Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of the Educational and Health-Related Benefits of Nature-Based Environmental Education in Low-Income Black and Hispanic Children

Background: Low-income and non-white children experience disparities in health, education, and access to nature. These health disparities are often associated and exacerbated by inequities in the U.S. educational system. Recent research suggests that nature contact may reduce these health and educational disparities for urban low-income populations. Nature-based education (NBE) uses nature contact to inspire curiosity and improve health. This study examines the health and educational outcomes of a 15-week NBE intervention for urban low-income, black and Hispanic children 10–15 years of age. Methods: Children (n=122) completed a pre-intervention and post-intervention survey that addressed seven science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-capacity items (leadership, teamwork, science relevance, sustainability relevance, STEM self-efficacy, science interest, and overall STEM capacity) and six widely used health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) domains (physical health functioning, emotional health functioning, school functioning, social functioning, family functioning, and overall HRQoL). Focus groups with participating students and post-intervention surveys of NBE mentors and teachers explored perceptions of the intervention impact. Results: There were statistically significant positive changes in STEM capacity and HRQoL for participating students. For example, children's overall STEM capacity and overall HRQoL scores improved by 44% and 46%, respectively (both p<0.05). Qualitative data highlighted the intervention's educational and health benefits. Conclusions: These results support further research quantifying the effects of NBE on STEM capacity and HRQoL in urban, low-income, black and Hispanic children.
Fluoride retention of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed krill meal

The present experiment was performed to study how fluoride from krill meal enriched muscle, whole fish and bone of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reared in sea water. Atlantic salmon (mean weight 0.5 kg) were divided into four triplicate groups and fed a commercial fish meal based diets with 0, 100, 200 and 300 g krill kg−1 feed, respectively, for 12 weeks. The fluoride concentrations in the experimental feeds were analysed to be 18, 132, 235 and 358 mg kg−1, respectively. Growth, mortality and feed efficiency were recorded through the experiment. Fluoride concentration was measured in muscle, whole-body, and bone initially and after 12 weeks of feeding. The fluoride concentrations in the samples were determined by alkali fusion and fluoride ion-selective electrode. Growth, mortality and feed efficiency ratio were not affected by the dietary treatments. The results showed that fluoride concentration in muscle, whole body and bone were not affected by the dietary fluoride level. The fluoride concentration in the tissues showed great variation among replicates of the group given the same diet. Fillets of the fish varied between 0.3 and 1.4 mg fluoride kg−1 wet weight, whereas the whole-body concentration of fluoride varied between 3.3 and 6.1 mg kg−1 wet weight and the fluoride bone concentration varied between 5.8 and 7.2 mg kg−1 fresh weight. These results suggest that Atlantic salmon are highly tolerant of dietary fluoride given as krill meal with concentration of fluoride up to 350 mg kg−1 diet, and that accumulation of fluoride from feeding diets containing krill meal does not lead to tissue accumulation in the fish, at least over a short period of time.
Summer diving behaviour of lactating New Zealand sea lions, Phocarctos hookeri

The diving behaviour of 14 female New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) was recorded during early lactation in January and February 1995 on the Auckland Islands, New Zealand. During 73 trips to sea, 19 720 dives were recorded. The average duration of a foraging cycle was 2.9 days (range 1.4–4.8 days), of which 1.7 days (57%) (range 1.1–3.4 days) were spent at sea and 1.2 days (43%) (range 0.8–2.3 days) ashore. At sea the sea lions dived almost continuously at a rate of 7.5 dives/h and spent a mean of 45% of the time submerged (≥ 2 m). Dive behaviour varied among individuals but showed no diel pattern overall. The dive depth for all dives ≥ 6 m was 123 ± 87 m (mean ± SD) (median 124 m, maximum 474 m) and ranged among individuals from 79 ± 85 to 187 ± 166 m. About half of the dives were in the 101- to 180-m range. The duration of all dives was 3.9 ± 1.8 min (median 4.33 min, maximum 11.3 min); about half (51%) of the dive durations were between 4 and 6 min. Surface interval was 4.5 ± 15.8 min (median 1.
Gymnosiphon syceorosensis (Burmanniaceae), the second new species for the Philippines

