Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral estimation models for photosynthetic pigment contents in leaves of Eucalyptus

Pigments are of great importance in physiological and ecological processes of plants.Revealing the relationships between their characteristic bands in the spectral reflectance and the contents of photosynthetic pigments using hyperspectral data will help to understand the spectral reflectance characteristics of photosynthetic pigments and provide the technical supports for rapid non-destructive monitoring of plant photosynthetic pigments using hyperspectral remote sensing.In this paper,eucalyptus leaf samples collected in field were used to measure the hyperspectral reflectance of the leaves and the corresponding contents of chlorophyll,carotenoid in our laboratory.The spectral data were processed using spectral analysis techniques and analyzed using statistical methods to extract spectral characteristic parameters and subsequently to establish the estimation models of spectral characteristics and both chlorophyll and carotenoid contents.Precision tests proved that the best model is the exponential model using(SDr-SDb)/(SDr+SDb) as a variable,where SDr and SDb are red and blue edge areas,respectively.
PREDATION AND SPECIES REPLACEMENT IN AMERICAN SOUTHWESTERN FISHES: A CASE STUDY

Declines in distribution and abundance of native fishes of the American Southwest have been noted for decades, but mechanisms leading to these losses are unclear. The Sonoran topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis) was studied to determine mechanisms leading to local extirpation, as a model of southwestern fish extinctions. Although habitat destruction is the cause of several population losses, interactions with introduced mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are responsible for reduction of topminnows through much of their native range. A series of laboratory and field experiments indicated that predation of juvenile topminnows by mosquitofish is a major factor in decline of the species. For lack of evidence, introduced parasites or diseases, hybridization, physiological stress, and resource competition are all dismissed as probable mechanisms of extirpation. Local extinction of native species is a common result of introduction of exotic organisms, and man-induced range extensions are a major threat to the integrity of natural communities (Elton, 1958). Despite potentially disastrous effects of introduced fishes on native communities (e.g., Miller, 1961; Zaret and Paine, 1973), little is known of mechanisms by which intruders replace natives. Although hypotheses such as competition, predation, and habitat alteration abound, few have been tested. Here, I report an experimental analysis of mechanisms involved in replacement of a native Sonoran Desert fish by a non-native species, and discuss losses of other southwestern fishes via exotics.
Lymphoid neogenesis in rheumatoid synovitis

はじめに 関節リウマチ患者の滑膜組織では,T細 胞B 細胞 マクロファージ,樹 状細胞などの様々な免 疫担当細胞が浸潤 してお り,複 雑なリンパ性微細 構造を形成 している. 一 部の症例では,二 次性リ ンパ節にみられるリンパ濾胞に類似 した,主 とし てT細 胞 とB細 胞から構成されるリンパ球集籏が 認められる. 末 梢リンパ節 バイエル板,脾 臓な どの二次性 リンパ組織に対 して,関 節 リウマチで 見 られるリンパ球集籏は三次性 リンパ組織 もし くは異所性リンパ組織 と呼ばれている. リ ウマチ 滑膜におけるこのようなリンパ節新生は二次性 リ ンパ組織におけるその微細構造と多 くの共有した 特徴を有 している. し かしながら,関 節 リウマチ の滑膜で,こ のようなリンパ様組織 が異所性に形 成される機序 については不明のままである. また, どのような分子マーカーが滑膜 におけるリンパ様 組織の形成に重要な役割を果たしているのかも解 明されていない. 近 年,二 次性 リンパ 組織 に見 られ る リ ンパ 濾 胞 の 形成 にTNFα,Lymphotoxin(LT)-α,LT-β な どの TNFsuperfamilyが 重 要 な 役 割 を果 た して い る こ とがgenetargeting mouseの 実 験 に よ り示 され た . この 中 で,LT-α1β2が 二 次性 リ ンパ組 織 の微 細 構
Modulation of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Activity by Acute and Chronic Morphine Administration in Rat Hippocampus: Differential Regulation of α and β Isoforms

