Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Process catalyzers in Amazonian rivers: large woody debris modifies ecosystem processes across freshwater habitats

Understanding the role of interactions in in ﬂ uencing community structure and ecosystem function is a goal in ecology, and identifying biotic entities that are strong interactors is imperative for set-ting targeted conservation strategies. Several different mechanisms have been linked with strongly interacting species (e.g., predation, competition, abiotic habitat modi ﬁ cation), but the most important organisms often in ﬂ uence ecosystems in multiple ways. We propose that these strong interactors share a broad common feature: They catalyze ecosystem processes, such as rates of primary productivity, species interactions, and/or physical disturbances. We provide a case study of Spanish cedar ( Cedrela odorata ), focusing on its in ﬂ uence as a provider of large woody debris (LWD) on food web dynamics in tropical ﬂ oodplain rivers and associated oxbow lakes. Large woody debris has been subject to considerable atten-tion because of its perceived importance in creating geomorphologically favorable conditions for target commercial species (e.g., distribution of pools and rif ﬂ e for salmonids). However, in this study we suggest that LWD catalyzes a suite of ecological processes in addition to geomorphology that determines its important role within aquatic communities. Through a factorial experiment manipulating large and small ﬁ sh access to treatments with and without LWD piles, we tested the role of Spanish cedar in modifying interactions between different-sized ﬁ shes, invertebrates, and primary producers in a tropical ﬂ oodplain river and associated oxbow lake. Path analysis revealed that ﬁ shes in ﬂ uence particulate matter accumulation and invertebrate abundances more so in wood piles than outside of wood piles in both river and lake ecosystem contexts. In addition to providing the ﬁ rst experimental test of factors controlling trophic dynamics in an Amazonian river, we suggest that understanding the role of organisms through the ecological processes they catalyze provides an overarching conceptual framework to link single species and ecosystem-based management strategies.
Genetic variability for cyanogen and trypsin inhibitor contents in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Sorghum is a staple food in the arid and semi-arid tropics, and is an important animal and bird feed in some developed countries. Very limited reports are available on anti-nutritional factors in sorghum. Grains of 200 sorghum genotypes including adapted cultivars and parental lines were characterized for the levels of cyanogens and trypsin inhibitor. Significant variation was observed for cyanogens (14.2-173.6 ppm) and trypsin inhibitor (1.6-12.8 TIU). The popular cultivars and parental lines had only moderate levels of these anti-nutritional factors. Selected 33 genotypes including the ones with extreme values were reanalyzed and the results were confirmed with high correlation for cyanogens (r = 0.96, p < 0.001), while in case of trypsin inhibitor a moderate correlation (r = 0.41, p = 0.04) was obtained. The results show that presence of cyanogens and trypsin inhibitors in sorghum do not pose a serious challenge to the nutritional quality as perceived previously in the developed world.
Reactions to Bioabsorbable Suture Thread Embedded in Rat Subcutaneous Tissue

: We examined the subcutaneous tissue reactions in rats to bioabsorbable suture thread using histopathological methods. Using Wister rats, Vicryl ® , a bioabsorbable suture thread, was embedded into the subcutaneous tissue and histopathological examination was carried out after 4 weeks. Cholesterin crystals were used for the control. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry for CD68 was done. Histopathological examination showed proliferation of granulation tissues in both experimental and control groups. The majority of cells in the granulation tissues were macrophages and giant cells. Fibroblasts were also observed in the proliferating granulation tissues surrounding the embedded bioabsorbable suture thread. Immunohistochemistry revealed that macrophages and giant cells were positive to CD68. The results suggest that the embedded bioabsorbable suture thread is not only fabricated to undergo absorption but also for phagocytosis by macrophages and foreign body giant cells.
Activity of Dehydrogenases as an Indicator of Soil Environment Quality

Activity of dehydrogenases (DHs) indicates the presence of viable and physiologically active (physiologically active or physiological activity) microorganisms. Their presence (activity) in soil is correlated with the content of organic carbon, microorganisms, nitrifying activity and microbial respiration. Determination of DHs activity allows to control changes in soil microbial population and is considered as an important parameter of soil quality. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different farming systems on the enzymatic activity in soil under winter wheat. The research was conducted in the years 2014–2016 on long-term field experiment under two different farming systems (ecological and conventional) at the IUNG (PIB) Experimental Station located in Osiny (Lublin Voivodeship), Poland. Each farming system differs in crop rotation system and whole agrotechnics, which have been adapted to its specificity. Determination of DHs activity was performed using Casida et al.’s (1964) method with modifications. Measured DHs activity was expressed in milligrams of triphenyl formazan (TPF) per 100 g of soil within 24 hours. The results showed that ecological farming system beneficially influenced soil environment.
Population genetic evaluations within a co‐distributed taxonomic group: a multi‐species approach to conservation planning

