Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral candidal colonization in immunocompromised patients

Objective: 1. To identify Candida species isolated from saliva of predicatively immunocompromised (cancer, diabetic) patients and control group. 2. To test the susceptibility of all the isolated yeasts against 6 antifungal agents, namely amphotericin B, nystatin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole and itraconazole. 3. Then to compare the growth and density of yeasts from immunocompromised patients to those from healthy control group. Patients and Methods: This study included 120 saliva samples from immunocompromised patients, 60 of them with cancer and under treatment, the other 60 patients have uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, attending the Al-Wafa'a Center for diabetic patients and the consultative clinic of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital. The clinical specimens were collected during the period from January-June 2011. In addition to 60 saliva samples from a healthy individuals. The identification of the isolated yeasts was carried by fluorescent and/or light microscope, culture on different types of media, biochemical tests and API-20 C system. Susceptibility test to six antifungal agents was prepared for each isolate. Results: Eighty seven (72.5%) patients showed the presence of yeasts in their saliva in comparison to 18(30%) from the control group. Eighty four isolates from genus Candida identified into 8 species mainly C. albicans. The isolates showed the best susceptibility to amphotericin B. Conclusions: A higher frequency of yeasts were detected in the immunocompromised patients in comparison to the control group. This is considered a risk factor for infection. Candida albicans is the main isolate but there was a shift to non –albicans Candida spp. in immunocompromised patients. This means that are more resistant to antifungal agents.
The soil my coflora of an Acacia karroo Community in the Western Transvaal

A survey of the composition and distribution of the soil mycoflora of an Acacia karroo Community in the Potchefstroom area was undertaken. A total of 858 sporulating cultures representing 76 genera and 144 species was recovered from this soil. The majority belong in the Fungi Imperfecti and only a limited number of Zygomycetes and Ascomycetes and no Oomycetes or Basidiomycetes were recorded. Members of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus were the most abundant. The greatest concentration of individuals and species occurred in the surface layers and a rapid decrease in numbers was noticeable with increasing depth. The nature of this flora suggests a close correlation with the natural plant cover and the existing ecological conditions.
New Dakosaurus (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) in the Upper Jurassic of Argentina

The fragment of a rostrum from the Upper Jurassic of Argentina initially referred to Metriorhynchus aff. durobrivensis is re-examined. The robustness of the rostrum shows that it belongs to the genus Dakosaurus. Up to now, this genus was only known in Europe by the species D. maximus. Some characters allow us to refer it to a new species: D. andiniensis. It is the first occurrence of this genus in South America.
Molecular phylogeny and evolution of floral characters of Artemisia and allies (Anthemideae, Asteraceae): evidence from nrDNA ETS and ITS sequences

To better understand the evolutionary history of the genus Artemisia (Anthemideae, Asteraceae) and its relationships to other genera of the subtribes Artemisiinae, Leucantheminae and Tanacetinae, 63 sequences of the external and 10 of the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ETS and ITS) were newly generated. Analyses were performed on the combined dataset using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The combined analysis supports that all Artemisiinae genera included plus Hippolytia (subtribe Tanacetinae) and Nipponanthemum (subtribe Leucantheminae) constitute a monophyletic group. Within this group, a successive branching shows three monophyletic groups: (I) Nipponanthemuml Hippolytia/Brachanthemum; (2) the Dendranthema group; and (3) the Artemisia/Kaschgaria group. Within the latter, a new sister-group relationship is found between the monophyletic genus Kaschgaria and the Artemisia group, which comprises two main evolutionary lineages: (i) the Dracunculus clade including various Artemisia species and four Asian genera: Filifolium, Mausolea, Neopallasia and Turaniphytum; and (ii) the remaining subgenera of Artemisia plus the two North American genera: Picrothamnus and Sphaeromeria. Within this phylogenetic framework the evolution of two important characters (capitula and pollen type) in the group was inferred. Character reconstruction reveals that discoid capitula and Anthemis pollen type are the ancestral condition in the subtribe. The Artemisia/Kaschgaria lineage probably originated from an ancestor with disciform capitula, central hermaphrodite florets and Artemisia pollen type. Molecular evidence of several biogeographical migration routes of the genus Artemisia is presented.
Effect of salicylic acid and SO2 generator pad on storage life and phenolic contents of grape (Vitis vinifera L. 'Bidaneh Sefid' and 'Bidaneh Ghermez').

