Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fruiting phenology of fleshy-fruited plants and seasonal dynamics of frugivorous birds in four vegetation zones on Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo

An altitudinal survey of correspondences between fruiting phenologies of fleshy-fruited tree species and seasonal dynamics of frugivorous birds on Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo was carried out for 50 weeks across four vegetation types: a hill forest (800 m asl), a lower montane forest (1700 m), an upper montane forest (2000-3000 m) and a subalpine forest (3000-3500 m). In the hill forest, a large fruiting peak following the general flowering phenomenon was observed during October-November in 1996 and a fruitless period was observed during February-April in 1997. During the fruitless period, the number of resident frugivorous birds decreased. A bimodal fruiting pattern was observed in the lower montane forest. A large number of frugivorous temperate migrants were observed when the fruiting peak occurred. The number of resident frugivorous birds increased and several lowland bird species were observed, when the number of resident birds decreased in the hill forest. In the upper montane forest and the subalpine forest, more continuous and irregular fruiting patterns without outstanding peaks were observed and the number of resident frugivorous birds was more stable throughout the year. These suggested (1) there was a strong relationship between fruiting seasonality and seasonal dynamics of temperate migrants in the lower montane forest; (2) seasonal altitudinal movements of lowland bird species to montane vegetation might occur during the fruitless period in the lowland forest; and (3) the continuous fruiting pattern in the higher vegetation zones might be related to the scarcity of available frugivorous birds. The hypothesis that the influx of temperate migrants into the montane vegetation of Mt. Kinabalu is affected by density and habits of resident frugivorous birds is supported. Montane vegetation in Borneo plays an important role as temporal refugia for temperate and altitudinal migrants by supplying fruit resources.
Structural Biology and Biochemistry of Cytochrome P450 Systems in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The global spread of tuberculosis (TB) has been fuelled by the development of strains of the causative bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mtb) that are resistant to all the leading drugs. New TB therapies are desperately needed, but recent genome sequence, genetic and protein characterization studies have helped identify novel Mtb drug targets and key biochemical pathways for strategic intervention. Of particular interest are the multiple cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes encoded in the Mtb genome. Structural, biochemical and mechanistic studies on these systems have demonstrated their potential as antitubercular targets, as well as revealing novel aspects of P450 form and function.
USING VIDEO RECIPE TO IMPROVE THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN WRITING PROCEDURE TEXT

Based on the results of a preliminary study, it was found out that the students of SMPN1 Batu have problem in writing procedure texts. The students cannot optimize themselves in written communication in English. To cope with the problem, the researcher conducted an action research Using Video Recipe to Improve the Junior School Students’ Ability in Writing Procedure Text. This action research was done in grade seven of SMPN1 Batu which involved 26 students and has been conducted in one cycle which covered: planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting. The data was obtained through the result of the test, observation checklists, and interview. The study was implemented through four steps: (1) the teacher planned the action based on the result of preliminarystudy, (2) the teacher implemented the action by presenting recipe videos as the model to guide the students in writing procedure text, (3) the observer observed and recorded the action, and (4) the teacher analyzed the data which finally became the reflection of the cycle. The results of the study reveal that the utilization of video recipe can improve the junior high school students’ ability in writing procedure text. Future research in this area should be expanded to examine the nuanced differences in revision based upon different purpose of writing.
Singularity Penetration with Unit Delay (SPUD)

