Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Spores of the Triassic Lycopsid Pleuromeia sternbergii (MÜnster) Corda: Morphology, Ultrastructure, Phylogenetic Implications, and Chronostratigraphic Inferences

In situ microspores and megaspores from two reference cones of Pleuromeia sternbergii have been investigated. Their morphological and ultrastructural features are compared with those of the spores of another Triassic Pleuromeia species, Pleuromeia rossica, and with those of extant Isoetaceae. These comparisons clearly show that the Triassic and recent spores share a number of features that distinguish the isoetalean spores. Because the walls of both the microspores and megaspores of P. sternbergii were variably damaged owing to their poor preservation and/or low resistance to chemical extraction treatments, their study also proved to be particularly instructive in several other respects. They clearly showed that the “laminated zones”—i.e., the proximal small structural differentiations of the exospore, which initially were known only in living lycopsid microspores—(i) are present in both microspores and megaspores of the Triassic genus Pleuromeia and (ii) correspond to the papillae (cushions, dark spots, etc.) described in microspores and megaspores from numerous extinct and sometimes very ancient lycopsids, most of which belong to the isoetaleans. These papillae/laminated zones thus appear to represent a taxonomically and phylogenetically significant feature that might be very useful for recognizing and tracing the isoetalean lineage within lycopsid history. Moreover, comparison of the taphonomic and processing damage present in these spores allows identification of close homologies between the wall components in the microspores and megaspores of Pleuromeia. As these data are the first reliable ones about these relationships, they open up new prospects about the connections linking many seemingly different sporoderm types. This study also demonstrated that both the microspores and megaspores of P. sternbergii that are assigned to Densoisporites nejburgii and Trileites polonicus, respectively, may show degradational forms that are attributed to other dispersed spore taxa, Endosporites papillatus and Talchirella daciae, respectively, with E. papillatus also representing a degradational form of Densoisporites playfordii that belongs to another lycopsid. These new palynological data undoubtedly have important implications, such as those regarding the distribution of Pleuromeia within the Triassic of Germany.
Boron

Objective: To evaluate the scientific evidence on boron including expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing. This review serves as a clinical support tool. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in nine databases, 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions were placed on language or quality of publications. All literature collected pertained to efficacy in humans, dosing, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy/lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory assays, and mechanisms of action. Standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria are utilized for selection. Grades were assigned using an evidence-based grading rationale. Results: There was a lack of systematic study on the safety and effectiveness of boron in humans. However, based on popular use and supportive scientific data, nine indications are discussed in this review: hormone regulation, improving cognitive function, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, vaginitis (topical), bodybuilding aid (increasing testosterone), menopausal symptoms, prevention of blood clotting (coagulation effects), and psoriasis (topical). Conclusion: Although studies assessing the use of boron for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are in preliminary stages, reports are promising. There is conflicting evidence to support the use of boron in hormonal regulation and cognitive function. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted. There is fair negative evidence regarding the use of boron as an anticoagulant, a bodybuilding aid, for menopausal symptoms, or for psoriasis. Excessive use may be harmful, and caution is advised.
Diet of the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, off the south coast of Portugal

Abstract The blue marlin, Makaira nigricans (Istiophoridae), is a large, top predator with a worldwide distribution whose feeding ecology is still unknown in the northeast Atlantic. The stomach contents of 24 Atlantic blue marlin, caught by the Big Game fishing fleet (between 2007 and 2010) off the south coast of Portugal, were studied. All marlin fed exclusively on pelagic fish, with a total of 180 prey items recorded, belonging to 6 identified species. The most important family in the blue marlin diet was Scombridae, representing 70% of the total prey items. Among the Scombridae, the chub mackerel, Scomber colias, was the most important prey species (47.9% by weight, 51.1% by number, 58.3% by frequency of occurrence). The length of prey found in the stomachs ranged from 136 to 727 mm in length, and a significant positive correlation was found between prey and blue marlin size. Our results suggest that in this geographical area (NE Atlantic) marlin feed on a small spectrum of species, with a preference for foraging on seamounts.
N-Terminal His-Tagged AtTPR7 Interactions with Hsp70 and Hsp90 Proteins

Post-translational protein import into organelles is an important process to maintain cellular functions. During preprotein transport in the cytosol, chaperones, such as heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), are functioning to prevent aggregation and to maintain the correct protein folding of preproteins. This research was conducted in order to understand the chaperone-mediated, post-translational import of preproteins into the endoplasmic reticulum of Arabidopsis thaliana. AtTPR7 (Arabidopsis thaliana Tetratrico Peptide Repeat 7) is found in the endoplasmic reticulum and contains TPR domain, which mediates protein interaction with cytosolic Hsp70 and Hsp90. In this study, recombinant AtTPR7 was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3)-RIPL cells and purified using an N-terminal His-tag. In order to study the interactions of the protein with the chaperones, we used pulldown and Western blot assays. We could thereby show that the N-terminally His-tagged AtTPR7 protein interacted with Hsp70 and Hsp90.
Employee Support for Alcohol Reduction Intervention Strategies in an Australian Railway

