Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cancer Incidence among Finnish Workers Exposed to Halogenated Hydrocarbons

Epidemiologic studies and long-term carcinogenicity studies in experimental animals suggest that some halogenated hydrocarbons are carcinogenic. To investigate whether exposure to trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, or 1,1,1-trichloroethane increases carcinogenic risk, a cohort of 2050 male and 1924 female workers monitored for occupational exposure to these agents was followed up for cancer incidence in 1967 to 1992. The overall cancer incidence within the cohort was similar to that of the Finnish population. There was an excess of cancers of the cervix uteri and lymphohematopoietic tissues, however. Excess of pancreatic cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma was seen after 10 years from the first personal measurement. Among those exposed to trichloroethylene, the overall cancer incidence was increased for a follow-up period of more than 20 years. There was an excess of cancers of the stomach, liver, prostate, and lymphohematopoietic tissues combined. Workers exposed to 1,1,1-trichloroethane had increased risk of multiple myeloma and cancer of the nervous system. The study provides support to the hypothesis that trichloroethylene and other halogenated hydrocarbons are carcinogenic for the liver and lymphohematopoietic tissues, especially for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study also documents excess of cancers of the stomach, pancreas, cervix uteri, prostate, and the nervous system among workers exposed to solvents.
Effect of harvest date, drying, short-term storage and freezing after chilling on the germination of rowan seeds

ABSTRACT The effects of seed pretreatment and harvest date on the germination of European rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L) seeds were examined. In one experiment, seeds were subjected to drying, storage, soaking, warm and chilling treatments after harvesting in mid- and late August. In another experiment, fully imbibed (FI) seeds were given warm treatment for six weeks and then various durations of chilling (4 ± 1°C) for up to 24 weeks. Thereafter, the seeds were adjusted to target moisture content of 35% and 30% or remained in the FI state and were then subjected to either subsequent chilling or freezing (−3°C) for up to 32 weeks. The treated seeds were allowed to germinate at a constant 15°C with 8 hours of lighting per day. Treatment effects were generally consistent for each harvest date. Seeds did not germinate unless they were chilled and germination rates were low unless the seeds were soaked. Warm treatment applied before chilling appeared to induce dormancy. The effect of storage varied with harvest date and storage treatment, with germination being highest for seeds harvested in late August. Mild freezing of ≥16 weeks duration following 16–24 weeks initial chilling resulted in >80% germination, more than could be achieved using chilling alone.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF Trichogramma pretiosum RILEY ON Trichoplusia ni HÜBNER UNDER DIFFERENT THERMAL CONDITIONS

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on eggs of Trichoplusia ni Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) when submitted to different thermal conditions. Cartons containing eggs of T. ni were daily exposed to parasitism by females of T. pretiosum for 24 h at the temperatures of 18; 21; 24; 27; 30 and 33°C until death of the females. Based on the data collected, fertility life tables were constructed. The greatest daily fertility was obtained in the first day of parasitism for the temperature of 30°C (8.2 eggs/female), while the greatest total fertility was obtained at the temperature of 21°C (23.1 eggs/female). Survival of T. pretiosum was lowest at the highest temperatures. The Ro was similar for the temperature range of 24 to 30°C. The r m and λ were directly proportional to the increase in temperature in the range studied (18 to 33°C). On the other hand, T and Td were inversely proportional to the increase in temperature. Therefore, it was concluded that temperature affects the reproductive performance of T. pretiosum and that the most favorable temperature range for this parasitoid is between 24 and 27°C.
Movements and home range of the gaboon adder, Bitis gabonica gabonica, in Zululand, South Africa

ABSTRACT Gaboon adders are active throughout the year, but are largely sedentary. In their prime habitat of forest–thicket–grassland mosaic in Zululand their normal foraging movements are short range, punctuated by long periods of inactivity. Occasional long distance movements suggest changes in foraging area, but these movements take place within a home range, to which the snakes show long-term fidelity. The snakes breed during the southern autumn, March to May. A male adder tracked during the breeding season performed a long, looping excursion well outside its home range. During this sally, through marginal to poor habitats and prime terrain, movements were rapid, with only short spells of inactivity, and little apparent foraging behaviour. This excursion is interpreted as mate-seeking with males actively searching for sedentary females.
Effects of acid washing on stable isotope ratios of C and N in penaeid shrimp and seagrass: Implications for food-web studies using multiple stable isotopes