Postharvest life of table grapes is usually shortened by berry softening, berry drop, stem browning and its desiccation and also fungal decay. In the present study, the effects of salicylic acid (SA) and an SO z generator pad on grape postharvest storage life and its phenolic composition were studied. Harvested clusters of 'Thompson Seedless' ('Bidaneh Sefid') and 'Bidaneh Ghermez' were treated by salicylic acid (SA) at four concentrations, 0, 1, 2 and 4 mmol/L and stored at 0°C up to two months with or without SO 2 generator pad. SA treatment significantly increased both cultivars' storage life. SA at all three concentrations effectively reduced water loss and fungal decay and increased berry firmness. Furthermore, SA at 2 mmol/L significantly reduced rachis browning rate. In contrast, 4 mmol/L SA slightly showed higher rachis browning than 1 or 2 mmol/L. The SO 2 generator pad reduced fungal decay and rachis browning more effectively than the control. In both SA and SO 2 generator pad treatments total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH of berries were not different from the control. However, results showed that SA treatment followed by the SO 2 generator pad treatment significantly enhanced both cultivars' storage life and their overall quality. In addition, total phenolic contents were increased by SA treatment during storage. The highest contents were obtained in 4 mmol/l. However, the SO 2 generator pad had no effect on total phenols. The concentrations of quercetin and catechin were higher in SA treated berries. These results demonstrate that SA treatment and the SO 2 generator pad together have better potential for increasing table grapes' storage life and quality.
A How‐to Guide for Coproduction of Actionable Science

Resource managers often need scientific information to match their decisions (typically short‐term and local) to complex, long‐term, large‐scale challenges such as adaptation to climate change. In such situations, the most reliable route to actionable science is coproduction, whereby managers, policy makers, scientists, and other stakeholders first identify specific decisions to be informed by science, and then jointly define the scope and context of the problem, research questions, methods, and outputs, make scientific inferences, and develop strategies for the appropriate use of science. Here, we present seven recommended practices intended to help scientists, managers, funders and other stakeholders carry out a coproduction project, one recommended practice to ensure that partners learn from attempts at coproduction, and two practices to promote coproduction at a programmatic level. The recommended practices focus research on decisions that need to be made, give priority to processes and outcomes over stand‐alone products, and allocate resources to organizations and individuals that engage in coproduction. Although this article focuses on the coproduction of actionable science for climate change adaptation and natural resource management, the approach is relevant to other complex natural‐human systems.
TOWARDS ELUCIDATION OF THE MECHANISM OF BIOLOGICAL NANOMOTORS

OF DISSERTATION TOWARDS ELUCIDATION OF THE MECHANISM OF BIOLOGICAL NANOMOTORS Biological functions such as cell mitosis, bacterial binary fission, DNA replication or repair, homologous recombination, Holliday junction resolution, viral genome packaging, and cell entry all involve biomotor-driven DNA translocation. In the past, the ubiquitous biological nanomotors were classified into two categories: linear and rotation motors. In 2013, we discovered a third type of biomotor, revolving motor without rotation. The revolving motion is further found to be widespread among many biological systems. In addition, the detailed sequential action mechanism of the ATPase ring in the phi29 dsDNA packaging motor has been elucidated: ATP binding induces a conformational entropy alternation of ATPase to a high affinity toward dsDNA; ATP hydrolysis triggers another conformational entropy change in ATPase to a low DNA affinity, by which the dsDNA substrate is pushed toward an adjacent ATPase subunit. The subunit communication is regulated by an arginine finger that extends from one ATPase subunit to the adjacent unit, resulting in an asymmetrical hexameric organization. Continuation of this process promotes the movement and revolving of the dsDNA within the hexameric ATPase ring. Coordination of all the motor components facilitate the motion direction control of the viral DNA packaging motors, and make it unusually powerful and effective.
Evolution of skull shape in carnivores. 3. The origin and early radiation of the modern carnivore families