Multi‐species approaches provide valuable insight for conservation planning, yet most studies focus on only one species while generalizing across taxa. Here, we employed 5–14 microsatellite DNA loci to evaluate population genetic patterns and future vulnerability for a freshwater turtle assemblage distributed across north‐eastern Illinois. Focal species (Emydoidea blandingii, Clemmys guttata, Chrysemys picta and Chelydra serpentina) differ in conservation status as well as in ecological and life‐history traits, which modulate gene flow across heterogeneous landscapes. We hypothesized (1) common and more ubiquitous species (C. picta and C. serpentina) would exhibit higher levels of genetic connectivity compared to species more restricted in distributions and with an elevated conservation status (E. blandingii and C. guttata) and (2) endangered species exhibit a greater loss of future genetic diversity. We found that genetic patterns varied considerably among co‐distributed species. Endangered species had lower levels of genetic diversity and gene flow, more pronounced genetic structure and a higher risk of genetic drift compared to common species, thus supporting our hypotheses. The observed patterns are potentially attributable to life‐history and ecological traits and will affect the long‐term viability of the four species within a modified north‐eastern Illinois landscape. Our study is an important first step for understanding how landscape features and species‐specific traits interact to affect gene flow and population genetic structure within altered landscapes. It also underscores how multi‐species approaches can be informative for conservation actions.
DISSECTING THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL SWITCH UNDERLYING SEXUAL COMMITMENT IN PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM & TRANSCRIPTIONAL PROFILING OF DISSOCIATED ADULT CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS CELLS FROM FOUR MAJOR SOMATIC TISSUES

Understanding the transcriptional landscape of an organism is paramount to understanding its biology. The transcriptome of an organism, tissue, or cell is to a large degree, what defines its identity. In my thesis I interrogate the transcriptional landscape of two disparate organisms: the single-cell malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and the multicellular nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Despite their wildly disparate biology, transcriptional profiling offers great insights into the mechanisms that define developmental transitions and celltypes in both organisms. The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is a global health threat that affects hundreds of millions. Transmission of the parasite from its human host into the mosquito vector requires the parasite undergoes a developmental transition from its intraerythrocytic asexual stage to the sexually differentiated gametocyte. Using genome-wide methodologies the apiAP2 transcription factor AP2-G was identified switch controlling this developmental transition. Herein, we demonstrate how AP2-G is essential for parasite sexual differentiation and transmission. This is the first description of a transcriptional switch controlling sexual differentiation in a protozoan parasite, and marks an exciting new target in the fight to eliminate malarial disease worldwide. Characterizing the unaltered in vivo transcriptome of major tissues is critical to fully understanding the genomic landscape of any multicellular organism. In adult C. elegans the tough outer cuticle has until now prevented the isolation of individual tissues. We developed a technique to lyse adult C. elegans to dissociate the interior cells largely intact. Combining this technique with expression of tissue-specific fluorescent proteins and fluorescence activated cell sorting we can transcriptionally profile individual cell types using next-generation technologies.
Discriminant Function Method of Selection in Vegetable Cowpea Genotypes

Vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is one of the important food legumes and a valuable component of the traditional cropping systems in the semiarid tropics (Singh et al., 2002; Ayisi et al., 2000). The crop is adaptable to harsh environments and withstands extreme temperatures, water limiting conditions and poor soil fertility. It yields well in harsh environments where other food legumes do not thrive. Due to adaptation versatility, ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and considerable level of seed protein, minerals and vitamin contents cowpea should significantly contribute as viable and alternative crop in low input farming systems. The economic worth of a plant depends upon several characters so while selecting a desirable plant from a segregating population the plant breeder has to give due consideration to characters of economic importance. Selection index is one such method of selecting plants for crop improvement based on several characters of importance. This method was proposed by Smith (1947) using discriminant function of Fisher (1936). Smith suggested that a better way of exploiting genetic correlation with several traits having high heritability is to construct an index, called selection index, which combines information on all the Twenty two diverse genotypes of vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. Unguiculata [L.] Verde.) were evaluated for yield and a few related characters in a field experiment in randomized block design with three replications during 201112 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum, Kerala. Discriminant function technique was adopted for the construction of selection index for yield using fruit yield per plant (X7) and the component characters viz., vine length (X1), days to first flowering (X2), pod length (X3), pod girth (X4), pod width (X5) and number of pods per plant (X6). These component characters showed relatively stronger association with yield and could form a valuable selection index for yield in this crop. Among Twenty two genotypes, VU 7 (1475.31) followed by VU 1 (1468.72) and VU14 (1426.92) recorded high selection index values and VU 3 (908.28), recorded low selection index value. K e y w o r d s
Evaluation of in Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Solvent Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants and Their Synergistic Efficacy

