Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal dynamics of carbon dioxide and methane in two clear-water lakes and two bog lakes in northern Wisconsin, U.S.A.

We investigated carbon dynamics in the water column and CO2 and CH4 exchange across the air-water interface in four closed-basin lakes in northern Wisconsin: two with clear, low dissolved organic carbon (DOC) waters and two bog lakes with stained, high-DOC waters. Clear-water lakes quickly became undersaturated following ice-out and remained undersaturated until fall turnover. Bog lakes were supersaturated in CO2 throughout the ice-free season, although surface CO2 concentrations dropped sharply following ice-out and increased again during autumn turnover. Differences in seasonal patterns of CO2 were attributed to morphometry and the timing and intensity of mixing events. Ice-free season fluxes of CO2 were 6.7 and 10.0 mol·m-2 in the bog lakes and 1.2 and 0.09 mol·m-2 in the clear-water lakes. Fluxes of CH4 were significant only immediately after ice-out and during autumn turnover and were <0.4 mol·m-2 in the bog lakes and <0.05 mol·m-2 in the clear-water lakes. Compared with changes in carbon pools in th.
In silico homology modelling and identification of Tousled-like kinase 1 inhibitors for glioblastoma therapy via high throughput virtual screening protein-ligand docking

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a high-grade brain tumor of which the survival patients remain poor. Tousled-like kinase 1 (TLK1), a serine-threonine kinase, was identified to be overexpressed in cancers such as GBM. TLK1 plays an important role in controlling survival pathways. To date, there is no structure available for TLK1 as well as its inhibitors. We aimed to create a homology model of TLK1 and to identify suitable molecular inhibitors that are likely to bind and inhibit TLK1 activity via in silico high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) protein-ligand docking. The 3D homology models of TLK1 were derived from various servers. All models were evaluated using Swiss Model QMEAN server. Validation was performed using multiple tools. Energy minimization was performed using YASARA. Subsequently, HTVS was performed using Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0 and ligands derived from ligand.info database. Drug-like molecules were filtered using ADME-Tox filtering program. Best homology model was obtained from the Aurora B kinase (PDB ID:4B8M) derived from Xenopus levias structure that share sequence similarity with human TLK1. Two compounds were identified from HTVS to be the potential inhibitors as it did not violate the Lipinski rule of five and the CNS-based filter as a potential drug-like molecule for GBM.
Comparative studies on the effect of different levels of crude protein on Growth performance and Blood profiles of broiler chicks raised in North Central Nigeria

In order to compare the effect of different crude protein levels on growth performance and blood profiles of broiler chicks in north central Nigeria, 150 day-old-chicks were allotted to 21%, 22%, 23%, 24% and 25% CP dietary groups in a Completely Randomised Design. Diet with 23%CP was served as the Control diet (NRC, 1994). Data on growth performance revealed that birds fed 22%CP diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher weight than those fed other levels of crude protein. Average daily feed intake was not affected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments. Also, data obtained on haematological parameters and serum biochemical indices revealed that all the parameters measured were not (P>0.05) influenced by the treatments. It was concluded that 22%CP level should be maintained for broiler chicks in north central Nigeria.
A STUDY ON PIGEONS(Columba livia) CESTODES INFECTION IN DIYALA PROVINCE.

The study was conducted to identify different cestodes infecting pigeons from various regions in Diyala province. The total prevalence were 73.01%. Three genera of cestodes were diagnosed and identified (Aporina delafondi , Cotugnia intermedia and Raillientina microcantha ). Parasitological findings of feces and guts examined for all type of cestodes in birds revealed three degree of inflections depending on the number of worms/bird. The results showed that the infected birds had significant decrease in P.C. V. (20.93%), Total number of R.B.C. (2.28 c*10/mm) and HB concentration (5.88 gm/100ml) in birds especially in severe (heavily) infections with cestodes. Results also show increase in total white blood cells (leucocytosis) specifically eosinophils (22.03 c*10/mm) in infected pigeons. The results showed bad biometric status and bad nutrient as compared with control group.
GROWTH AND SEXUAL MATURATION OF LABORATORY-CULTURED MONTEREY BOTRYLLUS SCHLOSSERI