We investigated the effects of acid washing on the carbon and nitrogen composition and stable isotope ratios of C and N in shrimp (Metapenaeus spp.) and seagrass (Enhalus acoroides). Acid washing did not affect the mean 6’ 3C ratios for juvenile Metapenaeus moyebi and resulted in only an ecologically insignificant change (0.3%0) in mean P3C ratios for larger Metapenaeus bennettae. In contrast, acid washing increased the mean 615N signatures of shrimp tissue (- 3G) and decreased that of seagrass (N 1.89&) to a degree that may confound the interpretation of food webs. The increase in %C and %N in both shrimp and seagrass after acid washing suggests that the changes in isotope ratios are due to loss of molecules comparatively low in C and N. Treating samples by acid washing also resulted in an increase in the variation among individuals for both 615N and 613C, which would lead to a loss of statistical power for testing differences between species, sites, or seasons.
Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by Fermented Milk and Soymilk Using Select Lactic Acid Bacteria and Link to Enrichment of Lactic Acid and Phenolic Content

Ulcer-associated dyspepsia is caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori which is linked to the majority of peptic ulcers. Antibiotic treatment does not always inhibit or kill H. pylori with potential for antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the potential of lactic acid bacterial fermented milk and soymilk products to inhibit H. pylori. All fermented product extracts had inhibitory potential, except for Lactobacillus bulgaricus fermented soymilk sample. Further, the addition of cranberry–chitosan oligosaccharide mixture to the fermented substrates did not inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP2) but further enhanced H. pylori inhibition. The observed H. pylori inhibition was correlated to the increased total phenolic content in the fermented extracts due to cranberry phenolics. These results confirm the potential of lactic acid bacterial fermented milk and soymilk products to inhibit H. pylori. When combined with cranberry phenolics and prebiotic chitosan oligosaccharide, the same lactic acid bacterial fermented extracts can be used as a natural constituent of multiple-barrier system to inhibit ulcer-linked H. pylori.
Biology and seasonal activity of giant brown bark aphid Pterochloroides persicae (Cholodk.) on peach trees in Egypt

Studies were carried out on the biology and ecology of Pterochloroides persicae (Cholodk.), under field conditions on peach trees in Shebin El‐Kom, Egypt. The aphid developed through 18 overlapping parthenogenetic generations (anholocyclic species) throughout the whole year. The reproductive, pre‐ and post‐reproductive periods, fecundity and longevity were determined. There were two annual peaks in the proportion of alatae viviparae in the population, the major one at the end of April and May, and the another one at the end of October. However, these alatae spread the infestation.
Model‐based assessment of local‐scale fish larval connectivity in a network of marine protected areas

We assessed by numerical modeling the coastal fish larval dispersion along the southern coast of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, NW Mediterranean) with the objective of determining the factors that contribute to successful recruitment. We assumed that fish larvae dispersal is mainly regulated by physical transport. Currents are mainly wind driven in this area; therefore, changes in wind forcing have a first-order impact on larval transport. The synoptic wind patterns were systematically analyzed based on self-organizing map analysis. The wind fields were clustered using a neural network pattern recognition approach into two modes, producing opposite along-shelf flow. The seasonal changes between spring and summer in the dominance of either mode modulate the along-shelf circulation, producing flow shifts under some circumstances. This variability in the wind regime was consistent throughout the 10 years analyzed (2000‐2009). Using the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) and a particletracking algorithm, we analyzed the effect of windforced currents in the connectivity among near-shore habitats. We show that, at the spatial scale considered, the coastal morphology and stochastic wind forcing favor local recruitment (mean of 30% self-recruitment). Maximum transport distances of 20‐30 km were typically associated with particles left to drift for 21 days. The implications for the performance of the four marine protected areas near SW Mallorca Island are discussed. Our results suggest that, although wind episodes determine the fate of short-time spawning events, on a seasonal basis, regular larval supply to coastal zones is ensured by wind stochasticity.
Leaf dry matter content and lateral spread predict response to land use change for six subalpine grassland species

Abstract Question: Land-use change has a major impact on terrestrial plant communities by affecting fertility and disturbance. We test how particular combinations of plant functional traits can predict species responses to these factors and their abundance in the field by examining whether trade-offs at the trait level (fundamental trade-offs) are linked to trade-offs at the response level (secondary trade-offs). Location: Central French Alps. Methods: We conducted a pot experiment in which we characterized plant trait syndromes by measuring whole plant and leaf traits for six dominant species, originating from contrasting subalpine grassland types. We characterized their response to nutrient availability, shading and clipping. We quantified factors linked with different land usage in the field to test the relevance of our experimental treatments. Results: We showed that land management affected nutrient concentration in soil, light availability and disturbance intensity. We identified particular suites of traits linked to plant stature and leaf structure which were associated with species responses to these environmental factors. Leaf dry matter content separates fast and slow growing species. Height and lateral spread separated tolerant and intolerant species to shade and clipping. Discussion and Conclusion: Two fundamental trade-offs based on stature traits and leaf traits were linked to two secondary trade-offs based on response to fertilization shade and mowing. Based on these trade-offs, we discuss four different species strategies which could explain and predict species distributions and traits syndrome at community scale under different land-uses in subalpine grasslands. Nomenclature: Tutin et al. (1964–1980).
THE PROTECTION OF BEER FOAM AGAINST LIPID-INDUCED DESTABILIZATION