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) has been shown to be involved in the regulation of opioid receptor signaling. The present study showed that acute morphine treatment significantly increased both Ca2+/calmodulin-independent and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent activities of CaMK II in the rat hippocampus, with little alteration in the protein level of either α or β isoform of CaMK II. However, chronic morphine treatment, by which rats were observed to develop apparent tolerance to morphine, significantly down-regulated both Ca2+/calmodulin-independent and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent activities of CaMK II and differentially regulated the expression of α and β isoforms of CaMK II at protein and mRNA levels. Application of naloxone or discontinuation of morphine treatment after chronic morphine administration, which induced the withdrawal syndrome of morphine, resulted in the overshoot of CaMK II (at both protein and mRNA levels) and its kinase activity. The phenomena of overshoot were mainly observed in the β isoform of CaMK II but not in the α isoform. The effects of both acute and chronic morphine treatments on CaMK II could be completely abolished by the concomitant application of naloxone, indicating that the effects of morphine were achieved through activation of opioid receptors. Our data demonstrated that both acute and chronic morphine treatments could effectively modulate the activity and the expression of CaMK II in the hippocampus.
Role of Rac1/p38 and ERK-Dependent Cytosolic Phospholipase A 2 Activation in Porphyromonas gingivalis -Evoked Induction in Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Release by Salivary Gland Cells

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a highly glycosylated endopeptidase implicated in a wide rage of oral mucosal inflammatory and neoplastic diseases, including chronic periodontitis, a persistent mucosal inflammation attributed primarily to infection by oral anaerobe, P. gingivalis. In this study, we explored the role of Rac1 and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the processes of MMP-9 release in sublingual salivary gland cells exposed to P. gingivalis key endotoxin, cell wall lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We demonstrate that the LPS-elicited induction in the acinar cell MMP-9 release is associated with MAPK, ERK and p38 activation, and occurs with the involvement of Rac1 and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Further, we reveal that the LPS-induced MMP-9 release involves ERK-mediated phosphorylation of cPLA2 on Ser505 that is essential for its membrane translocation with Rac1, and that this process requires p38 activation. Moreover, we show that phosphorylation and membrane localization of p38 with Rac1-GTP play a pivotal role in cPLA2-dependent induction in MMP-9 release. Thus collectively, our findings infer that P. gingivalis LPS-induced up-regulation in the acinar cell MMP-9 release requires ERK-dependent recruitment of cPLA2 to the membrane localized Rac1/p38 complex.
The impacts of beavers Castor spp. on biodiversity and the ecological basis for their reintroduction to Scotland, UK

In Scotland, UK, beavers became extinct about 400 years ago. Currently, two wild populations are present in Scotland on a trial basis, and the case for their full reintroduction is currently being considered by Scottish ministers. Beavers are widely considered ‘ecosystem engineers’. Indeed, beavers have large impacts on the environment, fundamentally change ecosystems, and create unusual habitats, often considered unique. In this review, we investigate the mechanisms by which beavers act as ecosystem engineers, and then discuss the possible impacts of beavers on the biodiversity of Scotland. A meta-analysis of published studies on beavers’ interactions with biodiversity was conducted, and the balance of positive and negative interactions with plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals recorded. The meta-analysis showed that, overall, beavers have an overwhelmingly positive influence on biodiversity. Beavers’ ability to modify the environment means that they fundamentally increase habitat heterogeneity. As beavers are central-place foragers that feed only in close proximity to watercourses, their herbivory is unevenly spread in the landscape. In addition, beaver ponds and their associated unique successional stages increase habitat heterogeneity both spatially and temporally. Beavers also influence the ecosystems through the creation of a variety of features such as dams and lodges, important habitat features such as standing dead wood (after inundation), an increase in woody debris, and a graded edge between terrestrial and aquatic habitats that is rich in structural complexity. In Scotland, a widespread positive influence on biodiversity is expected, if beavers are widely reintroduced. For instance, beaver activity should provide important habitat for the otter Lutra lutra, great crested newt Triturus cristatus and water vole Arvicola amphibious, all species of conservation importance. Beavers are most likely to have detrimental impacts on certain woodland habitats and species of conservation importance, such as the Atlantic hazelwood climax community and aspen Populus tremula woodland. A lack of woodland regeneration caused by high deer abundance could lead to habitat degradation or loss. These are also of particular importance due to the variety of associated dependent species of conservation interest, such as lichen communities in Atlantic hazelwoods.
Gender and ethnic differences in the transition from school to work in Israel