Growth and sexual maturity were compared among Monterey Botryllus schiosseri colonies cultured in the laboratory and in Monterey Marina in two separate studies: Phase Iâ€”Aprilto July 1984, a time when Botryllus growth is rapid in the field, and Phase Ilâ€”December 1984to March 1985, a time when growth is minimal in the field. Laboratory colonies were kept in tanks of standing. aerated filtered seawater at 15Â°C, 20Â°C,and 24Â°C;the seawater was changed daily or on alternate days. Food types were two concentrations of an algal mixture and five concentrations of Liquifry, a commercially availablefood for filter-feedingmarine invertebrates.All algae-fedcol onies did poorly. During Phase I, the colonies kept in Monterey Marinagrew much faster than those in the laboratory, but they took longer to reach sexual maturity than the Liquifry-fedcolonies grown at 20Â°C and had a lower survivorship.In Phase II, Botryllusgrowth ratesand survivorshipsin sevenof the eight laboratory treatments were better than those ofmarina colonies. These laboratory treatments yielded a sub stantial proportionof sexually maturecolonies, whereasnone of the marinacolonies produced eggs during Phase II.
Swift Fox Use of Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Towns in Northwest Texas

Abstract Biologists have suggested that prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) towns provide important habitat for several prairie species including swift foxes (Vulpes velox). To examine this issue for swift foxes, we radiocollared and monitored 72 swift foxes in areas occupied by prairie dogs on the Rita Blanca National Grasslands and on fragmented private ranches in northwest Texas from January 2002 to April 2004. We overlaid swift fox locations on vegetation maps and found that swift foxes used prairie dogs towns proportionately less than expected (P < 0.001) in 5 of 6 comparisons based upon availability at both study sites. In one comparison swift foxes used prairie dog towns as expected. We also mapped swift fox den locations and found that den sites were located in prairie dog towns (2 of 106 den sites on national grasslands and 2 of 87 on private ranch for all years pooled) as expected based upon availability (P = 0.54 and P = 0.34). Previous research in these areas of Texas indicated that prairie dogs were a minor component of swift fox diet (<2%). Prairie dog towns do not appear to provide important habitat for swift foxes in northwest Texas or other similar sites because prairie dogs are not a significant source of food for swift foxes, because swift foxes generally avoid prairie dog towns during their normal activities, and because swift foxes only den in prairie dog towns in relation to their availability.
Keragaman dan Kelimpahan Musuh Alami Hama pada Habitat Padi yang Dimanipulasi dengan Tumbuhan Berbunga

Penelitian lapangan secara terbatas telah dilakukan untuk mengetahui dampak keberadaan tumbuhan berbunga pada kelimpahan dan keragaman artropoda termasuk serangga musuh alami padi. Dua perlakuan, yaitu ditambah tumbuhan berbunga dan tanpa tumbuhan berbunga diaplikasikan di lahan penelitian Fakultas Pertanian UGM di Banguntapan, Bantul, Yogyakarta, dan masing-masing perlakuan diulang tiga kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tumbuhan berbunga meningkatkan keragaman artropoda termasuk serangga musuh alami secara signifikan, serta memberikan hasil padi yang cenderung lebih tinggi, di samping juga mampu menurunkan insiden serangan hama, misalnya penggerek batang padi. Kata Kunci : tumbuhan berbunga, musuh alami, keragaman, kelimpahan
1H NMR Studies of Alginate Interactions with Amino Acids

The interactions between alginate and the amino acids, histidine, lysine, phenylalanine, and alanine, were studied by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The characterization of the amino acids interaction with alginate was performed by 1D and 2D-NOESY experiments. Measurements of 1H NMR nonselective and selective relaxation rates in the absence and presence of alginate were used to calculate interaction constants between each amino acid and alginate. The interaction constants were found to be related to the hydrophobicity of the different amino acid side-chains. The interaction constant between phenylalanine and Ca2+ crosslinked alginate was also determined. There was no apparent differences observed in the crosslinked and the solution amino acid-alginate interactions. On the basis of the experimental results obtained, a model of the interaction between amino acids and alginate was proposed.
Spatial and temporal variability in metal bioavailability and toxicity of sediment from hamilton harbour, lake ontario