Addition of small quantities (10–20 μg/ml) of a lipid binding protein from wheat to degassed beer was shown to significantly reduce lipid induced destabilisation of beer foam. The protein was found to be very effective against addition of free fatty acids, phospholipid and triglycerides to beer prior to foaming. The mechanism of action may involve binding of the free lipids in the beer which prevents the lipid-induced disruption of the adsorbed protein layer at the air-water interfaces of foam Iamellae.
Evaluation of Capture Techniques on Lesser Prairie-Chicken Trap Injury and Survival

Abstract Ethical treatment of research animals is required under the Animal Welfare Act. This includes trapping methodologies that reduce unnecessary pain and duress. Traps used in research should optimize animal welfare conditions within the context of the proposed research study. Several trapping techniques are used in the study of lesser prairie-chickens, despite lack of knowledge of trap injury caused by the various methods. From 2006 to 2012, we captured 217, 40, and 144 lesser prairie-chickens Tympanuchus pallidicinctus using walk-in funnel traps, rocket nets, and drop nets, respectively, in New Mexico and Texas, to assess the effects of capture technique on injury and survival of the species. We monitored radiotagged, injured lesser prairie-chickens 7–65 d postcapture to assess survival rates of injured individuals. Injuries occurred disproportionately among trap type, injury type, and sex. The predominant injuries were superficial cuts to the extremities of males captured in walk-in funnel traps.
Review of Apoplophora (Acari: Oribatida: Mesoplophoridae), with the description of a new species from China

The oribatid mite genus Apoplophora Aoki, 1980 (Mesoplophoridae) is reviewed, and a checklist and key to all known species are provided. Three species of Apoplophora including a new species, Apoplophora dentata sp. nov. from Tibet, and a newly recorded species from China, Apoplophora heterotricha Mahunka, 1987, are identified, and their morphological descriptions and illustrations are also given.
Predicting range shifts under global change: the balance between local adaptation and dispersal

Bioclimate envelope models (BEMs) have often been criticized as being too simplistic due to e.g. not incorporating effects of biotic interactions or evolutionary adaptation. However, BEMs are widely applied and have proven to be often useful. Here we investigate, under which conditions evolution of dispersal, local adaptation or interspecific competition may be of minor importance for forecasting future range shifts. Therefore we use individual-based simulations of metapopulations under climate change living in spatial temperature gradients. Scenarios incorporate single-species systems or systems with competing species, respectively. Dispersal rate is evolving and adaptation to local conditions may also evolve in some scenarios. Results show that in single-species scenarios excluding evolutionary adaptation, species either follow optimal habitat conditions or go extinct if habitat connectivity is too low. These simulations are in close accordance to predictions from BEMs. Including evolutionary adaptation qualitatively changes these results. In the absence of competing species the species either completely invades the world or goes extinct. With competitors, results strongly depend on habitat fragmentation. For highly connected habitats the range border may shift as predicted by BEMs, for intermediate connectivity it will lag behind, while species will go extinct if fragmentation is too high. Our results indicate that (simple) BEMs may work well if habitats are well connected and species will not encounter many difficulties in dispersing to new sites. Selection in this case may promote evolution of even higher dispersal activities. We thus show that the presence of biotic interactions may be ignored for predictions of range shifts when high dispersal can be expected.
Epidemiological Profile

In a retrospective study of endoscopy clinic patients in Northern Italy from 1981 to 1985, the number of confirmed duodenal ulcers (DU) exceeded that of gastric ulcers (GU) by a ratio of 6.6 to 1. This is in marked contrast to findings from recent studies in Northern Europe, but similar to those in the United States. Of 1,383 patients studied, 33% exhibited DU, 5% had GU, and 1% had both duodenal and gastric lesions; 20% were diagnosed with nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD), while the remaining 41% had other upper gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with confirmed peptic ulcers (n = 531) were compared to those with NUD (n = 271). Significant differences were noted regarding sex, smoking habits, symptomatology, and hospitalization rates. Patients with endoscopically or radiologically confirmed peptic ulcers were more often males and smokers. They more often presented with typical symptoms and had higher total hospitalization rates than NUD patients. No differences were noted regarding age distribution or coffee or alcohol consumption.
Exploitation of heterosis for bioethanol production in sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench.) hybrids.