Functionally significant aspects of skull morphology were examined in Eocene miacids and in early members of the modern carnivore families to see if functional craniology might shed light on factors involved in the origin and early evolution of the modern carnivores. No key innovations are apparent at the beginning of the modern carnivore radiation, and an alternative hypothesis to account for that radiation is proposed: the radiation represents the filling of niches vacated by the extinction of several groups of archaic carnivores in the late Eocene. Differences that distinguish modern viverrids, canids, felids, and mustelids from each other today were less pronounced in the Oligocene, when these families first appeared, and provide no insights into possible ecological differences at the family level. However, body size differences among the early members of the modern carnivore families suggest that partitioning of prey resources by size may have been a factor in their initial radiation. Comparison of cranial morphology in Eocene miacids, early members of the modern carnivore families, and living carnivores allows reconstruction of the primitive conditions of carnivore skull morphology and determination of the pathways of morphological transformation that resulted in the diversity of skull morphology seen in modern carnivores.
103 termitophagous foraging by Pachycondyla analis (Formicidae, Ponerinae) in a Tanzanian coastal dry forest

East African coastal dry forest is a threatened habitat type. Pachycondyla analis is a significant termitophage in these forests. A focal colony was studied from immigration until emigration from a single nest site, enabling for the first time, a complete foraging map to be constructed for this species and for foraging behavior to be assessed. Results showed foraging paths were used repeatedly by P. analis, the degree of usage apparently dependent on termite availability. Initially foraging paths were directed in an easterly direction but by the time of emigration foraging had occurred in the whole area surrounding the nest. Larger foraging parties were found to travel greater distances (p <0.01), and the number of termites taken per ant per foraging party was also found to increase over distance. The energy required to travel greater distances is balanced by a gain in the numbers of termites taken. The number of termites taken per ant per foraging party per distance travelled from the time of immigration to emigration was also assessed. A gradual reduction was recorded until emigration, the value at emigration representing the foraging threshold value after which the colony moved to forage a new area. In contrast to previous studies from savannah habitats an average foraging party foraged smaller areas and predated more termites. The mean predation rate of the focal colony was 932 termites per nest per day. A tendency to nest at the base of mature trees (≥10 DBH) was recorded, which consequently provided these trees protection from termite predation. The harvesting of termites by P. analis in a coastal forest could also influence tree species composition by selectively reducing termite predation pressure. Tree species that have not developed defensive measures against termite attack, such as flaky bark types, may benefit most from this behavior. This is the first study of Pachycondyla analis in a coastal dry forest environment. The predation on termites and the implications for this environment are discussed.
Evaluation of blood metabolites in dairy cows grazing under two pasture allowances and supplemented with corn silage under restricted grazing conditions

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of management tools - daily pasture allowance and corn silage supplementation - during periods of forage shortage on the metabolism of dairy cows grazing low-mass pasture in temperate regions. Forty lactating Holstein cows were used during an experimental period of seventy days (April 15 to June 23, 2012). Blood metabolites and milk production were determined in fall-calving dairy cows grazing under two daily pasture allowances (PA) (moderate, 17 kg vs. high, 25 kg dry matter (DM)) and supplemented with corn silage (CS) (low, 4.5 kg vs. high, 9.0 kg DM). All cows received 3 kg DM of concentrate. Plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and urea were determined using an automated spectrophotometer, and milk production was electronically measured at each milking time during the trial. The experimental design was completely randomized using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The increase in daily PA decreased plasma concentrations of BHBA (0.91±0.36 vs. 1.12±0.43 mmol L−1), provided an increase in milk yield (23.18±3.26 vs. 21.99±3.37 kg d−1), and did not modify the concentrations of NEFA and urea. The increased CS supplementation increased mildly the plasma concentrations of BHBA (1.07±0.36 vs. 0.96±0.44 mmol L−1) and NEFA (92.77±54.14 vs. 92.77±55.31 µmol L−1), and decreased the concentrations of urea (4.08±1.40 vs. 4.64±1.30 mmol L−1), but did not change milk production. The positive effect of increasing PA was associated with a high herbage intake, while the lack of response to increasing CS supplementation was attributed to a high substitution of pasture intake (0.9 kg DM pasture/kg DM CS). Low corn silage supplementation is recommended.
Interactions of Smc-ScpAB with the Bacillus subtilis chromosome