Abstract A new holomycoheterotrophic member of Burmanniaceae, Gymnosiphon syceorosensis, is described from Mt. Hamiguitan located on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. This species differs from the recently named G. philippinensis from Cebu in a number of quantitative and qualitative characters. Phenetic (neighbor-joining) and phylogenetic (maximum parsimony) analyses of characters from Asian and Australian Gymnosiphon species were conducted and diagnostic taxonomic features were discussed. This new species appears to be most closely related to G. affinis J.J. Sm. from New Guinea but differs in a number of floral features including inner perianth lobe shape, stamen position in floral tube, and anther connective shape.
Use of K Value of Ascorbic Acid as a Clinical Index of Attack by Oxygen Radicals

The K value = [AFR]2/[RAsA] [DAsA ] (RAsA, reduced form of ascorbic acid; DAsA, oxidized form of ascorbic acid; AFR, ascorbate free radical), and changes in AFR concentration in human serum were examined after exposure to oxygen radicals. After the exposure, RAsA decreased, DAsA increased, and K value increased. Since the K value is constant in healthy subjects, it is regarded to be a clinical index to indicate the attack of oxygen radicals in living system. Whereas changes in AFR concentration in ascorbate solutions showed a one-way decrease after an initial increase, changes in serum were those of a persistent pattern with slight fluctuation after the initial increase. The difference was found to be attributable to the presence of a serum factor that inhibits ascorbate oxidation.
Yu-Shiba-Rusinov bands in ferromagnetic superconducting diamond

Ferromagnetic superconducting nanodiamond films show Yu-Shiba-Rusinov bands with an extraordinarily large spatial extent. The combination of different exotic properties in materials paves the way for the emergence of their new potential applications. An example is the recently found coexistence of the mutually antagonistic ferromagnetism and superconductivity in hydrogenated boron-doped diamond, which promises to be an attractive system with which to explore unconventional physics. Here, we show the emergence of Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) bands with a spatial extent of tens of nanometers in ferromagnetic superconducting diamond using scanning tunneling spectroscopy. We demonstrate theoretically how a two-dimensional (2D) spin lattice at the surface of a three-dimensional (3D) superconductor gives rise to the YSR bands and how their density-of-states profile correlates with the spin lattice structure. The established strategy to realize new forms of the coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity opens a way to engineer the unusual electronic states and also to design better-performing superconducting devices.
Handling, infectious agents and physiological condition influence survival and post-release behaviour in migratory adult coho salmon after experimental displacement

Abstract For Pacific salmon captured and released by fisheries, post-release behaviour and survival may be influenced by their health and condition at time of capture. We sought to characterize the interactions between infectious agent burden, fish immune and stress physiology and fisheries stressors to investigate the potential for capture-mediated pathogen-induced mortality in adult coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch. We used radio-telemetry paired with high-throughput qPCR of non-lethal gill biopsies for infectious agents and host biomarkers from 200 tagged fish experimentally displaced and exposed to various experimental fisheries treatments (gill net entanglement, recreational angling and recreational angling with air exposure vs. non-sampled control). We characterized relationships among post-release behaviour and survival, infectious agent presence and loads, physiological parameters and transcription profiles of stress and immune genes. All infectious agents detected were endemic and in loads consistent with previous adult Pacific salmon monitoring. Individuals exposed to fisheries treatments were less likely to reach spawning habitat compared to controls, and handling duration independent of fisheries gear had a negative effect on survival. High infectious agent burden was associated with accelerated migration initiation post-release, revealing behavioural plasticity in response to deteriorating condition in this semelparous species. Prevalence and load of infectious agents increased post-migration as well as transcription signatures reflected changes in immune and stress profiles consistent with senescence. Results from this study further our understanding of factors associated with fisheries that increase risk of post-release mortality and characterize some physiological mechanisms that underpin migratory behaviour.
Diurnal Variation in Scent Marking Behavior in Captive Male and Female Common Marmosets, Callithrix jacchus