This manuscript reveals both the full experimental and methodical details of a most-recent patent that demonstrates a much-desired goal of rotational maneuvers via angular exchange momentum, namely extremely high torque without mathematical singularity and accompanying loss of attitude control while the angular momentum trajectory resides in the mathematical singularity. The paper briefly reviews the most recent literature, and then gives theoretical development for implementing the new control methods described in the patent to compute a non-singular steering command to the angular momentum actuators. The theoretical developments are followed by computer simulations used to verify the theoretical computation methodology, and then laboratory experiments are used for validation on a free-floating hardware simulator. A typical 3/4 CMG array skewed at 54.73° yields 0.15H. Utilizing the proposed singularity penetration techniques, 3H momentum is achieved about yaw, 2H about roll, and 1H about pitch representing performance increases of 1900%, 1233%, and 566% respectfully.
Inhibition of acanthamoeba actomyosin-II ATPase activity and mechanochemical function by specific monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that bind to myosin-II were tested for their ability to inhibit myosin ATPase activity, actomyosin ATPase activity, and contraction of cytoplasmic extracts. Numerous antibodies specifically inhibit the actin activated Mg++-ATPase activity of myosin- II in a dose-dependent fashion, but none blocked the ATPase activity of myosin alone. Control antibodies that do not bind to myosin-II and several specific antibodies that do bind have no effect on the actomyosin-II ATPase activity. In most cases, the saturation of a single antigenic site on the myosin-II heavy chain is sufficient for maximal inhibition of function. Numerous monoclonal antibodies also block the contraction of gelled extracts of Acanthamoeba cytoplasm. No polyclonal antibodies tested inhibited ATPase activity or gel contraction. As expected, most antibodies that block actin-activated ATPase activity also block gel contraction. Exceptions were three antibodies M2.2, -15, and -17, that appear to uncouple the ATPase activity from gel contraction: they block gel contraction without influencing ATPase activity. The mechanisms of inhibition of myosin function depends on the location of the antibody-binding sites. Those inhibitory antibodies that bind to the myosin-II heads presumably block actin binding or essential conformational changes in the myosin heads. A subset of the antibodies that bind to the proximal end of the myosin- II tail inhibit actomyosin-II ATPase activity and gel contraction. Although this part of the molecule is presumably some distance from the ATP and actin-binding sites, these antibody effects suggest that structural domains in this region are directly involved with or coupled to catalysis and energy transduction. A subset of the antibodies that bind to the tip of the myosin-II tail appear to inhibit ATPase activity and contraction through their inhibition of filament formation. They provide strong evidence for a substantial enhancement of the ATPase activity of myosin molecules in filamentous form and suggest that the myosin filaments may be required for cell motility.
Effect of salicylic acid on productivity and nutrient uptake of Brassica species under different planting durations

A field experiment was conducted at Udaipur during the Rabi season of 2011 to 2012 to evaluate the effect of planting duration and salicylic acid (SA) application on yield, quality and nutrient uptake of Brassica species. The results revealed that crops sown during SMW (Standard Meteorological Week) 41 recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher seed, stover and oil yields, N and P uptake in seed and stover than SMW 43 and SMW 45 sown crops. Amongst Brassica species, B. juncea var. Bio-902 proved superiority over Brassica juncea var. RGN-73 and Brassica campestris var. BSH-1 in terms of seed, stover and biological yield, and N and P uptake in seed and stover. The foliar spray of salicylic acid produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher seed yield and oil content compared to water spray. Key words: Planting duration, Brassica species, salicylic acid (SA), nutrient uptake.
Demography of lake trout in relation to population suppression in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park

Introduced lake trout Salvelinus namaycush threaten to extirpate native Yellowstone cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park. Suppression of the lake trout population is deemed necessary for the conservation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout. A National Park Service gill netting program removed nearly 273,000 lake trout from Yellowstone Lake between 1995 and 2007. Lake trout population size has not been estimated; therefore, it is difficult to determine the efficacy of the program (i.e., proportion of the population that has been removed). My objectives were to (1) examine catch per unit effort (C/f) through time and catch as a function of effort to determine if the suppression program has caused lake trout abundance to decline, (2) determine if length structure, age structure, individual growth, mortality, body condition, length at maturity, age at maturity, and fecundity have changed as a function of harvest, and (3) develop age-structured models to determine the level of mortality required to cause population growth rate to decline below 1.0 (replacement). An increase in lake trout abundance was indicated by increasing C/f over time. Additionally, catch has continued to increase as a function of effort, indicating lake trout abundance is increasing. Population metrics were not clearly indicative of a response to harvest. However, metrics were comparable to North American lake trout populations where harvest has occurred, indicating that lake trout have not reached carrying capacity in Yellowstone Lake. Results from an age-structured matrix model determined the rate of population growth was 1.1 given the current rate of fishing mortality and that population growth rate would be 1.3 in the absence of fishing mortality. The current rate of population growth is positive; however, it is slower than it would be in the absence of lake trout suppression. Fishing mortality needs to increase from the rate of 0.22 estimated in 2007 to at least 0.32 to reduce population growth rate below replacement. Lake trout suppression is becoming an increasingly common management practice throughout the Intermountain West. Thus, Yellowstone Lake provides a case study for evaluating a strategy to remove the apex predator from a large lake.
LOW EXTRA-PAIR PATERNITY IN WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN

Abstract The White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus) is one of the few socially monogamous species within the highly polygynous grouse subfamily (Tetraoninae). I found White-tailed Ptarmigan in Glacier National Park, Montana, to be nearly genetically monogamous. Of 58 chicks with putative fathers identified, three were the result of extra-pair copulations (5%). Three of 18 clutches (17%) contained extra-pair offspring. I suggest that White-tailed Ptarmigan males are able to guard their females effectively from extra-pair copulations because of high visibility in their habitat and their ability to forage alongside their mate. The three extra-pair offspring were sired by unknown males. Baja Paternidad Extra-Pareja en Lagopus leucurus Resumen. Lagopus leucurus es una de las pocas especies socialmente monógama dentro de la subfamilia Tetraoninae que se caracteriza por ser altamente polígina. En el “Glacier National Park,” Montana, encontré que los individuos de L. leucurus eran casi completamente monógamos en términos genéticos. De 58 polluelos con padres putativos, tres (5%) fueron el resultado de copulaciones extra-pareja. Tres de 18 nidadas (7%) presentaron hijos extra-pareja. Sugiero que los machos de L. leucurus son capaces de proteger efectivamente a sus hembras para evitar copulaciones extra-pareja debido a la alta visibilidad del hábitat en que se encuentran y a la habilidad de forrajear junto con la hembra. Los tres hijos de origen extra-pareja no fueron engendrados por machos que estaban en pareja.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of OsPHY2 , a phytase gene classified in histidine acid phosphatase type in rice ( Oryza sativa L.)

Phytic acid (PA) and its derivatives contain the major portion of phosphorus in the cereal seed and chelates divalent cations. During germination, both minerals and phosphate are released upon phytase-catalyzed degradation of PA. In this study, a phytase gene classified into histidine acid phosphatase type in rice referred to OsPHY2 was characterized. OsPHY2 is 2060 bp in length, encoding a polypeptide of 519 amino acids. OsPHY2 contains HP_HAP_like domain, a 24-aa signal peptide at the N-terminal and was targeted to the cytoplasm membrane after ER sorted. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that OsPHY2 shares high similarity to the phytase genes in wheat and a subset of genes without characterized functions in other plant species. During the seed germination, the transcripts of OsPHY2 were much more detected in the germinated seeds than in the primary roots and the leaves. Prokaryotic expressed OsPHY2 has a strong function on degradation of phytate, with optimal temperature of 47°C and optimal pH of 3.5. Under the guidance of patatin signal peptide (PSP) of potato, the OsPHY2 expressed in tobacco could be secreted by the rhizosphere and hydrolyze the phytate into Pi, leading to a significantly more inorganic phosphate (Pi) accumulated and growth improved in plants under the condition using phytate as the sole phosphorus source. Therefore, as one HAP type of the phytase genes, OsPHY2 plays a critical role on the degradation of the phytins during the seed germination and has a potential application on the generation of elite crop germplasms with high use of efficiency of phytate and a large quantity of organic phosphate compounds in the arable land.
Sublethal effects of Avermectin B1, β‐Exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis and Diflubenzuron against cotton leafworm (Lep., Noctuidae)