ABSTRACT Antioxidant activities of aerial parts of solvent extracts of Alysicarpus procumbens, Fimbristylis dichotoma, Saccharum spontaneum, Suaeda nigra, and Typha angustifolia were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) superoxide anion radical, 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethyl) benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free-radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Solvent extracts of these plants showed different levels of antioxidant activity that were closely related to the total phenolic content; the methanol extracts exhibited synergistic antioxidant activity, however not different from that of individual extracts.
The late‐Holocene decline of Tilia in relation to climate and human activities – pollen evidence from 42 sites in southern Sweden

The dominant role of Tilia in primeval forests of Scandinavia has long been recognized, but the timing and mechanisms for its decline have not been completely unravelled. A particular uncertainty involves the balance between climate and human activities as the drivers of the change. One reason for the uncertainty is the challenge in evaluating the past cover of the genus owing to its poorly dispersed pollen; another is that a multi‐site study would be required to trace subregional differences. To overcome these obstacles, we here apply two different analytical methods to pollen data from 42 sites in two distinct vegetation zones of Sweden.
The Visceral Organ, Gastrointestinal Tract and Blood Characteristics in Pegagan Ducks Fed Ration Fermented by Tape Yeast with Different Moisture Content

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of administration diet containing locally sourced materials fermented by tape yeast with different moisture content on the weight of the visceral organs, gastrointestinal tract and blood chemistry and profile of Pegagan ducks. As many as 200 Pegagan ducks aged 3 days were kept for 6 weeks in colony cages. This study used a completely randomized design that consisted of 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The treatments tested were symbolized as P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 based on the level of moisture content used in the fermentation process of ration, namely control, 40, 50, 60 and 70%. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance continued by Duncan’s multiple range test at 5%. The weight of gizzard, pancreas, crop-oesophagus, proventriculus, the total of small intestine and ceca were significantly (p 0.05) on the weight of bile, liver, spleen, heart, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and rectum. Furthermore, blood cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL of Pegagan ducks were significantly (p>0.05) different. It can be concluded that the fermentation process of locally sourced ration using a moisture content of 50% gives the optimal result on the weight of visceral organ, gastrointestinal tract and also blood chemistry and profile of Pegagan ducks.
The effect of dietary Bacillus subtilis supplementation on the growth performance, blood profile, nutrient retention, and caecal microflora in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the B. subtilis RX7 and B. subtilis C14 on the growth performance, blood profiles, nutrient retention, and caecal microflora of broiler chickens. A total of 288, 1-d-old Ross 308 male broilers were assigned to one of four dietary treatment groups for 35 days; the negative control (NC; basal diet with no antibiotic or B. subtilis), positive control (PC; NC + 40 ppm avilamycin), T1 (NC + 0.1% B. subtilis RX7 1.0×109 cfu/g), and T2 (NC + 0.1% B. subtilis C14 1.0×109 cfu/g). B. subtilis supplementation led to significantly higher weight gain than that in the NC. The serum haptoglobin concentration was lower in the Bacillus groups than in the NC and PC groups. The energy retention of broilers fed B. subtilis was significantly higher than that of the NC and PC broilers. The numbers of caecal Lactobacillus or Salmonella in the Bacillus groups were higher and lower, respectively, than those in the numbers in the NC and PC. The results showed that B. subtilis RX7 and C14 increased the weight gain, energy retention, and caecal Lactobacillus numbers and decreased serum haptoglobin levels and caecal Salmonella numbers in broiler chickens.
Synapsis and recombination of autosomes and sex chromosomes in two terns (Sternidae, Charadriiformes, Aves)

and chromosomes, localized the pseudoauto-somal regions and estimated their lengths. In spite of several autosomal rearrangements, which differentiate these species, the structure and synaptic patterns of the sex chromosomes have not changed over 9 MY, which have passed since the moment of divergence between the genera Sterna and Chlidonias .
Topographic and fire weather controls of fire refugia in forested ecosystems of northwestern North America