The current study surveyed employees of an Australian state railway (N = 4979), in order to assess perceptions of alcohol as a problem in the workplace, and employee support for alcohol intervention strategies. Of the sample, 13% reported having seen an alcohol-related accident. Eighty-four percent felt that alcohol affected the railway workplace, with absenteeism and health being the most frequently reported problems. Those reporting higher drinking frequency were the least likely to see alcohol as a problem for the workplace. Respondents felt that those coming to work drunk or hungover should discuss the issue with their supervisor or be sent to the employment assistance program (EAP) for counselling. Those who had sought help within the organization for drinking problems reported seeking help from workmates and EAP counsellors. Respondents felt that the organization should deal with alcohol in the workplace by providing education and information on its alcohol and drug policy and on the effects of alcohol in the workplace, and by encouraging use of the EAP. Those reporting higher frequency drinking showed least knowledge of the organization's policy, the least support for any intervention strategy, and the most support for doing nothing. Overall, this study attested to the importance of a clear, well-understood drug and alcohol policy within an organization, and to the need for education and support services such as those provided through an EAP.
Retention and Physiological Effects of Surgically Implanted Telemetry Transmitters in Blue Catfish

Abstract The study of movement in catfish via telemetry can be problematic because of transmitter expulsion. Information regarding transmitter retention in blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus is limited. We examined transmitter retention and physical condition after implantation in adult blue catfish (≥600 mm) for two surgical implantation methods. Fifteen fish were implanted with Vemco V16 transmitters that were left free floating in the abdominal cavity (traditional method). Another fifteen fish were implanted with capsules constructed to duplicate externally mounted Vemco V16 transmitters. These capsules were implanted in the abdominal cavity and then anchored to the pectoral girdle using sterile pseudo-monofilament suture (modified method). Fish were held in a flow-through circular tank for 244 d following surgery. Sixteen fish expelled their capsules, 10 from the traditional procedure and 6 from the modified procedure. Expulsions were observed between 23 and 243 d post surgery. The condition of fish with.
STRUCTURING THE QUADRATIC EFFECT OF MOTIVATION TOWARDS MENTAL TASKS PERFORMANCE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The concept of mental tasks performance is widely used, but practical evidence is essential to completely understand this construct and its related variables. The purpose of this paper was to explore the quadratic effect of motivation towards mental tasks performance and its relationship towards concentration, confidence, coping up with pressures and motivation among university students in the Philippines. Additionally, modern institutions are placing emphasis on motivation theories cognizant to mental task performance implications, Most of the studies focused on sports and descriptive findings lack critical investigation. Therefore, it is suggested that current theories could be developed as a new model. A questionnaire was adopted and version three of SmartPls software was utilized to structure the quadratic effect of motivation model with over four hundred respondents. All the suggested key drivers supported at the p-value <. 5 and no quadratic motivation effect on cope with pressure. A total variance explained of 59.2% was achieved. Replication of this study in the future would support the generalibility of findings.
Trends in strandings and by-catch of marine mammals in north-west Spain during the 1990s

Strandings of marine mammals on the north-western Spanish coast (Galicia) have been systematically recorded since 1990. A total of 1433 marine mammals belonging to 15 species was recorded from 1990 to 1999. The most frequently recorded species stranded were common dolphin (47%), bottlenose dolphin (11%) and harbour porpoise (7%). The number of strandings recorded increased annually over the study period, probably reflecting an increased observer effort. During 1996–1999, an average of 1·65 animals were stranded annually for each 10 km of coastline, the highest density of strandings recorded on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. More than 80% of the strandings were located on the western coast of Galicia, mainly in autumn and winter. During the study period, 42 proven incidental catches were recorded, although signs of by-catch were seen in a further 198 animals. The average size of stranded common dolphins and the proportion of males both increased towards the end of the calendar year.
Harmonic mean measure of animal activity areas

A new method of calculating centers and areas of animal activity is presented based on the harmonic mean of an areal distribution. The center of activity is located in the area of greatest activity; in fact, more than one “center” may exist. The activity area isopleth is related directly to the frequency of occurrence of an individual within its home range. The calculation of home range allows for the heterogeneity of any habitat and is illustrated with data collected near Corvallis, Oregon, on the brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani.)
5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan entrains the free-running rhythm in constant darkness in pygmy mice

