Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RAINFOREST ANTS (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) ALONG AN ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT AT EUNGELLA IN THE CLARKE RANGE, CENTRAL QUEENSLAND COAST, AUSTRALIA

Here we provide a faunistic overview of the rainforest ant fauna of the Eungella region, located in the southern part of the Clarke Range in the Central Queensland Coast, Australia, based on systematic surveys spanning an elevational gradient from 200 to 1200 m asl. Ants were collected from a total of 34 sites located within bands of elevation of approximately 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 m asl. Surveys were conducted in March 2013 (20 sites), November 2013 and March–April 2014 (24 sites each), and ants were sampled using five methods: pitfall traps, leaf litter extracts, Malaise traps, spraying tree trunks with pyrethroid insecticide, and timed bouts of hand collecting during the day. In total we recorded 142 ant species (described species and morphospecies) from our systematic sampling and observed an additional species, the green tree ant Oecophylla smaragdina, at the lowest elevations but not on our survey sites. With the caveat of less sampling intensity at the lowest and highest elevations, species richness peaked at 600 m asl (89 species), declined monotonically with increasing and decreasing elevation, and was lowest at 1200 m asl (33 spp.). Ant species composition progressively changed with increasing elevation, but there appeared to be two gradients of change, one from 200–600 m asl and another from 800 to 1200 m asl. Differences between the lowland and upland faunas may be driven in part by a greater representation of tropical and arboreal-nesting species in the lowlands and a greater representation of subtropical species in the highlands. We briefly overview the Eungella ant fauna of each subfamily and make comparisons with ants collected from surveys along comparable elevational gradients at Lamington National Park in subtropical south-eastern Queensland, and Mt Lewis in the Wet Tropics bioregion of northern Queensland.
Correlation Between Egg Weight and Egg Characteristics in Japanese Quail

A study was undertaken to predict the correlation between egg weight and egg characteristics in quail. Data was collected on 102 eggs collected from female quails at 28 weeks. Eggs were numbered, weighed and classified into six egg weight groups: below 9.0g, 9.0-9.5g, 9.6-10.0g, 10.1-10.5g, 10.6-11.0g, and above 11g group. There were 17 eggs per egg weight group. Data was collected on egg weight, shell weight, shell ratio, albumen height, albumen weight, albumen ratio, albumen index, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk weight, yolk ratio and Haugh Unit. Data collected were analysed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of the Genstat edition 11. The correlation between the various characteristics of egg were determined. The result shows that Albumen diameter, albumen length and albumen width were influenced by size of egg (p 0.05) influenced by the sizes of quail eggs. The egg sizes of above 11g had the best egg length followed by 10.6g-11.0g, 10.1g-10.5g, 9.6g-10.5g, 9.0g-9.5g and below 9.0 g had the least egg length indicating a direct relationship between egg length and egg weight. The positive correlations between the internal and external egg quality traits indicated that the traits can be improved through selection.
Abstract. Metformin serves an important role in improving the functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPcs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, have been investigated as significant regulators of EPC vascular func- tions. The present study investigated the molecular crosstalk between metf

Metformin serves an important role in improving the functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPcs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, have been investigated as significant regulators of EPC vascular functions. The present study investigated the molecular crosstalk between metformin and miRNA-130a (miR-130a) in the functions of EPcs exposed to palmitic acid (PA). Isolated EPcs were treated with metformin, PA, and metformin + PA, respectively. cell counting Kit-8, Transwell and Matrigel assays were performed to detect the proliferation, migration and tube formation ability of EPcs following different treatments. The expression of miR-130a, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and phosphorylated-AKT was analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The specific mechanism underlying the function of metformin in EPcs was further elucidated by transfecting miR-130a mimics and inhibitor to overexpress and inhibit the expression of miR-130a in EPcs, respectively. EPcs exhibited impaired functions of proliferation (P<0.01 compared with the control), migration (P<0.01 compared with the control) and tube formation (P<0.01 compared with the control) following treatment with PA, and the expression levels of miR-130a and PTEN were decreased and increased, respectively. However, the presence of metformin, or the overexpression of miR-130a using miR-130a mimic alleviated the impairment of angiogenesis and proliferation, decreased the expression of PTEN and activated the phosphoinositide-3 kinase/AKT pathway in EPcs exposed to PA. By contrast, downregulating the expression of miR-130a with a miR-130a inhibitor reversed the metformin-mediated protection. These results demonstrate the beneficial effect of miR‐130a/PTEN on EPc functions, which can be regulated by metformin. The effects of metformin on improving PA-induced EPc dysfunction are mediated by miR-130a and PTEN, which may assist in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetic vascular disease.
WCRP Surface Flux Task Team