Chemical communication by scent-marking behavior in New World primates is used to prevent the access of potential competitors to a territory, to identify food resources and the reproductive condition of mates, among others. In common marmosets, primates of the Callitrichidae family, this behavior also occurs as olfactory identification of an individual or of the reproductive status of females. Despite this information, the diurnal variation and gender differences in the profile of this behavior remain to be investigated. The aims of this study were to establish the diurnal profile of the distribution of this behavior and the influence of the sex of markers. We used 18 adult common marmosets, Callithrix jacchus, 10 males and 8 females from 6 family groups (6 fathers and 4 sons; 4 mothers and 4 daughters). The frequency of scent-marking behavior was recorded for each animal over a period of 8 days, twice a week, for 4 weeks, starting when the animals left the nest box (approximately at 05:00 a.m.) until the.
New chromosome counts in the genus Centaurea (Asteraceae) from Turkey

Twenty-two chromosome counts are reported in 16 species, four subspecies and two varieties of the genus Centaurea. These are mostly Turkish local endemics of section Cheirolepis, a complicated group from the Eastern clade of the Jacea group. Twenty-one reports are new. Prevalence of the basic chromosome number x = 9 among the eastern sections of the Jacea group is confirmed. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159, 280–286.
Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of a rupestrian field at Cafuringa, Distrito Federal, Brazil: commented list of species

Our aim was to characterize the Scarabaeinae fauna from a rupestrian field formation at APA de Cafuringa, DF, Brazil. We made seven samples between 2007 and 2009 using baited pitfall traps. We collected 602 individuals belonging to 27 species and 13 genera, of which 17 were identified at species level. The majority of species caught has wide geographical distribution in Brazil and South America and do not seem to be specialized in 'campo rupestre' formation. Two species, Canthidium marseuli and Canthon lamproderes have restricted geographical distribution, being present in the central Brazilian highlands. C. marseuli and C. lamproderes are probably restricted to rupestrian fields since they have been registered only for this formation in Brazil, which indicates that these species need attention in relation to the conservation of theirs populations and habitats.
Internal Gametic Association and External Fertilization in the Elkhorn Sculpin, Alcichthys alcicornis

Morphological studies have demonstrated that fertilization in the copulating cottid species, the elkhorn sculpin (Alcichthys alcicornis), in which fertilization previously has been assumed to occur within the female's genital tract, occurs externally. In the ovarian cavity of impregnated female fish, a number of spermatozoa were found to have entered the micropyle and a fertilizing spermatozoon had reached the lower end of the micropylar canal, but penetration of the spermatozoon into the ooplasm did not occur until after exposure to seawater. Based on these results and past studies, it is concluded that other cottids now regarded as internally-fertilizing species may also exhibit external fertilization with internal insemination.
Phenology of the Alien Invasive Plant Species Prosopis juliflora in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas in Response to Climate Variability and Some Perspectives for Its Control in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study aims to (i) evaluate the phenology of Prosopis juliflora (Prosopis), (ii) investigate the effects of climate variability (temperature and precipitation) on the phenology of Prosopis, and (iii) assess the critical months of seed dispersal for the species management. Monthly data for phenology events: leafing, flowering, green and mature pods were collected from 8 stems of Prosopis trees at each of two localities in Ethiopia during 2016/2017. In Amibara district we found that relative abundances of green leaves, flowering, green pods, and mature pods were 91, 15, 9, and 2% in order. However, these were less than by 8, 53, 91, and 90%, respectively in Awash Fenatle district. The lowest proportions of mature and green pods were recorded in the dry season and the highest in the spring season. We recorded the highest and lowest relative abundances of flowering between November and December, and January and February, respectively. In this study, both temperature (F = 2.01, P = 0.04) and precipitation (F = 2.85, P = 0.01) had shown significant effects on the relative abundances of green leaves but insignificant effects on other phenology stages. Higher green leaf abundances were recorded during high rainfall, whereas lower abundances of leaves were recorded in high temperatures. But, the relative abundances of Prosopis leaves showed inconsistent with the variations of precipitation. Thus, awareness creation for stake holders about the phenology calendar of Prosopis should be given to abandon the invasiveness of the species towards the prime grazing lands in the region.
Phylogenetic Implications of Dental Characters in Henricosborniidae (Mammalia, Notoungulata)