This chapter examines the pattern of association between educational qualifications and labour market outcomes for men and women in Israel. The effects of academic and vocational qualifications on occupational prestige and class of labour force entry are compared and the relationship between qualifications and unemployment is studied. As well as gender comparisons, ethnic differences and the mechanisms of discrimination in the relationship between educational qualifications and occupational outcomes are also examined. While the results of earlier studies suggest that in Israel primary education carries little weight in the occupational attainment process, the effects of secondary schooling and tertiary education are strong. This study shows that the pattern of the relationship between education and occupational outcomes is more complex, being linear for Jews and exponential for Arabs, reflecting the interaction between discrimination and the benefits of the ethnic enclave.
Ecology and Life History of the Kit Fox in Tooele County, Utah

Among North American Canidae, the kit fox, Vulpes wtacrotis, is the most narrowly specialized for existence on deserts of the western United States anid Mexico, where it has evolved several more or less recognizably distinct subspecies. The geographic range of V. nI. nevadensis Goldman includes most of the Great Basin where it is very closely identified with desert valleys formerly occupied by Pleistocene lakes such as Bonneville in Utah, Lahontan in Nevada (Fig. 1),
Does Catheter Ablation Lower the Long-Term Risk of Stroke and Mortality in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation? A Concise Review of the Current State of Knowledge

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Multiple trials have highlighted the benefit of catheter ablation over medical therapy in restoring sinus rhythm and improving quality of life. Whether it reduces long-term risk of stroke and mortality is still unclear. We performed a literature search using the PubMed database to review the current state of knowledge regarding the long-term outcomes of stroke and mortality in ablated patients compared to patients who receive medical therapy. Our review mainly consisted of recent randomized controlled trials and large observational studies. Results from large observational studies show that catheter ablation significantly reduces the risk of stroke in high-risk patients and mortality compared to medical therapy. However, randomized controlled trials have only demonstrated a mortality benefit in patients with comorbid systolic heart failure. In patients with paroxysmal AF, ablation therapy significantly limits the progression to persistent AF and has a higher efficacy in restoring sinus rhythm. Maintenance of sinus rhythm is the most important factor associated with lower long term risk of stroke and mortality. Large randomized controlled trials similar to the Catheter Ablation Versus Anti-arrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation (CABANA) trial are still needed to clarify whether catheter ablation is superior over medical therapy in improving the long-term outcomes of stroke and mortality.
Cardiac Ischemia Associated With Marijuana Use in an Adolescent

With the increasing use of marijuana globally, including in pediatric populations, healthcare providers see more adverse health effects associated with this substance. This report details a case presentation of cardiac ischemia in an adolescent male associated with marijuana use. The patient presented with palpitations and chest pain shortly after consuming marijuana. Clinical workup demonstrated anterior ST-segment elevations and troponin elevation with no inflammatory marker elevation or findings of myocarditis on MRI. Extensive drug screening was only positive for marijuana, with a synthetic THC panel negative. These findings resolved after close observation and the patient was discharged in good clinical condition. This case shows a concerning presentation of marijuana-associated cardiac ischemia in an otherwise healthy adolescent, illustrating a potentially severe health concern with an increasingly common substance and demonstrating the need for pediatric centers to have a high index of suspicion for cardiac causes of chest pain when marijuana ingestion is involved even when there are no prior medical or cardiac risk factors.
Human altruism as a courtship display