Trace metals in sediment from nearshore urban and industrialized centers of the Great Lakes are frequently at concentrations well above geological background values. Total metal content in sediment, however, is a weak predictor of sediment toxicity. This study examined the bioavailability of metals from Hamilton Harbor in Lake Ontario and considered variability in metal forms on a temporal basis. Sediment from regions within Hamilton Harbor is highly contaminated with metals; nevertheless, not all metal-contaminated sites were toxic to test organisms. Most sediment did elicit sublethal and/or lethal responses in bioassay organisms. Metal bioavailability, as measured by weak acid extractions, metal bioaccumulation by fathead minnows, and sediment toxicity, was greater in sediment collected in the fall as compared to sediment collected in the spring. Results of analyses of tissue residues in test organisms and the reduced toxicity observed in sediment collected from some stations in the spring as compared to the fall implicate trace metals and sediment oxygen demand as contributing to sediment toxicity. The suitability for colonization by benthic invertebrates of sediment in some areas of Hamilton Harbor appears to be limited by both contaminants and high sediment oxygen demand. Improving the oxygen regime of the harbor should result inmore » improvements in the benthic invertebrate community directly, by providing a suitable oxygen regime for organisms less tolerant of temporal anoxia, and indirectly by decreasing metal bioavailability, possibly through the co-precipitation of trace metals with iron and manganese hydroxides. « less
Micropterix of Cyprus and the Middle East (Micropterigidae).

All known species of the genus Micropterix Hübner, 1825 (Micropterigidae) from Cyprus ( Micropterix cypriensis Heath, 1985) and the Middle East (Israel, Lebanon: Micropterix berytella de Joannis, 1886, Micropterix elegans Stainton, 1867 and Micropterix islamella Amsel, 1935) are treated. The male genitalia of Micropterix islamella Amsel, 1935 are illustrated for the ﬁ rst time. The association of two Micropterix species with Cyclamen persicum Mill. (Myrsinaceae) is detailed. Adults and male genitalia of all species are illustrated, showing the habitus of all species in their natural environment.
The impact of El Niño on mast fruiting in Sumatra and elsewhere in Malesia

Long-term data on flower and fruit production of the forest community in two lowland tropical rain forests in north-western Sumatra are presented. The proportion of years with mast fruiting was found to be similar to that found elsewhere in Malesia. However, masting at the two sites, 70 km apart, did not coincide, and showed no correlation with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation phenomenon (ENSO). Comparisons with other sites in Malesia suggest a general waning of ENSO's impact toward western Malesia. Spatial variation at various scales in the timing of masting events was noted in Sumatra and elsewhere. This suggests that additional factors to ENSO play a role in determining forest-level mast fruiting, and we hypothesize that frugivorous animals have the opportunity to track mast fruiting. It is hypothesized that asynchrony between nearby areas in masting increases toward the western edge of Malesia.
Nest-site characteristics of Woodlarks Lullula arborea breeding on heathlands in southern England: are there consequences for nest survival and productivity?

Capsule Although Woodlarks showed strong preferences for various nest-site characteristics, there were no fitness consequences of these choices. Aim To investigate nesting habitat preferences of Woodlarks, and to assess whether these confer any advantage in terms of nest survival and productivity. Methods Nest-site habitat preferences were measured for Woodlarks nesting on heathlands in Dorset, southern England, and related to nest survival, hatching success and nestling growth. Results Compared to associated habitat patches, Woodlarks were favouring areas of taller, denser vegetation in which to place their nests. Although the majority (81%) of nests were placed at the base of clumps of heather or grass, this was in accordance with the relative abundance of these two vegetation types. There appeared to be a positive selection for tree saplings; however, the number of nests was low (n= 14). There was a strong preference for a north or northeast nest orientation (76%). Despite the strong selection of many microhabitat characteristics, none of them was associated with greater survival, hatching success or chick weight. Conclusion It is probable that Woodlark nesting preferences evolved under different environmental conditions to the ones they experience now, hence the lack of a relationship with nest survival and productivity.
Inactivation of enteropathogenic E. coli by solar disinfection (SODIS) under simulated sunlight conditions