Thuringiensin (β‐exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis), abamectin (avermectin B1) and diflubenzuron were tested against susceptible and field strains of cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). Fourth‐instar larvae were fed for 3 days on leaves treated with sublethal concentrations of each compound, and surviving larvae were allowed to complete their life on untreated leaves until pupation. Larval mortality was low until 5 days after initial treatment indicating slow activity for all tested compounds. Latent effects were observed in most treatments following larval transfer to untreated leaves. The field strain appeared to be more affected in most cases by all tested compounds than the susceptible strain. All compounds, especially abamectin, resulted in a pronounced decrease of pupation in both susceptible (16–26%) and field (9.4–36.0%) strains compared with the control (78.7 and 70.8%, respectively). Also, the mean weight of pupae was significantly decreased, especially in the field strain, as a result of abamectin and thuringiensin treatments compared to that in the control. Emergence of adults in the susceptible strain was highly affected by all treatments compared to that in the control. Furthermore, fecundity of moths in the field strain was highly reduced, especially in thuringiensin (65.3–89.0%) and abamectin (57.6–87.4%) treatments compared with that of control.
Effect of Biocharcoals on Hematological, Serum Biochemical and Histological Parameters in Broiler Chickens Fed Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diets

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of charcoal from Canarium seeds and cow born on haematological, serological and histological parameters in broiler chickens fed AFB1-contaminated diets. A total of one hundred and sixty five 21-days old unsexed Cobb 500 broiler hens were divided into 11 groups having 15 birds in each group. Natural contaminated groundnut containing 80 ppb of AFB1 was mixed at 10 and 20% with other ingredients to obtain a final concentration of 36 and 60 ppb respectively and used as positive control (36T+ and 60T+). The dietary treatments consisted of supplementing the positive control diet with 0.2 and 0.4% charcoal from Canarium (36C0.2, 60C0.2, 36C0.4 and 60C0.4) or cow born (36O0.2, 60O0.2, 36O0.4 and 60O0.4). A test group was fed a diet 15T- (negative control) without contaminated groundnut. Body weight and weight gain tend to be improved with supplemental born charcoal at 0.4% (O0.4) and Canarium charcoal at 0.2% (C0.2). White blood cell (WBC) count and haematocrit tend to increase with increasing level of AFB1. The lowest glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GTP) and creatinine level was recorded with birds fed on diet 60O0.4. Supplemental born charcoal at 0.4% significantly reduces the serum parameters and may be used as protective agent in poultry to alleviate the harmful effects of aflatoxin B1.
Environmental Conditions and Culture Method Effects on Growth and Survival of Juvenile Winged Pearl Oyster, Pteria penguin

ABSTRACT Juvenile winged pearl oysters, Pteria penguin, were cultured for 6 mo in three commonly used culture units (panel nets, plastic mesh trays, and pyramidal pearl nets) at two dissimilar sites—Pioneer Bay (a coral reef environment in which P. penguin are naturally present) and Cape Ferguson (a coastal semiestuarine area with high levels of silt deposition)—to determine the effects of site and culture method on growth, survival, and fouling. Mean growth increases were recorded for the dorsoventral measurement (DVM), anteroposterior measurement (APM), shell thickness, and whole weight. At Pioneer Bay, five replicates for each of the three culture unit types were suspended at 3 m and at 6 m, and mean initial DVM was 28.0 ± 0.6 mm (n = 190). At Cape Ferguson, there were five replicates for each culture unit at 3 m only, and mean initial DVM was 28.0 ± 0.6 mm (n = 86). Mean growth increase at the end of the experiment for oysters at Pioneer Bay and Cape Ferguson, respectively, were 26.6 ± 1.0 mm and 32.6 ± 2.4 mm DVM, 29.6 ± 1.2 mm and 34.0 ± 2.9 mm APM, 6.7 ± 0.3 mm and 9.7 ± 0.5 mm shell thickness, and 16.5 ± 0.7 g and 23.0 ± 2.1 g whole weight. For all growth parameters, mean increase was significantly higher under high-turbidity conditions at Cape Ferguson (P < 0.05). Culture unit also affected growth, with oysters held in mesh trays showing significantly more growth at both sites (P < 0.05). Mean survival of oysters at Cape Ferguson (96.5%) was significantly higher than at Pioneer Bay (79.4%). Depth had no significant effect on growth, survival, or fouling. The results indicate that site selection and culture unit are important parameters for optimizing growth and survival during nursery phase culture of P. penguin.
Ubiquitination of α-synuclein by Siah-1 promotes α-synuclein aggregation and apoptotic cell death