The evolution of altruism by natural selection has been called the central theoretical problem of sociobiology (Wilson 1975:3); it is problematic because altruism seems to imply the unfavorable reduction in the personal reproductive fitness of the altruist. Darwin (1871) related altruism to the moral sense, which he saw as a distinctively human attribute, and evolutionists ever since have been intrigued by the subject. The study of the evolution of social behavior - sociobiology - is founded on Hamilton's quantitative analysis of the type of altruistic behavior that is specifically directed at one's kin (1964a, b). In many cases an increase in the overall reproductive fitness of the genes responsible for the behavior can be clearly seen to occur if all the individuals that carry a proportion of the altruist's genes are included in the calculations (inclusive fitness). Altruistic behavior that is not directed at one's relatives can also be advantageous if it elicits reciprocal behavior (Darwin 1871:163, Trivers 1971). An explanation is needed, however, for ordinary types of human altruistic behavior for which (1) the target is not the altruist's kin and (2) there is no reciprocal altruism. For some such seemingly selfless, and characteristically human, behavior I will offer an explanation in terms of sexual selection. In ordinary language, altruism means a concern for the welfare of others. An evolutionary definition of altruism, which is consistent with the ordinary one, is behavior that increases the reproductive fitness of others at the apparent expense of the altruist. The tactical inclusion of the word "apparent" conveniently allows us to continue describing a trait as altruistic, as in ordinary usage, even if we should eventually discover that the trait can actually increase, rather than decrease, the reproductive fitness of the altruist, that is, even if the behavior is selfish. I suggest that altruism can be viewed as a courtship display designed as an honest advertisement of the capacity and the intention of the altruist to be a reliable mate
Crecimiento y reproducción de Strombus galeatus (Gastropoda: Strombidae) en el Pacífico de Costa Rica

El cambute es un gastropodo distribuido desde el Golfo de California en Mexico hasta las Islas Galapagos en el Ecuador. En la costa Pacifica de Costa Rica tiene un alto Indice de extraccion. Se estudio y observo las poblaciones naturales de zonas protegidas y expuestas. Se encontro que este caracol habita fondos arenoso-rocosos y en su mayoria se encuentra a profundidades menores a los 15 metros. Su concha se caracteriza por ser pesada (80% del peso humedo): tiene una coloracion parduzca externa y blanca con manchas pardas por dentro. El crecimiento de la concha se da en largo, formacion del labio y engrosamiento del labio y su morfologia es diferente cuando juvenil y adulto. Tiene dimorfismo sexual en el que el macho presenta un pene y la hembra una hendidura genital en su estado adulto: para la epoca reproductiva esa hendidura de la hembra aparece engrosada, hay agrupamiento de dos 0 mas individuos (donde siempre hay una hembra), se presume copula y hay desove de una masa de huevos que se forma con el deposito continuado de un filamento que es recubierto con arena: las larvas veligeras bilobuladas eclosionan entre 3 y 5 dias despues del desove. No se observo individuos alimentandose, y se cree que su principal dieta este constituida de macroalgas. Tampoco se observo depredaci6n sobre los caracoles, pero se tiene repones de consumo por pulpos y peces; en este sentido no se observo conchas danadas, pero si algunos individuos con cicatrices en el pie y otras estructuras. Esta especie tiene la ventaja de regenerar tejidos en estado juvenil y adulto. Se observo dos individuos con dos operculos. Se observo un cangrejo ermitano habitando una concha vacia de cambuteo Se encontro un isopodo (Cirolanidae) parasito asido al pie del caracol, y se debe estudiar la relacion con un pez de arrecife.
Purification and Partial Characterization of a New Mannose/Glucose-Specific Lectin from Centrolobium tomentosum Guill. ex Benth Seeds Exhibiting Low Toxicity on Artemia sp.

Centrolobium tomentosum seeds possess a mannose/glucose-specific lectin, named CTL, which was purified using a Sepharose-4B-mannose affinity chromatography column. CTL agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes and was inhibited by D-mannose, D-glucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and α-methyl-D-mannopyranoside. CTL maintained its hemagglutinating activity after incubation at a wide range of temperature, pH values and EDTA. CTL is a glycoprotein with 1.7% of carbohydrates by weight. By SDS-PAGE, CTL exhibited a profile consisting of a single band of approximately 27 kDa. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry indicated that CTL has a molecular average mass of 27,452±2 Da. CTL partial sequence was determined by tandem mass spectrometry and showed identity with other mannosebinding lectins from Dalbergieae tribe. In addition, CTL exhibited low toxicity on Artemia sp. nauplii and appears to be mediated by interaction of the carbohydrate-binding site with the digestive tract of the nauplii, suggesting a potential avenue for exploring the exact mechanism by which lectins exert their toxicity.
Epidemiological Differences of COVID-19 Over the World