Abstract. Henricosborniids are a group of South American native ungulates mainly found in Argentina (several Patagonian localities, Jujuy, and Mendoza), Brazil (São José de Itaboraí), and Bolivia (Tiupampa) that have a biochron ranging from the Danian (Tiupampan SALMA) to the late Bartonian (Barrancan subage of the Casamayoran SALMA). The record of henricosborniids in Mustersan levels must be confirmed. The family includes the genera Henricosbornia, Peripantostylops, Othnielmarshia, Orome, and Simpsonotus. Their fragmentary fossil record, mainly limited to isolated teeth, has constrained their utility for obtaining phylogenetically useful characters; for that reason, only few taxa (i.e., Henricosbornia, Simpsonotus) are usually included in this type of analysis. Even though there is consensus about the basal position of the group within the order, the family is recovered as polyphyletic or, more commonly, paraphyletic. The analysis of specimens from the early Eocene of Las Violetas and Las Flores (Itaboraian SALMA), the oldest Patagonian localities yielding notoungulate remains, and Paso del Sapo, along with the implementation of both implied weighting and landmark information, allow us to discuss several features for use in henricosborniid phylogenetic analysis and identification: 1) ectoloph of the molars with well-marked paracone and metacone folds; 2) molars with crochet present, oblique to the ectoloph, with variable development; 3) triangular third upper molar, with poorly developed hypocone; 4) reduced trigonid with short paralophid; 5) entoconid more like an isolated cusp and not completely crested. Although useful, these characters need to be evaluated in a more exhaustive phylogenetic context.
Modelling the vertical distribution of eggs of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus)

Measurements were made of the density and settling velocity of eggs of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), using a density-gradient column. These results were related to observed vertical distributions of eggs obtained from stratified vertical distribution sampling in the Bay of Biscay. Eggs of both species had slightly positive buoyancy in local seawater throughout most of their development until near hatching, when there was a marked increase in density and they became negatively buoyant. The settling velocity of anchovy eggs, which are shaped as prolate ellipsoids, was close to predictions for spherical particles of equivalent volume. An improved model was developed for prediction of the settling velocity of sardine eggs, which are spherical with a relatively large perivitelline volume; this incorporated permeability of the chorion and adjustment of the density of the perivitelline fluid to ambient seawater. Eggs of both species were located mostly in the top 20 m of the water column, in increasing abundance towards the surface. A sub-surface peak of egg abundance was sometimes observed at the pycnocline, particularly where this was pronounced and associated with a low-salinity surface layer. There was a progressive deepening of the depth distributions for successive stages of egg development. Results from this study can be applied for improved plankton sampling of sardine and anchovy eggs and in modelling studies of their vertical distribution.
Current Conservation Status of the Fungus Spongipellis spumeus in Poland Revised Based on New Data

ABSTRACT The polypore fungus Spongipellis spumeus is red-listed in Poland and in several other European countries. On the basis of published data and seven new locations, we have presented its distribution in Poland. In the country, S. spumeus was recorded primarily in anthropogenic habitats (tree lines along streets and roads, old orchards, parks), and rarely in forest communities. Two tree species (Acer platanoides, Populus alba) is reported here as a new host of S. spumeus in Poland. The declining acreage of alluvial forests and removal of old trees from substitute habitats (e.g. parks or avenues in cities) seem to be major threat factors for this fungus. Based on the new distribution data for S. spumeus in Poland, it should be rather classified as vulnerable (VU) according to IUCN red-listed criteria, than endangered (E) as it currently is. One beetle species i.e. Tetrotoma fungorum was found on the basidiomata of S. spumeus during the study, that may imply the role of the beetle in spreading of this fungus.
Progress in wheat resistance to spot blotch in Bangladesh