Developed by Carol Anne Clayson, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Anna Rutgersson, Uppsala University Brian Ward, University of Galway Ronald Buss de Souze, National Institute for Space Research James Edson, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Peter Gleckler, LLNL Petra Heil, Australian Antarctic Division and ACE CRC, University of Tasmania Kazuhito Ichii, Chiba University and National Institute for Environmental Studies Martin Jung, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry Diego Miralles, Ghent University Pierre-Philippe Mathieu, ESRIN Paul Stackhouse, NASA Langley
Sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase activity during maturation of internodal tissue in sugarcane

Sucrose accumulation rates, sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS, EC 2.4.1.14) and soluble sucrose synthase (SuSy, EC 2.4.1.13) activities were measured in internodal tissue from a sugarcane (Saccharum species hybrids) variety N19. The sucrose accumulation rate sharply increases between internodes 3 to 11. In the older internodes SPS activity was at least three times higher than the SuSy activity. A highly significant positive correlation was found between SPS activity and sucrose content. In contrast, no significant correlation was observed between SuSy and sucrose content. In agreement, when radiolabelled glucose was fed to internodes with a high sucrose accumulation rate, label was equally distributed in the hexose moieties of sucrose. This clearly indicates that SPS is the major sucrose synthesis activity in the culm of sugarcane. Different kinetic forms of SPS apparently exist in the internodal tissue at different stages of development.
The systems of managing wildlife and forest in central Europe

Central European countries share many similarities in the composition of forest habitats and wildlife species. However, the former political division of Europe produced substantial differences in wildlife management systems and land ownership. Forests are generally regarded as a source of lumber with the requirements of wildlife neglected most of the time. There is an urgent need to introduce measures enhancing forest habitats for wildlife. Most important seems to be maintaining and possibly increasing biodiversity by altering present logging systems. In future, production of timber should become only one of several functions of forests including conservation of wildlife, recreation, and other values.
Effects of feeding different levels of conjugated linoleic acid and total oil to pigs on live animal performance and carcass composition

The effects of feeding different dietary levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and total oil (TO) were evaluated using 216 barrows fed from 36 to 115 kg body weight. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used with three levels of dietary CLA (0, 0.25, and 0.5%), two levels of dietary TO (2 and 5% made up with canola oil) and 12 pens of three barrows fed per diet. Pigs on all diets gained weight at the same rate from 0 to 4 wk (36 to 61 kg) and from 4 wk to slaughter (61 kg to 115 kg) (P > 0.05). Pigs fed 5% versus 2% TO had 6.6% lower feed intake from 0 to 4 wk (P = 0.02) and 5.9% lower feed intake from 4 wk to slaughter (P < 0.003), while feeding CLA had no effect on feed intake (P = 0.70). A CLA by TO interaction for feed intake was not found for 0 to 4 wk but from 4 wk to slaughter a tendency for an interaction (P = 0.06) was found indicating 0.25% CLA may depress feed intake at 2% TO while stimulating intake at 5% TO. Increasing TO and CLA increased the lean content in commercial cuts by 1.6% (P = 0.06) and.
Studies on the prevalence of haematozoa of British bats