L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the precursor of serotonin, has phase-resetting ability under constant conditions in mammals. However, it is not known whether it can entrain a free-running rhythm. We report that 5-HTP (50 mg/kg) entrains the free-running rhythm of Mus terricolor to 24 h, when presented once in 24 h at zeitgeber time (ZT) 6, corresponding to its previously known circadian time (CT) of maximum advance in complete darkness (CT 6), on the last pre-intervention day. This entrainment is accompanied by shortening of the period and visible after withdrawal of injections. After-effects may persist for a few days. The mechanistic explanation is currently unknown, but this probably occurs through serotonergic phase and period modifications. 5-HTP is thus potentially useful as a chronobiotic in circadian rhythm disorders.
Post-transcriptional gene silencing of chalcone synthase in transgenic petunias, cytosine methylation and epigenetic variation

Summary Post-transcriptional degradation of chalcone synthase RNA transcripts often occurs in petunia plants with additional copies of chalcone synthase genes. The cytosine methylation status of selected restriction endonuclease sites was studied in the chalcone synthase endogenous genes and transgenes of these plants. Methylation patterns varied between transformants and within a series of epigenetically related plants. There was heterogeneity in promoter transgene methylation patterns within and/or between cells, between leaves and flowers and between tandemly duplicated sequences. Thus methylation patterns are determined by more than the local DNA sequence or site of insertion. A site in the 5′ enhancer of the 35S promoter was methylated more frequently in white flowers than in purple flowers. An EcoRII site within the coding sequence of the endogenous ChsA genes is developmentally regulated, being frequently methylated in leaves but rarely in petals of wild-type petunias or stable purple flowered transgenic plants. However, in petals of many transgenic plants, especially those that show extensive post transcriptional RNA degradation, the site is frequently methylated. Thus the transgenes influence developmental methylation of the endogenous genes. In the transgenes the EcoRII site is usually more frequently methylated in petals than in leaves. RNA degradation in petals is correlated in one set of epigenetically related transgenic plants with hypomethylation at the transgene EcoRII site in leaves. Possible relationships between the cytosine methylation patterns in vegetative and floral cells, epigenetic states of ChsA genes and the control of RNA transcript degradation are discussed.
Impacts of trails on cliff-edge forest structure

Plant community structure and soil characteristics were quantitatively studied along forested cliff edges of the Niagara Escarpment in southern Ontario, Canada. The objective of the study was to try to differentiate between the effects of two gradients on vegetation structure: the environmental gradient between the cliff edge and dense forest, and an anthropogenic gradient, generated by the presence of major hiking trails parallel to the cliff edges. Species frequencies were determined along 69 transects distributed over eight sites with different amounts of past and present trampling disturbance. The data were analyzed using cluster and ordination analysis as well as analyses of variance. The results showed that soil characteristics were the major influence organizing the vegetation of cliff-edge forests and that soil properties and plant community structure were more strongly influenced by anthropogenic factors than by the environmental gradient between cliff edge and forest. Trampled plots had some pro.
Salmonella and Campylobacter in Broiler Carcasses In Vietnam

1 Central Laboratory of Diagnosis and Analysis, Department of Animal Health, 151 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 2 Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Brümmerstr, 10, 14195 Berlin, Germany; 3 International Animal Health, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Luisenstr, 56, D-10117 Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, Mae Hia. Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand
Editorial: Risk, Behaviour and Context in Drug Education and Prevention

Drug problems in the UK continue to claim the policy agenda and would appear to be increasingly integrated with broader policy concerns. Last year’s statement `The Government’s 10-Year Strategy for Tackling Drugs’ claimed that, `Drug problems do not occur in isolation. They are often tied in with other social problems’ (Cmd 3945, 1998). The statement addresses drug issues within the context of social inequalities and social exclusion. Such issues are receiving renewed attention in UK public health. As well as the arrival of a `Drug Czar’ , the UK has seen a newly created post of Minister for Public Health, and renewed vigor in public health which addresses smoking and other drugs as well as inequalities in health. Whilst the placing of drugs within the (new) public health perspective can be traced back to the late 1970s, there are elements of recent statements that appear to depart from the previous administration’s concerns. There seems to be a willingness to contextualize drug use or `drug behaviour’ and there is a noticeable shift away from the individualizing of drug problems. This contrasts starkly with some of the worst marginalization of drug users in the last two decades, strategies that Friedman in this journal referred to as the `Political economy of drug-user scapegoating’ (Friedman, 1998). Scapegoating and punitive, individualist political ideologies disempower drug users and communities, but they also in ̄ uence professional knowledge and practice. The potential for public health and health promotion initiatives to create new categories of suitable enemies or s̀ecular sinners’ has been noted by recent commentators on public health and risk (Douglas, 1992; Petersen & Lupton, 1996). Drug use de® ned as disease and crime can make drug users into s̀uper deviants’ subject to quarantine, imprisonment, involuntary treatment and mandatory sentencing (Reaves & Campbell, 1994). The authority of professions can be taken up in high pro® le national campaigns using metaphors of plague, epidemic, contagion, infestation and cancer. Whilst such language is more typical of the `war on drugs,’ the less high pro® le `new’ public health and health promoting approaches to drug misuse prevention are not without their regulatory implications. The UK 10 Year Strategy concentrates action in, `Areas of greatest need and risk’, acknowledging that àll drugs are harmful’. The concern for risk as well as need has become a feature of changing strategies of recent welfare governance characterized by concerns for `problem populations’ (Castel, 1991). These new strategies are replacing concerns for potentially `dangerous individuals’ with a combination of factors of risk. Professionals now focus on populations at risk rather than face-to-face individual contact. Welfare for individuals in need is transformed into a system for monitoring the health and welfare of populations at risk. Epidemiological survey data is extending t̀he gaze’ of the professional to newer populations deemed in need of prophylactic
Efeito da salinidade na emergência e crescimento inicial de plântulas de flamboyant