A study was conducted in sweet sorghum to estimate the magnitude of heterosis for bio-ethanol and biomass yield, thirty F 1 hybrids derived from five Lines x Six testers cross combinations were evaluated in kharif 2012 along with their parents and check (CSH 22 SS) for heterosis to identify promising hybrids of sweet sorghum for bioethanol characters at three different locations viz: Allahabad (E 1 ), Solapur (E 2 ) and Hyderabad (E 3 ). Heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check were studied for bio-ethanol and biomass yield traits. Hybrid NSS 1016 A x UK 81 had shown (354.10% and 282.52%), (507.94% and 365.94%), (306.81% and 214.79%) highest heterobeltiosis and economic heterosis in E 1 , E 2 and E 3 respectively. Whereas, for biomass yield trait, the hybrid NSS 8 A x SSV 84 had shown (251.14% and 186.40%), ICSA 675 X UK 81 (285.90% and 244.82% ) and PMS71A X SSV 84 (193.80% and 137.56% ) had shown highest heterobeltiosis and economic heterosis in environment E 1 , E 2 and E 3 respectively. These two hybrids were found to be promising hybrids for further breeding programme as they exhibited significant positive heterobeltiosis and economic heterosis for bio-ethanol and biomass yield related traits. Hence, it can be concluded that heterosis would be more reliable in identification and isolation of superior hybrids.
Application of two methods for determining diet of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus)

Examination of hard parts recovered from scats (feces) is currently the most common method for determining the diet of pinnipeds. However, large or sharp prey remains may be spewed (regurgitated) biasing prey composition and size estimations in diet studies based on scats. Percent frequency of occurrence (FO%) and age or size of selected prey remains recovered from northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) scat (n=3444) and spew samples (n=267) collected from rookeries on St. George Island and St. Paul Island, Alaska, between 1990 and 2000 were compared to determine if a bias in prey composition and age or size estimations existed between scats and spews. Overall prey composition was similar between sample type and location, but the relative FO% of primary prey (≥5%) varied by sample type and location. Age or size estimates of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and of two species of gonatid squids (Gonatopsis borealis and Berryteuthis magister) were significantly larger in spews than in scats. Observed differences in FO% and estimated age or size of prey species whose remains were found in scats and spews likely result from size-selective digestion of prey remains. Scats were biased toward smaller prey remains, whereas spews were biased toward larger prey remains and cephalopod beaks. The percent overlap between age classes of walleye pollock caught by the commercial trawl fishery and age classes of walleye pollock consumed by northern fur seals varied noticeably between sample types for both islands (scats: St. George=15. 5%; St. Paul=4.1%; spews: St. George=94.6%; St. Paul=89.6%). These results demonstrate that the inclusion of multiple sampling methods allows for a more accurate assessment of northern fur seal prey occurrence and prey age and size.
GENETIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE IN INDUCED MUTAGENESIS BLACK GRAM (VIGNA MUNGO L. HEPPER)

Blackgram or urdbean, being a fourth important pulse crop in India has low genetic variability, low harvest index and improvement in its productivity is a challenge till date. Mutation population was developed by treating the EMS and Gamma rays. The genetic variability parameters were studied in a M 2 generation. The higher estimates of PCV were observed for all the traits, when compared with GCV. High estimates of PCV and GCV was observed for primary branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plan and single plant yield. High heritability per cent and high genetic advance as percentage of mean was found for number of primary branches and seed yield per plant. It indicating under the control of additive gene effects, may serve as better source for breeding programme to develop high yielding varieties.
Seroprevalence of brucellosis in domestic ruminants in livestock-wildlife interface: A case study of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha, Tanzania

A limited study was conducted to determine prevalence of brucellosis in domestic ruminants kept in a free range grazing system in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) which is a world heritage site in which pastoralists communities have been living harmoniously with wildlife for decades. Blood samples from 200 cattle, 87 goats and 13 sheep were collected by venipuncture into plain vacutainer tubes. Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Microagglutination Test were used to detect antibodies against brucellosis in sera obtained from sampled blood. It was observed that 14.28% adult cows, 7.54% heifers, 2.38% bulls, 11.9 does, 10.7% bucks, and 10% ewes showed positive reactions to RBPT. When same samples were tested with MAT, 10.05% adult cows, 7.54% heifers, 2.38% bulls, 13.8% does, 14.3% bucks, and 3% ewes tested positive. Based on these serological tests it was concluded that brucellosis is endemic in pastoral livestock in NCA and that the reported increase in human brucellosis among pastoralists living in the NCA might be associated with domestic ruminants which are the sole source of food and income for the pastoralist in the area. Wildlife-domestic animals interaction phenomenon in NCA can as well be viewed as a significant means with which zoonoses are maintained in such ecosystem. Key words : Prevalence, brucellosis, livestock-wildlife interface, other zoonoses