Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical Management of Cut-Leaved Teasel (Dipsacus Laciniatus) in Missouri

Cut-leaved teasel is an invasive weed along highway corridors and is classified noxious in four states, including Missouri. Few herbicides have been examined for cut-leaved teasel control. Herbicides were evaluated for efficacy on established plants and residual activity for suppressing seedling emergence. Various growth regulator herbicides, amino acid inhibitors, and paraquat were applied on established teasel at two locations in central Missouri in fall 2003 and spring 2004, and two additional locations in fall 2004 and spring 2005. At 2 wk after treatment (WAT), paraquat resulted in the highest injury of teasel (85%), but injury declined over time. At 4 WAT, teasel control was most consistent with dicamba + diflufenzopyr applied in spring, ranging from 75 to 94% control. At 8 wk, glyphosate, dicamba + diflufenzopyr, metsulfuron-methyl, imazapyr, and combinations of growth regulator herbicides with 2,4-D were most effective, with teasel control from 86 to 100%. Control with 2,4-D alone was inconsistent; sulfosulfuron, sulfometuron-methyl, and paraquat were ineffective. Residual herbicides did not reduce teasel seedling emergence the following year. A number of herbicides were effective in managing emerged plants but reinfestations of treated sites is likely, even with the residual herbicides used in this research. Nomenclature: Dicamba + diflufenzopyr; glyphosate; imazapyr; metsulfuron-methyl; paraquat; 2,4-D; sulfosulfuron; sulfometuron-methyl; teasel, Dipsacus laciniatus L. , DIWLA
Volatile chemical release by bethylid wasps: identity, phylogeny, anatomy and behaviour

The structures of volatile chemicals released by parasitic wasps in the family Bethylidae are shown to correspond to the subfamily to which the species belong. Species in the Epyrinae release skatole (3-methylindole) and species in the Bethylinae release a spiroacetal (2-methyl-1,7-dioxaspiro [5.5]undecane): these compounds are chemically very different. The enantiomeric composition of the spiroacetal differs between congeneric species. Chemical release is a discrete event under the active control of both male and female wasps. Structural differences between the mandibular glands and intramandibular glands suggest the mandibular glands to be the source of released volatiles. Real-time mass spectrometry shows that the spiroacetal is released by Goniozus nephantidis females during dyadic resource contests, with release more common during more aggressive interactions. Chemical tagging with deuterium further shows that the volatile is released by the loser of an agonistic interaction and not the winner. The function of spiroacetal and skatole release by bethylids is discussed.
Ecological Effects of Nitrogen Deposition in the Western United States

Abstract In the western United States vast acreages of land are exposed to low levels of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, with interspersed hotspots of elevated N deposition downwind of large, expanding metropolitan centers or large agricultural operations. Biological response studies in western North America demonstrate that some aquatic and terrestrial plant and microbial communities are significantly altered by N deposition. Greater plant productivity is counterbalanced by biotic community changes and deleterious effects on sensitive organisms (lichens and phytoplankton) that respond to low inputs of N (3 to 8 kilograms N per hectare per year). Streamwater nitrate concentrations are elevated in high-elevation catchments in Colorado and are unusually high in southern California and in some chaparral catchments in the southwestern Sierra Nevada. Chronic N deposition in the West is implicated in increased fire frequency in some areas and habitat alteration for threatened species. Between hotspots, N deposition is too low to cause noticeable effects or has not been studied.
Simulation of population expansion and spatial pattern when individual dispersal distributions do not decline exponentially with distance

Many biological transport mechanisms, especially passive transport in fluids, give rise to dispersal distributions which do not decline exponentially with distance, i. e. no single dispersal scale can be characterized. Simulation of such situations in population biology can be awkward because of the wide range of scales that need to be included. It is possible to get round these problems to some extent by storing points individually, each associated with a location. By maintaining points in spatial groups with a dynamically created index to the groups, population characteristics such as dioecy or density dependence can be incorporated in a simulation at relatively low cost. As an example of this technique, the expansion of a plant disease from a single focus is studied. With dispersal distributions which do not decline exponentially with distance, a description in terms of an expanding wave is not appropriate. The distribution of individuals produced is approximately self-similar across a wide range of scales, and the fractal dimension changes systematically with scale in a way which may be characteristic of the dispersal distribution.
Situation of brucellosis in bovines at organized cattle farms belonging to three different states