Spot blotch, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is considered one of the most destructive diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the warm areas of South Asia. Over the past 20 years, wheat breeding efforts in the region have improved spot blotch resistance in susceptible commercial cultivars. This study assessed resistance and spot blotch-induced yield losses in newly released wheat cultivars developed in Bangladesh since the release of the landmark wheat variety 'Kanchan'. Replicated field studies were conducted during the 2003 and 2004 wheat seasons at two sites: a farmer's field and a research station in a warm region of Bangladesh where spot blotch has been a serious problem. Spot blotch affected 60% of the crop and caused yield losses of from 2% to 22%. Disease severity and disease-induced grain yield reductions were less in wheat genotypes developed since 1983, with a corresponding trend towards higher yield in newly developed varieties. The level of resistance to spot blotch in the new cultivars and advanced breeding lines represents considerable progress in breeding for resistance over the past two decades.
The true case fatality of COVID19: An analytical solution

The exact risk of dying from COVID-19 has remained elusive and a topic of debate. The observed case fatality rates of 46 different countries are hypothesized to be dependent on their testing rates. An analytical test to this hypothesis suggests that the case fatality rate of COVID-19 could be consistent to a certain degree across all countries and states. The current global fatality rate is estimated to be around 1% and expected to converge between 1-3% when the pandemic ends. This model can be helpful to estimate the true infection rate for individual countries.
Revision of the Genus Askenasia Blochmann, 1895, with Proposal of Two New Species, and Description of Rhabdoaskenasia minima N. G., N. Sp. (Ciliophora, Cyclotrichida)

ABSTRACT. The planktonic ciliate genus Askenasia Blochmann, 1895 is reviewed and the new genus Rhabdoaskenasia n. gen. is established. Askenasia is characterized by three circumferential kinety belts and a circumoral wreath of paired argyrophilic granules without recognizable cilia and nematodesmata. A “brush” is absent. Askenasia apparently lacks the key characters of the Haptorida and is thus transferred to the Cyclotrichida, family Mesodiniidae. Rhabdoaskenasia differs from Askenasia in having single files of basal bodies in all kinety belts and club-shaped extrusomes. It possesses a circumoral kinety composed of dikinetids from which nematodesmata originate, forming a distinct rhabdos. Although very similar to Askenasia in its general appearance, R. minima n. sp. could belong to another order. Based on an extensive review of the literature and on silver impregnated specimens the following Askenasia species are recognized and described in detail: A. volvox (Eichwald, 1852) Kahl, 1930, A. stellaris (Leegaard, 1920) Kahl, 1930, A. acrostomia n. sp. , and A. chlorelligera n. sp. Askenasia faurei Kahl, 1930 and A. humilis Gajewskaja, 1928 are transferred to the genus Cyclotrichium: C. faurei (Kahl, 1930) n. comb. , C. humilis (Gajewskaja, 1928) n. comb. The systematic position of the genus Askenasia is discussed and keys to the genera of the Mesodiniidae and to the species of Askenasia are provided.
Fatty Acid and Carnitine Metabolism Are Dysregulated in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic disease of unknown pathogenesis characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vascular alteration, and dysregulation of the immune system. In order to better understand the immune system and its perturbations leading to diseases, the study of the mechanisms regulating cellular metabolism has gained a widespread interest. Here, we have assessed the metabolic status of plasma and dendritic cells (DCs) in patients with SSc. We identified a dysregulated metabolomic signature in carnitine in circulation (plasma) and intracellularly in DCs of SSc patients. In addition, we confirmed carnitine alteration in the circulation of SSc patients in three independent plasma measurements from two different cohorts and identified dysregulation of fatty acids. We hypothesized that fatty acid and carnitine alterations contribute to potentiation of inflammation in SSc. Incubation of healthy and SSc dendritic cells with etoposide, a carnitine transporter inhibitor, inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 through inhibition of fatty acid oxidation. These findings shed light on the altered metabolic status of the immune system in SSc patients and opens up for potential novel avenues to reduce inflammation.