Every living organism relies on cell division for survival, which requires proper chromosomal organization and segregation. The SMC family of proteins is highly conserved in all branches of life and is known to play an important role in these processes. In Bacillus subtilis deletion of the Smc-ScpAB complex leads to severe defects in chromosome segregation. Presumably, Smc-ScpAB mediates the compaction and resolution of sister DNA molecules during cell division, however the molecular mechanism for this action is only poorly understood. A major aim of this work was to answer the question of how the ring-shaped Smc-ScpAB complex interacts with the chromosome. I thus developed a novel biochemical assay and found that the B. subtilis Smc-ScpAB complex entraps chromosomal DNA inside its ring in vivo. I then aimed in establishing the requirements for chromosomal entrapment. In a second study I contributed to, the impact of the Smc-ScpAB ATPase activity on its chromosome-wide interaction was studied using ChIP combined with whole-genome sequencing. In combination both studies allowed us to gain a deeper mechanistic insight on the interactions of B. subtilis Smc-ScpAB with the chromosome.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Requirements for Greenhouse Broccoli Production

‘Southern Comet’ broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Group Italica) was grown in a NP deficient soilless medium in 15-liter pots for 45 days in a greenhouse averaging 21°C during the growth period. Fertilizer treatments were split-applied and consisted of factorial combinations of 1.9, 3.7, 5.6 g N (total) per pot from urea and 0.07, 0.14, and 0.21 g P (total) per pot from monocalcium phosphate. Potassium from KCl was split-applied at a constant rate of 1.6 g K (total) per pot. Increasing N rate increased head fresh weight, stem diameter, floret total chlorophyll, root and top dry weight (stem, petiole, leaf, and head), plant height, and head quality, and decreased days to heading and to harvest. Increasing P rates increased floret total chlorophyll, height, and root dry weight to a lesser degree than N. For quality broccoli production in the greenhouse, 5.6 g N, 0.21 g P, and 1.6 g K per 15 liter pot were required.
Modeling spatiotemporal dynamics of krill aggregations: size, intensity, persistence, and coherence with seabirds

Understanding aggregation dynamics of forage species is important for evaluating biophysical scaling in marine ecosystems and heterogeneity of trophic interactions. In particular, zooplankton aggregations are fundamental units of many pelagic systems, but are difficult to observe continuously through space and time. Using an established modeling framework that encompasses a coupled regional oceanographic and individual-based modeling system, we test the hypothesis that persistence (duration) of krill aggregations is dependent on their size, intensity, and location of formation within the coastal upwelling region of the California Current. In support of this hypothesis, we found that aggregation size is positively related to intensity, whereas persistence has a parabolic response to aggregation size and intensity, indicating the likelihood that large and highly persistent aggregations are rare. Persistence of krill aggregations also depends on formation location within coastal upwelling areas. We found that krill aggregations were more likely to form near a major seabird colony and that some coastal upwelling areas act as sources of aggregations for other areas. Observations of seabird aggregations were used to evaluate the potential structural realism of predicted krill aggregations. Seabird aggregations displayed marked coherence with predicted krill aggregations in space, providing important criteria on the scaling and availability of krill aggregations to breeding and migratory species. Predicting scales of krill aggregation dynamics will benefit ecosystem assessments, and numerical modeling of predator foraging and marine spatial management aimed at ensuring protection of ecologically important areas. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Nectar robbing by Purple Sunbird, Nectarinia asiatica (L.) in Pomegranate reduces reproductive success