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originally, from Wuhan, China, has now spread to most countries across the globe and devastated global healthcare systems. The impact of this disease has, however, shown baffling variations in prevalence in different regions of the world. The aim of this short review is to identify differential national COVID-19 prevalence of COVID-19, as well as to suggest these epidemiological differences. Methods A review of studies was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. Search tactics were centered on COVID-19 (“COVID-19” AND “coronavirus”) and BCG vaccination (“BCG vaccination” OR “Bacillus Calmette-Guérin” OR “vaccine”) Results It is found that national prevalence differences may be linked with BCG childhood immunization history. A statistically insignificant difference was observed in COVID-19 prevalence when comparing countries with a BGC policy and countries without it (P> 0.05). This inconclusivity suggests the influence of confounders in this study. Conclusions National differences in COVID-19 cases can be attributable to immunologic regulations, such as BCG vaccination protocols. Caution should be taken in establishing a correlation between COVID-19 prevalence and BCG vaccination, partly due to the weak quality of statistical data on COVID-19 related to poor testing rates in countries with BCG vaccination policy. Nonetheless, the analysis of the epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 will shed light on future efforts towards effective control and prevention.
Determining the probability of bitter pit in ‘Golden Delicious’ apples through the post-harvest mineral content of individual fruit

Summary Bitter pit fruit in commercial consignments of apples still poses an economic threat to exporters from South Africa. Mineral analysis of fruit has been used with variable success to predict bitter pit prior to harvest. The possibility of increasing the accuracy of existing predictive models by using analysis of individual fruit rather than pooled samples was investigated. By improving the normality of the distributions of the different minerals and decreasing the overlap between pitted and non-pitted fruit classes, we attempted to improve the reliability of predictions based on variable threshold values. Even though our model produced a correct classification of 85% for non-pitted fruit which can be useful, this was still below the required tolerance expected on the market which, at present, is less than 2% bitter pit in an overseas consignment. The classification for pitted fruit, 63%, was not satisfactory.
Mycobacterial crossreactivity of M. tuberculosis reactive T cell clones from naturally converted PPD positive healthy subjects

Mycobacterium tuberculosis reactive CD4+, CD8− T cell clones were established from six naturally converted PPD positive healthy subjects by using whole bacilli as the primary stimulation antigen in vitro. Antigen specificity of the T cell clones was mapped by testing their proliferative response against a panel of pathogenic and environmental mycobacterial species. The crossreactivity patterns obtained showed that the T cell clones distributed along a spectrum from reactivity restricted to the M. tuberculosis complex to broadly crossreactive clones recognizing all mycobacterial species tested. Two of the T cell clones were able to discriminate between M. tuberculosis and M. bovis BCG, and importantly one of these clones was exclusively specific to M. tuberculosis. All of the CD4+ T cell clones tested, displayed MHC class II restricted cytotoxicity against macrophages pulsed with M. tuberculosis. In addition, some of these clones secreted GM-CSF upon antigen stimulation. The T cell clones described here represent relevant tools to identify and characterize target antigens of the immune response against M. tuberculosis with relevance to diagnosis and subunit vaccine design.
Cezayir’de El-Harrach Kesimevinde Kesilen İneklerdeki Genital Kanal Patolojileri

The aim of this study was to determine genital organ disorders in 2025 cows at El-Harrach abattoir in the capital of Algeria and to describe the microscopic changes associated with these cases. The results obtained showed a high incidence of slaughtered pregnant cows (16.49%). Majority of these cases were at the early gestation. The most frequently encountered defects were ovarian cyst, uterine infection, and inflammatory salpinx, which proved that contamination and infection are always present in the cowsheds from where animals were brought. Other observed abnormalities were cervicitis, mucometra, double cervix, unicornis uterus, horn malformation, uterine tumour, triple cervix (which is a new finding in the world), salpinx adhesion, pyosalpinx, hydrosalpinx, ovarobursal adhesion, ovarian inactivity, ovarian inflammatory changes, ovarian tumour and parovarian cysts.