Bloodfilms were collected from 491 bats representing 12 of the 15 species of British bats, from a number of sites in England and Scotland, and examined for haematozoa. Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) sp. were found in Pipistrelluspipistrellus, Nyctalus noctula, N. leisleri, Eptesicus serotinus and Myotis brandtii, and Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) incertum was found in P. pipistrellus. Both subgenera of trypanosomes appear to be transmitted by the bat bug Cimex pipistrelli. Gametocytes of the haemoproteid Poly-chromophilus murinus were found in one-third of Myotis daubentonii examined, and stages of the parasite were found in the vector, the wingless blood-sucking fly, Nycteribia kolenatii, collected from these bats. The piroplasm Babesia vesperuginis was found in the blood of P. pipistrellus and Myotis mystacinus, and was the only parasite to show evidence of pathogenicity to bats.
THE SPECIES PREFERENCES OF GRAZING HORSES

Palatability studies of 29 species of grasses, legumes and herbs, and two seeds mixtures, were conducted using three replicates of each species. Crossbred ponies and a few Thoroughbreds were obserred and timed for a total of 260 hours grazing. The results were analysed and sbowed small statistical differences between replicates, between tbe 2 years observed and between horses; and highly significant differences (P<0.001) between certain species. The most palatable was a clover-rich mixture. Tbe pasture varieties of perennial ryegrass were significantly more palatable tban S24, and as palatable as timothy and cocksfoot Alta tall fescue, crested dogs tail and wild white clover were palatable. Some herbs, red clover, brown top, red fescue and meadow foxtail were tbe least palatable. Dandelion, ribgrass and yarrow were palatable herbs.
Genetic and morphological evidence for reproductive isolation between sympatric populations of Galaxias (Teleostei: Galaxiidae) in South Island, New Zealand

Abstract New Zealand's South Island houses a flock of closely related stream-resident fish taxa ( Galaxias vulgaris sensu lato ), including a number of species recently described on the basis of subtle morphological differences. The taxonomic status of some members of the species complex remains uncertain. This study examines the degree of reproductive isolation between recently recognized morphotypes from Southland ( G. «southern» , flatheads G. gollumoides , roundheads) which co-occur in Bushy Creek, a tributary of the Mataura R. Although these morphotypes are broadly sympatric in Southland and Stewart Island, Bushy Creek is their only documented zone of contact. Molecular (microsatellite, isozyme and mtDNA markers) and morphological analyses of 139 fish samples across a 500-m transect (seven stations) reveal a cline from predominantly G. «southern» ( N =85) to predominantly G. gollumoides ( N =54), corresponding with a gradual increase in stream gradient. Multivariate analyses of genotypic and morphological data independently reveal distinct clusters that are completely congruent with mtDNA type, suggesting an absence of mtDNA introgression. Our data support the separate species status of G. «southern» and G. gollumoides under both biological and phylogenetic species concepts. We suggest that the speciation of these taxa occurred in allopatry through independent losses of diadromy, with sympatry resulting from secondary contact.
Effects of farnesol and lyticase on the formation of Candida albicans biofilm

Background and Aim: Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that has both yeast and filamentous forms. It is part of the normal flora in the oral and genital areas of mammals. One factor for the pathogenicity of C. albicans is its ability to switch from yeast to hyphae. The hyphal form adheres and penetrates tissues more readily than the yeast form and produces biofilms that are associated with chronic infection. Biofilms are protective niches that enable microorganisms to be more resistant to antibiotic treatment, thus allowing for persistent infection. The first stage in the transition from yeast to hyphae involves the formation of a germ tube, and this transition is triggered by interactions with host cells. Germ tube formation is dependent on serum, pH, temperature, and quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs). Farnesol, which is a QSM in C. albicans, can prevent yeast to hyphae conversion and inhibits the growth of fungal biofilm. Lyticase is a synergistic enzyme complex that catalyzes yeast cell lysis by b-1,3-glucanase and is a highly specific alkaline protease that produces protoplasts or spheroplasts. This study investigated the effect of farnesol and lyticase on the formation of C. albicans biofilms. Materials and Methods: C. albicans ATCC 2091 was cultivated on liquid and solid Sabouraud media. The presence of C. albicans was confirmed using HiCrome Candida Agar chromogenic medium. Enzyme activities were assayed using a HiCandida Identification Kit. The morphology and densitometry parameters of C. albicans biofilms were considered in the presence of farnesol (Sigma-Aldrich, Germany), lyticase (from Arthrobacter luteus; Sigma-Aldrich, Germany), and farnesol–lyticase. Results: This study shows that both farnesol and lyticase possess antifungal activity against C. albicans biofilms. A significant difference among treatment groups (p<0.05) was observed from strong biofilm production to medium and weak. Conclusion: Many studies have been devoted to the antimicrobial action of farnesol. Bacterial enzyme lyticase is also used to degrade fungal cell walls. Both molecules show substantial antifungal properties that are similar to the properties of modern antimycotics. The current study demonstrates that farnesol and lyticase can disrupt biofilm formation in C. albicans ATCC 2091, which is an effective biofilm producer.
Changes in plasma biochemical parameters and hormones during transition period in Beetal goats carrying single and twin fetus

