (.) Moderate to high levels of leaf damage were observed in most compatible reactions. (.) Overall results suggest that the three tested fungi are too virulent to be used as mycoherbicides in corn and sorghum but may be safe in dicotyledonous crops
The systematics of Parasitiformes, especially of Gamasina Leach (Acarina), with new species from Ecuador

This study critically reviews the classification of Parasitiformes, especially of Gamasina. Results indicate that the establishment of the following groups of Parasitiformes is based on plesiomorphic characters which renders the grouping invalid: Anactinochitinosi Grandjean, 1935, Monogynaspida Camin et Gorirossi, 1955, Trichopygidina Hirschmann, 1975 and, within the Gamasina: Dermanyssides (Dermanyssina) Evans et Till, 1978, Epicriides Evans et Till, 1978 and Ascidae Oudemans sensu Lindquist et Evans, 1965. Several taxa of the Ascidae sensu Lindquist et Evans belong to other taxa: Proctolaelaps Berlese and Melichares Hering to the Ameroseiidae Evans, Antennoseius Berlese to the Halolaelapidae Karg, Protogamasellus Karg to the Rhodacaridae Oudemans, Neojordensia Evans and Lasioseius Berlese to the Podocinidae Berlese and Blattisocius Keegan to the Phytoseiidae Berlese. The systematic of Gamasina is revised and a cladogram of 25 families is drawn. The taxon Gamasina is divided into three taxa: Eviphidides, Eugamasides and Ascides. The cladogram reveals that the Ascides first split off and that Eugamasides and Eviphidides have a common root. Further, 18 new species from Ecuador are described and illustrated. Differential diagnoses of new and related species are completed by keys. A total of 15 keys is provided for the taxa Gamasholaspis Berlese, Oloopticus Karg, Platyseius Berlese, Acuphis Karg, Gamasolaelaps Berlese, Proctofissus Karg, Hypoaspis Canestrini, Amblyseius Berlese, Proctolaelaps Berlese, Cheiroseius Berlese, Asca v. Heyden and Parasitus Latreille.
Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxins Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac on the coccinellid beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculatus (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) under direct and indirect exposure conditions

Abstract Genes encoding cry1Ab and cry1Ac δ-endotoxins from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that have been incorporated in several crops to enhance their resistance to insect pests may possibly influence the activity and abundance of natural enemies of insect pests. The ladybird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculatus (L.) might ingest Bt toxins expressed by genetically modified plants by feeding on aphids, early instar larvae of lepidopterans, and other soft bodied insects feeding on transgenic plants. Therefore, we studied the effects of Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac Bt toxins on C. sexmaculatus under direct and indirect exposure conditions. For direct exposure, the neonate C. sexmaculatus larvae were fed either pure 2M sucrose (control) or sucrose solution containing Cry1Ab or Cry1Ac (0.1%), and on alternate days with aphids till pupation. Direct exposure of C. sexmaculatus larvae to Bt toxins resulted in reduced larval survival and adult emergence as compared to the controls, which might be due to long-term direct exposure. However, there were no adverse effects of the Bt toxins on C. sexmaculatus when the larvae were reared on Aphis craccivora Koch fed on different concentrations of Cry1Ab or Cry1Ac in the artificial diet. A significant and positive correlation was observed between the presence of Bt toxins in aphids, and coccinellid larvae and adults (r=0.53** to 0.86**). The results suggested that a direct exposure to Bt toxins expressed in transgenic plants or predation on H. armigera on Bt-transgenic plants will have little effect on the activity and abundance of the ladybird, C. sexmaculatus.
Seasonal dynamics of Cu2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in gonads and liver of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus): evidence for summer storage of Zn2+ for winter gonad development in females