Solar Disinfection (SODIS) is a low cost water treatment method currently used in communities that do not have year round access to safe water. However, there is still reluctance in widespread adoption of this treatment method due to a number of limitations. An important limitation is the lack of SODIS inactivation studies on some waterborne pathogens in the developing world. SODIS inactivation of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), a major cause of infantile diarrhoea is reported for the first time under simulated sunlight conditions and following a natural temperature profile. EPEC was exposed to simulated sunlight (885Wm -2 ) for periods up to a cumulative time of 4 hours. Inactivation was determined by a log reduction in growth of the organisms. The temperature ( o C) of the water was taken at every time point. After 4 hours exposure EPEC was completely inactivated (7 log reduction) by SODIS. Imposing a realistic water temperature profile (min-max) concomitant with irradiation produces a greater kill of EPEC. Maintaining simulated sunlight experiments at a high fixed temperature may result in over -estimation of inactivation. Following a natural water temperature profile will result in more reliable inactivation comparable with those that might be obtained under natural sunlight conditions.
of proliferation by the intracellular Ah receptor in developing thymus and hepatoma cells

The Ah receptor (AhR), a bHLH/PAS transcription factor, mediates dioxin toxicity in the immune system, skin, testis and liver. Toxic phenomena are associated with altered cell proliferation or differentiation, but signaling pathways of AhR in cell cycle regulation are poorly understood. Here we show that AhR induces the p27 Kip1 cyclin/cdk inhibitor by altering Kip1 transcription in a direct mode without the need for ongoing protein synthesis or cell proliferation. This is the first example of Kip1 being a direct transcriptional target of a toxic agent that affects cell proliferation. Kip1 causes dioxin-induced suppression of 5L hepatoma cell proliferation because Kip1 antisense-expressing cells are resistant to dioxins. Kip1 is also induced by dioxins in cultures of fetal thymus glands concomitant with inhibition of proliferation and severe reduction of thymocyte recovery. Kip1 expression is likely to mediate these effects as thymic glands of Kip1-deficient mice (Kip1 D51 ) are largely, though not completely, resistant.
SPERM WHALES TAGGED WITH TRANSPONDERS AND TRACKED UNDERWATER BY SONAR

Two sperm whales tagged with acoustic transponder tags were tracked by sonar during a cruise from 16 to 30 October 1991 in the southeast Caribbean west of Dominica Island. The whales dove to depths of 400-600 m and more, including a dive to 1,185 m and one possibly to 2,000 m. They were tracked for periods of 3-14 h, over distances of 8.5-40 km. The tagged whales were found together four and eight days after tagging, and were tracked simultaneously for 13 h, over 31 km. Whale movements on different days at the surface averaged from 0.68 to 0.82 m/set, with dive descent rates from 0.82 to 1.13 m/set, ascent rates from 0.74 to 1.16 m/set, and horizontal movement during dives from 0.76 to 1.29 m/set. Dives lasted from 18 min to 1 h and 13 min, averaging 33 and 41 min on different days. Every track ended when tag signals became obscured at night by dense biological scatterers concentrated in offshore areas where the whales were diving. Both tagged whales appear to have been males of 15 and 11 m, each dominant in different groups; but when together the larger whale was dominant, as evidenced by chases and agonistic vocalizations. The whales did not appear to react to the tags or to the sounds associated with tracking (30, 32, and 36 kHz).
A new record for Brachycephalus nodoterga (Amphibia, Anura, Brachycephalidae) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The species Brachycephalus nodoterga , clas­sified as Data Deficient by the IUCN, is recorded from a fifth known locality. Four specimens were collected north of Osasco, in the mountain range of the Sao Roque group, Sao Paulo, Brazil. A map was generated with the occurrence points of the species throughout its geographical distribution.
Natural Infection of Tomato and Pelargonium in Germany by a Tombusvirus Originally Described from Pepper in Morocco