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different salt concentrations in irrigation water on the emergence and initial development of flamboyant (Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf. ) seedlings. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the Department of Plant Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semiarido - UFERSA, Mossoro-RN. The statistical design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates, each with 25 seeds. The treatments consisted of salt concentrations (0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1), obtained by adding NaCl to water so that the solutions were calibrated to the pre-established electrical conductivity values. The variables measured were: percentage of seedling emergence, rate of emergence, leaf area, seedling height, number of leaves, root length and shoot dry weight. Salinity negatively affects all variables directly proportional to its increase in the irrigation water, with the greatest seedling development at a dose of 0.5 dS m-1.
Tertiary palynology: Beaupreaidites and new Conospermeae (Proteoideae) affiliates

Late Eocene proteaceous pollen assemblages of southern Australia containnumerous specimens of Conospermeae affiliation. As many of these aremorphologically confusing or nondescript, they have often been overlooked orgrouped within other fossil pollen species. In the western Eucla and MurrayBasins these fossil pollen types fall into two major categories: small speciesconventionally referred to unrelated New Zealand fossil taxa, and thoseincluded in Beaupreaidites elegansiformis Cookson 1950or Beaupreaidites spp. Integrated microscopy of singlefossil grains and a thorough investigation of extant Conospermeae pollen typesaided an investigation of the morphology and affiliations of these problematicgroups. Beaupreaidites elegansiformis was originallyillustrated by three dissimilar specimens, each from a different locality. Ofthese, two can be aligned with Beauprea Brongn. & Gris. , and the other, the former lectotype, is an extinct form unrelated toBeauprea. The diagnosis ofBeaupreaidites Cookson emend. Martin is amplified;B. elegansiformis is emended and its lectotypesuperseded; B. orbiculatus Dettmann & Jarzen 1988 istransferred to Proteacidites; and five new species aredescribed (Beaupreaidites diversiformis,Proteacidites bireticulatus,P. carobelindiae, P. cirritulus,and P. marginatus). Proteacidites cirritulus can be positively aligned withpollen of the sclerophyllous genus Petrophile R.Br. , inparticular with species now endemic to eastern Australia. The remainingProteacidites species, previously assigned toBeaupreaidites, were likely to have been shed by extinctproteaceous taxa closely allied to Petrophile. Therelative abundance of Petrophile-like pollen in thepalynofloras of the western Eucla and Murray Basins implies the presence ofsclerophyll communities akin to heath, woodland, and/or dry sclerophyllforests in coastal southern Australia during the Late Eocene. Fossilproteaceous genera are reviewed. The species referred here toProteacidites cannot be accommodated within any singlegenus as described in a recent revision of fossil proteaceous genera. Therehas long been quiet dissent among Australian Tertiary palynologists withrespect to revisions of fossil proteaceous genera and their subsequentinterpretation. Consensus, rather than individual determination and conflict,is overdue.
Planting time for maximization of yield of vinegar plant calyx (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield of calyxes of Hibiscus sabdariffa L, a medicinal plant, at four planting times in Lavras - MG. The treatments were four planting times (October 18th, November 15th, December 18th 2001 and January 15th 2002) and a harvest was proceeded when practically there were no developing calyxes, almost at the end of the plant cycle. The numbers of calyxes per plant, the fresh and dry biomasses of calyxes and quality were taken into account. It follows that planting time influenced yield per plant and the fresh and dry biomasses of calyxes, differing from each other by Tukey test at 5%. In October planting, there was a higher yield (2,522kg/ha) with a yield 5.24 as high relative to the planting of the month of January (481 kg/ha). The planting s in the month of November to December showed yields of 1,695 and 1,093 kg/ha of dry calyxes, respectively and in relation to the same months of January, yield was of 3.52 to 2.27 times more. Harvest must be done as soon as the calyxes are ripe in order to preserve quality.