The concentrations and total amounts of Zn2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ were measured in the gonads and livers of sexually mature winter flounder caught at approximately monthly intervals in Chapel's Cove, Newfoundland.The winter flounder fed from April through to October each year. Male and female gonads initiated development in August and spawned in June. The maximum testes weight was observed in October corresponding to the end of the feeding period. The maximum ovary weight was not observed until February, indicating that considerable ovarian growth occurred after feeding had stopped.All four metals in the gonads and livers exhibited seasonal changes. The ovaries accumulated four to six times more Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ca2+ than did the testes. The testes accumulated more Mg2+ than did the ovaries during annual development. The ovaries continued to incorporate all four metals after the fish had stopped eating. Some of the ovaries postfeeding requirements for Zn2+ and Cu2+ could have been met by utilizing liver s.
THE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS OPENING SIZES AND CONFIGURATIONS TO AIR FLOW DISPERSION AND VELOCITY IN CROSS-VENTILATED BUILDING

The application of natural cross-ventilation in buildings located in the area where the wind speed is low is such a challenge. In hot and humid climate, sufficient air velocity is necessary in providing thermal comfort. Hence, this study intends to investigate the possibility of enhancing the indoor air velocity and flow distribution by employing the Venturi effect at the openings. Two research methods were applied namely field measurement and numerical simulation. The field measurement was executed at a single zone cross-ventilated building. Its purpose is to validate the numerical simulation steps and procedures. Meanwhile, investigations of the air velocity and flow distribution were conducted using ANSYS FLUENT CFD software. The findings indicate that the Venturi effect did occur at the openings. Providing a confined area at the inlet may enhance the Venturi effect, thus increasing the indoor air velocity. The findings also indicate that the indoor air flow distribution of high air velocity focused more at the area of flow path between the inlet and outlet. The findings can be as guidance in enhancing the natural cross-ventilation in buildings especially that are located at the area where the wind speed is low.
Distribution and habitat of otters (Aonyx capensis and Lutra maculicollis) in southern Nigeria

Abstract We report new data on the distribution and habitat of two otter species, Aonyx capensis and Lutra maculicollis, from southern Nigeria. Although preliminary, our investigations suggest that these two species may use the available habitat differently. Lutra maculicollis appears more linked to freshwater streams and Aonyx capensis is mainly restricted to brackish water streams (with mangrove vegetation along the banks) and, more occasionally, to transitional habitats between freshwater and brackish‐water environments. The possible reasons explaining habitat partitioning are discussed.
Exploration of Learning Obstacle Based on Mathematical Understanding of Algebra in Junior High School

The difficulty of students related to algebra arises from the lack of students' mathematical understanding and Learning Obstacle (LO). One of the LO’s experienced by students is the epistemological obstacle in the form of the limited knowledge possessed by students in mathematical concepts related to algebraic form. The purpose of this study is to explore LO related to algebra material. This research method is qualitative with the consisted of 15 students of 7th grade. The results showed that the common students could not interpret concepts and clarify the elements of algebraic forms related to variables, coefficients and constants and students could not operate and simply algebraic forms. The teacher can make pedagogical and didactic anticipations to overcome the LO.
Life history characteristics of two Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae)

Most endemic Australian passerines that have been studied display long breeding seasons, multiple nesting attempts, small clutches, low annual productivity, high longevity and a high incidence of cooperative breeding. We compare the life histories of two large endemic honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) near Armidale, New South Wales. Red wattlebirds, Anthochaera carunculata, have a long breeding season, with many nesting attempts and clutches of two eggs, similar to other honeyeaters whose breeding biology has been studied. Noisy friarbirds, Philemon corniculatus, which are spring and summer visitors to the study area, have shorter breeding seasons, usually making one attempt and have a modal clutch size of three. Both species had incubation and nestling periods of about 16 days. Friarbirds apparently have a laying interval of 24 hours, the same as other honeyeaters, but unlike some other endemic passerines, which have laying intervals of 48 hours. Breeding success did not differ between the species, with young fledging from 32.7% of wattlebird nests and 40.9% of friarbird nests. The reproductive strategy of the noisy friarbird thus differs quantitatively from the apparent norm for other honeyeaters and many other Australian endemic passerines.
Changes in Fish Mercury Concentrations in an Intensively Fished Lake