Two serologically apparently identical tombusviruses were isolated from glasshousegrown tomato plants showing mottle and malformation of the upper leaves and stunting of the shoot tips and, at a low rate, from a pelargonium plant, respectively. Both plant species were received from growers in southern Germany. In agar gel double diffusion tests and immuno-electrophoresis, the two virus isolates could not be distinguished from a tombusvirus (MPV) isolated from pepper in Morocco by Fischer and Lockhart (1977), although there were some minor differences in the reported host responses. In the tomato planting, strong symptoms were produced only temporarily. The majority of the 104 tomato plants of 15 different cultivars which had become infected by MPV following mechanical inoculation of the leaves showed only mild symptoms in contrast to a similar group of plants which developed severe stunting and foliar deformation when infected with the type strain of tomato bushy stunt virus. MPV was translocated only occasionally to the upper parts of tomato seedlings which had been grown in virus-containing soil, although root infections were more frequent. MPV is apparently not a major threat to tomato cultivation in Germany.
EFFECTS OF DEFOLIATION FREQUENCY ON FORAGING SELECTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN PASTURES WITH PASPALUM DILATATUM

The objective was to assess defoliation effects exerted by sheep grazing on a pasture composed by falaris and dallisgrass, at two phenological stages during spring and summer. A sown pasture of Phalaris aquatica and Paspalum dilatatum were grazed at two phenological stages: stage I (S I ), with no more than 5% of reproductive tillers, and stage II (S II ), with at least 70% of reproductive tillers. Tillers of both grass species were marked with plastic colour rings along two transects in each plot. Phenological stage of tillers, and the number, age and length of each leaf per tiller were registered. Tiller defoliation rates (TDR), Leaf defoliation rates (LDR) of young and old leaves and Defoliated tiller percent (DTP) were estimated for both species. The results obtained demonstrated that selective forage behaviour of grazing sheep showed the existence of mechanisms towards maximum forage consumption.
Schooling preferences for familiar fish vary with group size in a wild guppy population

The ability of fish to recognize and preferentially associate with familiar conspecifics has been well documented in a series of laboratory experiments. In this paper we investigate the schooling preferences of wild female guppies, Poecilia reticulata, in the Upper Tunapuna River in Trinidad and confirm that they do indeed prefer to associate with familiar individuals. The guppies in this river occur in a series of pools that become isolated during the dry season. These fish interact solely with other individuals in their pool for periods of several months at a time and thus have ample opportunity to become accustomed to one another. Our study also reveals that the tendency of female guppies to school with familiar fish declines as the group size in which they naturally live increases. Preferences are strong when there are small numbers of females in a pool, but diminish thereafter. This indicates that the expression of familiarity is constrained by group size. The basis of recognition and the consequences of schooling preferences for familiar individuals are discussed.
The good(ish), the bad, and the ugly: a tripartite classification of ecosystem trends

Marine ecosystems have been exploited for a long time, growing increasingly vulnerable to collapse and irreversible change. How do we know when an ecosystem may be in danger? A measure of the status of individual stocks is only a partial gauge of its status, and does not include changes at the broader ecosystem level, to non-commercial species or to its structure or functioning. Six ecosystem indicators measuring trends over time were collated for 19 ecosystems, corresponding to four ecological attributes: resource potential, ecosystem structure and functioning, conservation of functional biodiversity, and ecosystem stability and resistance to perturbations. We explored the use of a decision-tree approach, a definition of initial ecosystem state (impacted or non-impacted), and the trends in the ecosystem indicators to classify the ecosystems into improving, stationary, and deteriorating. Ecosystem experts classified all ecosystems as impacted at the time of their initial state. Of these, 15 were diagnosed as ugly , because they had deteriorated from an already impacted state. Several also exhibited specific combinations of trends indicating fishing down the foodweb , reduction in size structure, reduction in diversity and stability, and changed productivity. The classification provides an initial evaluation for scientists, resource managers, stakeholders, and the general public of the concerning status of ecosystems globally.