Aprimary report of nectar robbing and deleterious damage by Purple sunbird on pomegranate flowers in India. Nectar robbing through external pecking at the base of flower was observed at significant heights (11.45%). This unusual foraging behavior sternly damaged the setting ovary with deep uneven peck holes (0.59 + 0.02 cm dia; 0.31+0.02 cm deep) resulting in drop off from plants and deformed fruits. Presence of sufficient nectar secretion in bisexual (16.33+1.94 µl) and staminate (14.43+1.93 l) flowers encouraged the nectar robbery. The higher foraging rates had profound negative effect on plant reproductive fitness affecting the fruit set and quality.
Economic analysis of cocoa wine produced from cocoa powder

Investment into cocoa wine production using cocoa powder is a viable venture that has been proven through its economic analysis in this research. Cocoa wine using cocoa powder was produced in the winery section of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN). The analysis of physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the cocoa wine was carried out and it compared reasonably well with commercially sold ones. The economic analysis based on small-scale wine production was carried out and the total cost of production ranged from N1,471,502.1 in Year 1 to N1,422,550 in Year 5 with the selling price of N300.00 per bottle, and the total profit or revenue ranged from N185,760,000 in Year 1 to N198,720,000 in Year 5. The average total revenue over the five years is therefore estimated as N158,112,000. The average net present value is estimated at N117,651,744 and the benefit cost ratio is 1.27.
Gastrointestinal nematodes of donkeys in and around Alage, South Western Ethiopia

Gastrointestinal parasites are one of the most common factors that constrain the health and working performance of donkeys. The present study was aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify major risk factors associated with donkey’s gastrointestinal nematode infection in and around Alage, South Western Ethiopia. A total of 384 randomly selected donkeys were sampled from 4 peasant associations for coprological examination of gastrointestinal nematode infection. The direct fecal smear, flotation and fecal culture methods were utilized to identify the eggs and larvae of parasites in feces, respectively. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes recorded in donkeys examined was 99.5%. The study showed that the prevalence of Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Strongyle were 53.6%, 4.9% and 99.5%, respectively. Significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence was observed for Oxyuris equi and Parascaris equorum in young donkeys than in both adults and old donkeys. The study showed that the prevalence of Strongyle was significantly higher than both Parascaris equorum and Oxyuris equi in all age groups of donkeys. There was also statistically significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes between sex, age, body condition and among peasant associations in different species of the parasites. Identification of third stage larvae of Strongyle species from 40 samples revealed high prevalence of Strongylus vulgaris (100%) followed by Cythostomes (97.5%) and Strongylus edentates (70%). The current study demonstrated that gastrointestinal nematodes are the major health challenges of donkeys in the study area. Therefore strategic dewrming and other nematode control options were recommended to be considered in order to improve the health, productivity and welfare of donkeys in the study area. Keywords : Donkeys; Ethiopia; Gastrointestinal; Nematodes; Prevalence
Sustainability of Gangatiri cattle rearing

The present study was undertaken in the native tract of Gangatiri cattle in Uttar Pradesh. Information was collected from 108 dairy farmers. Sustainability of Gangatiri cattle rearing was evaluated by measuring 3 indices i.e. economic sustainability index, social sustainability index and environmental sustainability index. Economic efficiency was measured by 6 indicators, viz. production efficiency, net profit, marketing, lactation length, dry period, and calving interval. Community relation of dairy farmers and their access to resource and support services were considered for measuring social equity. Indicators like dung utilization pattern, waste management and preparedness for flood were taken for measuring environment sustainability. The cattle rearing of dairy farmers was measured as composite sustainability index (CSI), ranging from 0 to 1. The results showed that most of dairy farmers (67.59%) had medium CSI score ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 followed by high CSI (>0.6) among 21.30% dairy farmers of study area, suggesting cattle rearing had lineage toward sustainability.