Aim: The study was undertaken to find out the changes in biochemical and hormonal profile during transition period in single- and twin-bearing Beetal goats. Materials and Methods: Beetal goats are reared in North India for milk and meat purposes, popularly called poor man’s cow, serving as a source of livelihood. The present study was conducted on Beetal goats, maintained at a goat farm, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, for characterization of plasma biochemical and hormonal changes during transitional phase in pregnant goats carrying single and twin fetus. The animals selected were expected to have parturition at the same time, to avoid environmental variation effects, and divided into two groups: Group 1 (carrying single fetus, n=14) and Group 2 (twin fetus, n=6). Blood samples were collected from goats prepartum (−30 days and −15 days), 0 day, and postpartum +15 days and +30 days, and plasma was separated for the analysis of biochemical metabolites and hormones by commercially available kits. Results: Analysis of data revealed a significant decrease in triglyceride and cholesterol concentration during postpartum days. A significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration was observed at the day of parturition. Furthermore, there was a significant (p≤0.05) decrease in ALT and aspartate aminotransferase concentration in goats at the 15th day and 30th day after parturition in both groups. A significant (p≤0.05) lower concentration of total protein and globulins was observed during late pregnancy and on the day of parturition, with a subsequent elevation during postpartum period (15 days and 30 days). Progesterone concentration was highest at −30 days prepartum and decreased sharply at parturition and thereafter postpartum, both in single- and twin-bearing goats. Progesterone level was lower in twin-bearing goats as compared to single-bearing goats at 0 day and postpartum days. No significant changes were observed in sodium, potassium, and chloride concentration during transitional period in goats. Conclusion: Transition period blood metabolite profile changes due to physiological need of mother and fetus were more prominent in metabolites regulating energy requirements and in goats bearing twin fetus.
Heritability of common root rot and spot blotch resistance in barley

On a etudie l'heritabilite de la resistance a la pourriture seche et a la tache helminthosporienne [Cochliobolus sativus] chez deux croisements entre une orge resistante et une orge sensible. On a evalue le comportement des cultivars parentaux, de la F 1 et des lignees de descendants a l'egard de la pourriture seche inoculee dans le cadre de quatre experiences dans une pepiniere temporaire, de meme que leur comportement a l'egard de la tache helminthosporienne dans deux experiences en chambre de croissance. Pour le croisement Fr926-77 X Deuce, l'heritabilite de la resistance variait de 56 a 85 % dans le cas de la pourriture seche et de 43 a 61% dans celui de la tache helminthosporienne. Pour le croisement Virden X Ellice, l'heritabilite de la resistance variait de 53 a 78 % dans le premier cas et de 73 a 78 % dans le second. La resistance a la pourriture seche semblait etre conditionnee par des genes dominants dans le croisement Virden X Ellice, mais il a ete impossible d'identifier la source genetique de la resistance dans le croisement Fr926-77 X Deuce. La distribution uniforme des comportements moyens des lignees de descendants a l'egard des maladies et l'estimation du nombre de genes conferant la resistance laissent entendre que l'heritabilite de la resistance aux deux maladies etait quantitative. On n'a decele aucune association entre la reaction a la pourriture seche et celle a la tache helminthosporienne.
irritable bowel syndrome: Recent developments and future