Point mutations and gene multiplication of a-synuclein cause autosomal dominant familial Parkinson’s disease (PD). Moreover, a-synuclein- and ubiquitin-positive inclusion bodies are the pathological hallmarks of PD and several other neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. Despite the presence of ubiquitinated a-synuclein species in Lewy bodies, the regulation of a-synuclein ubiquitination and its role in Lewy body formation and neurodegeneration remain poorly understood. Here, we report that a-synuclein interacts and colocalizes with mammalian seven in absentia homologue-1 (Siah-1), a RING-type E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. Siah-1 binds the brain-enriched E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcH8 and facilitates mono- and di-ubiquitination of a-synuclein in vivo. The ubiquitination of a-synuclein by Siah-1 is disrupted by the PD-linked A30P mutation but not by A53T mutation. We find that Siah-1-mediated ubiquitination does not target a-synuclein for degradation by the proteasome, but rather, it promotes a-synuclein aggregation and enhances a-synuclein toxicity. Our findings suggest that Siah-1-mediated a-synuclein ubiquitination may play a critical role in Lewy body formation and PD pathogenesis.
Cognitive Impairment and Memory Loss in Diabetes: A Myth or Reality

Diabetes itself might not be a risk factor but mismanagement and poor control of disease may lead to the problem. High blood glucose levels, elevated blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol collectively lead to complications including decline in cognitive ability. The present study was designed to explore the factors effecting cognitive impairment and memory loss among diabetes patients in twin cities of Pakistan. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. A pre-validated data collection tool i.e. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire, which is a practical method for grading the cognitive state of patients was distributed to a sample of 386 diabetes patients. After data collection the data was cleaned, coded and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21. Out of 386 respondents 97.75% (n=377) had normal cognition level, 2.3% (n=9) had mild decline in cognition level while none of the respondents had moderate or severe cognitive impairment. Significant association for cognitive impairment and demographic variables such as gender (p = 0.006) was observed. However, no significant association for cognitive impairment was observed for age, qualification, duration and type of disease, class of medication, income level, control of disease and medication adherence. The present study concluded that majority of the diabetes patients did not show cognitive impairment and memory loss. However, mild cognitive decline was observed among males, elderly and more common in type II diabetes patients. Better qualification and income can improve knowledge, adherence and disease appraisal resulting in better approach towards management of disease. This in turn can positively affect cognition and memory loss. Thus, it can be assumed that diabetes might not directly play major role in cognitive impairment and memory loss but its poor management may affect psychomotor functions of the patients. Key words: Cognitive impairment, Memory loss, Diabetes, Pakistan.
Effects of Inclusion of Selenium-Enriched Yeast in the Diet of Laying Hens on Performance, Eggshell Quality, and Selenium Tissue Deposition

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of ingested selenium (Se) yeast in laying hens and its effects on performance, eggshell quality, and tissue Se distribution. Forty-eight ISA brown laying hens were divided into 3 treatment groups: Group C, fed a basal diet containing 0.11 mg Se/kg of feed; Group SS, fed a basal diet plus 0.4 mg/kg of feed of Se from sodium selenite; and Group SY, fed a basal diet plus 0.4 mg/kg of feed of Se from selenium yeast. Feed intake, egg mass ratio, and production performance were not affected by Se supplementation, regardless of the Se source. Egg weight (+3.61% and +2.95%), eggshell weight (+4.26% and +5.38%), and eggshell surface (+2.43% and +1.96%) were higher (P<0.05) in SS and SY than C, whereas breaking strength was increased in SY (P<0.01). Breast muscle, liver and skin Se levels were higher in SY than in C, while kidney Se content was higher in SS hens. Eggs from SY had higher Se levels than SS. Blood metabolites were not affected in SS or SY groups than C. A higher Se level was detected in eggs and breast muscle of SY hens (P<0.05). Seleniumenriched eggs and edible tissues from organic Se sources in poultry diet could improve antioxidant status in humans and reduce possible Se deficiency-related diseases.