A small polyhumic lake inhabited by northern pike (Esox lucius), burbot (Lota lota), perch (Perca fluviatilis), roach (Rutilus rutilus), and eel (Anguilla anguilla) was fished intensively during spring 1984 and 1985 to lower the high mercury levels in the top predator, northern pike. A total catch of 29.5 kg∙ha−1 (74% roach) was removed which represented about 50% of the total fish biomass. Mercury concentrations in burbot, large pike, and small roach had decreased by 1987 and 1988, but increased in young pike and some perch. Northern pike had the clearest increase in growth rate, while that of perch and roach levelled off within 3 yr at the prefishing level. Only a small increase in growth rate of burbot occurred. The yearly accumulation of mercury in northern pike remained constant, and the decrease in [Hg] was apparently due to growth dilution. The decrease in [Hg] of burbot and roach is explained by a switch to a diet with lower [Hg] or a decrease in water methylmercury concentrations. The amount of m.
A Double-Blind, Randomized-Controlled Trial of a Nutritional Supplement (abs+) Containing Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and Epigallocatechin-Gallate (EGCG) in Human Weight Loss

ABSTRACT A nutritional supplemental product (abs+) was evaluated for its effect on weight loss. Subjects meeting study criteria consumed either placebo capsules containing no active ingredients or six abs+ capsules for a total daily intake of 3400 mg CLA and 270 mg EGCG for a period of 12 weeks. Body weight, waist circumference and percent body fat were measured at the end of 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Changes between weeks 12 and week 0 were used to compare the effects of abs+. Ingesting abs+ resulted in a significant body weight loss, both as group total weight and mean body-weight change, compared to the placebo treatment. The study results show an important role for the nutritional supplement abs+ in the management of body weight.
Variation of Virulence, in Terms of Quantitative Reproduction of Globodera Pallida Populations, From Europe and South America, in Relation To Resistance From Solanum Vernei and S. Tuberosum Ssp. Andigena Cpc 2802

Forty populations of Globodera pallida originating from either South America or field sites in Europe were tested for their reproductive ability on a susceptible potato cultivar and five genotypes with quantitative resistance from either Solanum vernei or S. tuberosum ssp. andigena CPC 2802 in a glasshouse pot experiment. The results showed that there was a wide and continuous range of virulence (85% to 4% reproduction) to all the resistant genotypes. This range was as broad within the European populations as within those from S. America. There was a significant host clone x nematode population interaction, largely accounted for by grouping the clones according to the source of resistance and the populations by their continent of origin. Populations from Europe were relatively more virulent on genotypes derived from S. vernei. In contrast, populations from S. America were relatively more virulent on genotypes derived from S. tuberosum ssp. andigena CPC 2802. Examination of the data from the European populations also showed a significant host x population interaction tending to separate British from mainland European populations.
Molecular characterization of European and Egyptian isolates of Sclerotium cepivorum, the incitant of onion white rot

Abstract The tested European and Egyptian isolates of Sclerotium cepivorum were able to infect Giza 6 onion cultivar causing white rot disease with a different degrees of disease severity (ranging from sever to weak). The pattern of esterase isozymes produced by the tested isolates of the pathogen showed two main bands (arrows) which were different in density. Such differences in density of bands were present in every run and therefore appear to be indicators for differences among the tested isolates. Analysis of the protein pattern of the tested isolates of the pathogen indicated that the tested isolates had major proteins of a molecular weight of 52, 36, 23 and 16 kDa. Variation between isolates was detected by presence of bands of low molecular weight. Isolate Nos. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13 had a band at 17 kDa, whereas isolate Nos. 2, 3, 6, 11, 12, 14, and 15 had a band at 20 kDa. Using RAPD analysis to evaluate the genetic diversity of the tested isolates indicated that the tested field population of the pathogen was genetically heterogeneous but shared a number of common bands with molecular weights ranging from 650 to 2500 bp. Based on the DNA banding pattern the tested isolates can be assigned to seven genetically different groups. All tested isolates produced a band at 2500 bp except isolate No. 7. No correlation was exibited between patterns esterase isozmes, protein and DNA patterns of S. cepivorum isolates and their virulence or geographical origin.
Morphological and Morphometric Characterization of Eodinium posterovesiculatum (Ciliophora, Ophryoscolecidae) in Brazilian Cattle