Fire refugia, sometimes referred to as fire islands, shadows, skips, residuals, or fire remnants, are an important element of the burn mosaic, but we lack a quantitative framework that links observations of fire refugia from different environmental contexts. Here, we develop and test a conceptual model for how predictability of fire refugia varies according to topographic complexity and fire weather conditions. Refugia were quantified as areas unburned or burned at comparatively low severity based on remotely sensed burn severity data. We assessed the relationship between refugia and a suite of terrain-related explanatory metrics by fitting a collection of boosted regression tree models. The models were developed for seven study fires that burned in conifer-dominated forested landscapes of the Western Cordillera of Canada between 2001 and 2014. We fit nine models, each for distinct levels of fire weather and terrain ruggedness. Our framework revealed that the predictability and abundance of fire refugia varied among these environmental settings. We observed highest predictability under moderate fire weather conditions and moderate terrain ruggedness (ROC-AUC = 0.77), and lowest predictability in flatter landscapes and under high fire weather conditions (ROC-AUC = 0.63–0.68). Catchment slope, local aspect, relative position, topographic wetness, topographic convergence, and local slope all contributed to discriminating where refugia occur but the relative importance of these topographic controls differed among environments. Our framework allows us to characterize the predictability of contemporary fire refugia across multiple environmental settings and provides important insights for ecosystem resilience, wildfire management, conservation planning, and climate change adaptation.
Growth Comparison of Female Goats Fed with Treated Soybean Cake and Urea Incorporated Concentrate Mixture in Fodder Based Basal Diet in Western Hills of Nepal

The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is significant throughout the world today, fulfilling a number of needs of various cultural groups. Feeding value of treated soybean cake and urea to goats is not evaluated so far. Therefore, a study was carried out on growing female Khari and Jamunapari and Barberi crosses at Agriculture Research Station (Goat), Bandipur, Tanahun. Twelve female kids (4 – Khari, 4 – Jamunapari cross and 4Barberi cross) just after weaning of age five months with average body weight of 10.08 kg were selected for experiment (150 days) and were divided into two groups having six animals ( 2 animals of each breed) in each group by using Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Two types of concentrate mixture (urea and treated soybean cake incorporated) were formulated with 16% of crude protein content. Dry matter requirement was taken @ 4 kg per 100 kg body weight.
The New Zealand endemic Plagiochila caducifolia is a disjunct population of Plagiochila spinulosa (Plagiochilaceae: Jungermanniopsida)

ABSTRACT We present molecular data demonstrating that the New Zealand endemic Plagiochila caducifolia represents an isolated population of Plagiochila (sect. Arrectae) spinulosa, a species previously thought confined to the eastern Holarctic but which also occurs in Lesotho, southern Africa. In New Zealand, the wide distribution of P. spinulosa in undisturbed and relatively isolated habitats throughout the South Island is consistent with an indigenous, rather than adventive, species. Plagiochila spinulosa is the first reported bipolar disjunct species within the Plagiochilaceae. Although other bipolar disjunctions are known in vascular and non-vascular plants, they usually involve species with wider circumboreal or circumarctic distributions, presumably indicating an origin in the Northern Hemisphere. Most species of Plagiochila sect. Arrectae reproduce asexually by caducous leaves and have disjunct distributions; the significance of this correlation and biogeographic patterns in this lineage both require testing against additional data.
A HVS-inspired Attention Map to Improve CNN-based Perceptual Losses for Image Restoration

Deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) features have been demonstrated to be effective perceptual quality features. The perceptual loss, based on feature maps of pre-trained CNN's has proven to be remarkably effective for CNN based perceptual image restoration problems. In this work, taking inspiration from the the Human Visual System (HVS) and our visual perception, we propose a spatial attention mechanism based on the dependency human contrast sensitivity on spatial frequency. We identify regions in input images, based on underlying spatial frequency where the visual system might be most sensitive to distortions. Based on this prior, we design an attention map that is applied to feature maps in the perceptual loss, helping it to identify regions that are of more perceptual importance. The results will demonstrate that the proposed technique helps improving the correlation of the perceptual loss with human subjective assessment of perceptual quality and also results in a loss which delivers a better perception-distortion trade-off compared to the widely used perceptual loss in CNN based image restoration problems.
Elephant grass silages with or without wilting, with cassava meal in silage production

The experiment was developed to evaluate the effects of wilting and inclusion of cassava meal level on nutritive value, fermentative characteristics and losses of elephant grass silage. The 4 x 2 factorial scheme was adopted, with four repetitions, in a completely randomized design. The factors evaluated were wilting (without and with) and cassava meal level (0; 7.5; 15 and 22.5% of natural matter, DN). PVC silos with 50 cm height and 10 cm diameter were used for silages production, which were opened after 60 days. The wilting and cassava meal addition had increasing linear effect on DM content. Silages with cassava meal showed reduction of total nitrogen, ether extract, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber ash and protein free, acid detergent fiber, celluloses, hemicelluloses and lignin contents and increase of organic matter content, DM in vitro digestibility and total digestible nutrients. Relative to variables inherent to silages’ fermentative characteristics, pH presented quadratic behavior. Concerning to ammonia nitrogen, it was observed quadratic and decreasing linear behavior for silages without and with wilting, respectively. Wilting and cassava meal inclusion provided smaller effluent losses.