5 Increased knowledge regarding the implications of gut microbiota in irritable bowel 6 syndrome (IBS), suggest that a disturbed intestinal microenvironment (dysbiosis) might 7 promote the development and maintenance of IBS symptoms and effects several 8 pathways in the pathology of this multifactorial disease. Accordingly, manipulation of 9 the gut microbiota in order to improve IBS symptoms has the last decade evolved as a 10 novel treatment strategy. Several different approaches have been investigated in order to 11 improve the gut microbiota composition. Dietary modifications including 12 supplementation with fibers, prebiotics and probiotics are shown to improve symptoms 13 and composition of gut microbiota in IBS, however the exact probiotic mixture beneficial 14 for each individual remains to be identified. The use of antibiotics still needs 15 confirmation, although promising results have been reported with use of rifaximin. Fecal 16 microbiota transplantation (FMT) has recently gained a lot of attention, and several 17 placebo-controlled trials investigating FMT pose promising results regarding symptom 18 reduction and gut microbiota manipulation in IBS. However, more data regarding long19 term effects is needed before FMT can be integrated as a customised treatment for IBS in 20 the clinical routine. 21
THE DETERMINATION OF GLYCOGEN IN YEASTS

Four methods for the determination of glycogen in yeast have been compared in five strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae over a range of glycogen contents. A new method has been developed which is specific, precise and more exhaustive than previously published procedures. After extraction with sodium carbonate and perchloric acid, the glycogen was hydrolysed with amyloglucosidase to glucose, which was estimated enzymically. The greater extraction of glycogen using this method cannot be explained by acid hydrolysis of glucans prior to treatment with amyloglucosidase. Further, the older data using the non-specific methods can now be equated with values obtained using a specific method.
Shade and Airflow Restriction Effects on Creeping Bentgrass Golf Greens

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) golf greens are often shaded by trees and surrounded by shrubs or brush that restrict airflow. The objective of this study was to compare and independently evaluate turfgrass responses to light reduction and airflow restriction in 'L93' and 'SR1020' creeping bentgrass. Artificial structures (122 by 122 cm) were assembled from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and covered with black, woven polyester shade cloth (80% light reduction) to provide treatment effects. Shade cloth was applied to the structures to reduce irradiance and allow airflow or reduce airflow and allow irradiance. Plots were rated monthly for canopy, soil, and air temperature, visual color, density, and disease, soil moisture, root mass, and root glucose and fructose. Canopy and soil temperatures were lower in shade than in airflow restriction and uncovered, unsurrounded control turf. Canopy temperature was higher in airflow restriction than control but soil temperatures did not differ. Both shade and airflow restriction had a negative effect on turf color in L93. Airflow restriction caused a greater reduction in mean color rating than shade in SR1020 but shade color did not differ from control. Turf density declined in both cultivars due to both airflow restriction and shade compared with control. Air restriction reduced density more than shade in SR1020 but not in L93. The severity of brown patch (caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn) and dollar spot (caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F.T. Bennett) in shade was less than in airflow restriction in both cultivars and less than control in SR1020. Soil moisture did not differ among treatments. Root mass was affected by both shade and airflow restriction in both cultivars and declined more rapidly in shade than in airflow restriction. Root glucose and fructose were not significantly affected by treatments.
Immunological and Cytopathological Assessment of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Females at Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Trichomonas vaginalisis a common parasitic protozoan with a cosmopolitan distribution responsible for the sexually transmitted trichomoniasis infection (Graves et al., 2019). The estimated annual incident cases by WHO were 156 million trichomoniasis cases in 2016 all over the world (Rowley et al., 2019). Approximately 80% of T. vaginalis infections are asymptomatic in both women and men (Sutton et al., 2007 & Poole and Mcclelland, 2013). Asymptomatic infected carriers are the main cause of spreading the infection in their community. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 4 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Structure-activity relationships in sweeteners. II. Saccharins, acesulfames, chlorosugars, tryptophans and ureas

Application a des series chimiques, connues comme edulcorants ou edulcorants potentiels, des notions de distances minimale, optimale et maximale (α, δ et ω) precedemment definies et traitement sur ordinateur a l'aide d'un programme STERIMOL