: The morphological variability of Eodinium posterovesiculatum (Ciliophora, Trichostomatia) has been interpreted in different ways: four distinct species or four morphotypes of the same species. The present study aims to perform morphological and morphometric comparative analysis of the four morphotypes found in cattle from the southeastern region of Brazil. Ruminal content samples were obtained from four Holstein x Gir cattle and fixed at 18.5% formalin for morphological analysis. Morphometry was performed based on individuals stained with Lugol's solution [1]. The infraciliary bands were stained using silver carbonate impregnation technique [2]. Morphological and morphometric characterizations, supported by literature, suggest that the four morphotypes of E. posterovesiculatum are actually a single polymorphic species due to small morphometric differences and mostly identical morphological characters, with the format of the caudal processes being the only morphological characteristic that sets them apart. This study presents the morphological and morphometric characterization of four E. posterovesiculatum morphotypes based on data on general morphology, morphometry and oral infraciliature.
Tinder blue, mental flu? Exploring the associations between Tinder use and well-being

ABSTRACT While Tinder (i.e., a popular mobile dating app) has received quite some research attention, its effects on users’ well-being have rarely been addressed. The present study investigates the extent to which Tinder users’ compulsive use, motives, subjective online success and self-conscious social comparison are associated with their well-being (i.e., joviality, sadness, and anxiety). In total, 296 (39% females; 90% heterosexuals) emerging adults who were currently using Tinder completed an online survey. The results suggest that while using Tinder compulsively and for relationship seeking can increase joviality, they may trigger more negative than positive affect. Moreover, feeling unsuccessful on Tinder and making self-conscious social comparisons were positively associated with sadness and anxiety, and negatively associated with joviality. The results seem to imply that Tinder users need to be aware of their compulsive Tinder use, relationship seeking motive, unsuccessful feeling, and/or self-conscious social comparison tendency on Tinder to better understand the consequences of their Tinder use. Although the current study is based on cross-sectional data, the findings suggest an association between using Tinder and users’ well-being. Future research could extend these findings by utilizing a longitudinal research design and including other aspects of well-being and psychopathology such as life satisfaction and depression.
Effect of N-Nitrsodiethylamine on the Carcinogen-Activating and -Detoxifying Enzymes in Guinea Pigs Given Excessive Doses of Ascorbic Acid

Guinea pigs given an adequate amount (2.0mg/100g/day) of ascorbic acid and treated with a potent chemical carcinogen, N-nitrosodiethylamine, showed significantly increased hepatic cytochrome P-450 levels without a change in arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. In animals fed an excessive amount (50mg/100g/day) of ascorbic acid, N-nitrosodiethylamine administration significantly decreased hepatic and pulmonary arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase and cytochrome P-450 levels. However, the cytochrome c-reductase activity remained unaffected. Hepatic and pulmonary glutathione S-transferase and reduced glutathione levels responded differentially to N-nitrosodiethylamine challenge in the two groups of animals.
Assessment of the creativity potential of counsellors in secondary schools in Anambra State

The study assessed the creative potentials of counsellors in secondary schools in Anambra State. Five research questions guided the study. The participants were 241 counsellors in public secondary schools in Anambra State. Nicholas Holt creative test was used for data collection. The data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, percentages and Pearson’s Correlation. The result of the study revealed that the creativity level of counsellors is low. The findings also showed that female counsellors have higher scores on creativity than males, and counsellors in the urban schools there high level of creativity then those in the rural schools. Furthermore, the study revealed that a low negative correlation exist between counsellors creativity and age. It was also found that there is a negligible positive correlation between counsellors’ creativity and years of experience. It was recommended among others that institution of higher learning should include relevant course on creativity in the curricular of counsellor educators.