Brucellosis has long been recognized as a disease of major economic importance in livestock production and a public health problem allover the world. Situation of brucellosis in bovines at organized cattle farms belonging to three different states was assessed. The screening for brucellosis of serum samples from animals submitted by different farms was carried out by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and serum tube agglutination test (STAT). Eight cattle farms were investigated, of which four belonged to the state government and four to the private sector. None of the animals in four state government cattle farms were detected positive for brucellosis whereas the rest four private cattle farms were positive for brucellosis. All the four Government farms free from brucellosis belonged to the state of Haryana, however, two private farms in this state were found positive for brucellosis. Of the remaining two brucellosis positive farms, one was located in Uttar Pradesh and other in Madhya Pradesh. An over all prevalence rate of brucellosis on cattle farms was observed to be 26.50% by ELISA, 20.47% by RBPT and 18.89% by STAT. Use of ELISA in comparison to RBPT and STAT for assessing the situation of brucellosis in cattle is advocated to have more fruitful results because chances of non-detection of an infected animal in ELISA are minimum.
Current and Developing Conceptions of Use: Evaluation Use TIG Survey Results

This article presents the results of a survey sent to Evaluation Use Topical Interest Group (TIG) members for the purpose of ascertaining their perceptions about and experiences with evaluation use. Fifty-four percent (n = 282) of the 530 members surveyed responded. These respondents agree that the major purposes of evaluation are to facilitate organizational learning, provide information for decision making, improve programs, and determine the merit or worth of the evaluand. Performance-results oriented Hallie Preskill evaluations, formative evaluations, as well as evaluations with a participatory emphasis, organizational learning emphasis, and practitioner-centered action research or empowerment approaches were all viewed as more important today than they were 10 years ago. Survey findings revealed that the most important strategies for facilitating use are planning for use at the beginning of an evaluation, identifying and prioritizing intended users and intended uses of the evaluation, designing the evaluation within resource limitations, involving stakeholders in the evaluation process, communicating findings to stakeholders as the evaluation progresses, and developing a communication and reporting plan. This survey represents a comprehensive effort to understand TIG respondents' views on evaluation use and should help further discussion on developing and advancing our theoretical and practical knowledge.
Effects of photoperiod and temperature on preimaginal development and summer diapause of Chrysocharis pubicornis (Zetterstedt) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a pupal parasitoid of leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

The preimaginal development of Chrysocharis pubicornis was studied at different temperatures and 14L:10D photoperiod. The lower developmental threshold was 7.4 and 7.2°C, and the thermal constant was 297.4 and 307.5 degree-days for males and females, respectively. The effects of combinations of different temperatures and photoperiods on larval diapause induction and termination were also examined. Larval development showed a short-day type response affected by temperature. The percentage of individuals entering diapause increased with the temperature and photoperiod. The critical photoperiod for diapause induction was between 12 and 14 h at 25°C, whereas at 15 h and 20°C the diapause rate did not reach 50% within the photoperiod range tested. Regardless of the photoperiod, diapause terminated at 15°C but was maintained at 25°C. At 20°C, 90% of individuals terminated diapause at 12 h photoperiod but only 16% at 16 h photoperiod. A significant effect of the photoperiod on the post-diapause emergence pattern of wasps was observed at 15°C. From these results, it is considered that summer diapause enables C. pubicornis to synchronize its occurrence with that of the garden pea leafminer, Chromatomyia horticola.
Diel spawning periodicity of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Ovaries of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus were examined histologically to determine rates of oocyte maturation, diel spawning periodicity and whether lunar cycle influenced spawning rhythm. Hydration of red snapper oocytes began during the mid-morning hours; c. 5 h was necessary for oocytes to become fully hydrated and ovulation occurred no more than 5 h after oocytes attained full hydration. Appearance of fresh postovulatory follicles after 1330 hours and the absence of hydrated oocytes after 1830 hours signified that red snapper spawning occurred during this 5 h period. In addition, evidence of a peak in spawning was seen near 1600 hours. Postovulatory follicles degenerated within a 24 h time period. A lunar spawning cycle was not evident.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON OF SIX SWITCH BASED INVERTER VS FOUR SWITCH BASED INVERTER FED BLDC MOTOR DRIVE IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATION

In recent days BLDC motors frequently used in automotive industries mainly exhaust gas treatment system and other applications. In exhaust gas treatment system BLDC motors mainly used for pumping and purging application for Adblue. In this paper compares the performance of six switch based inverter vs four switch based inverter fed BLDC motor drives in exhaust gas treatment system. Artificial intelligent based six switch inverter fed BLDC motor drive performance compare with SVPWM based four switch inverter fed BLDC motor drive. The simulation results are presented to verify the stability of the different drive system.
Antimicrobial activities of different solvents extracted samples of Linum usitatissimum by disc diffusion method

-1 ) each of ethyl acetate, n-hexane, butanol and distilled water were used. Analysis of the data revealed that the growth of Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited equally by butanol and ethyl acetate extracted samples that is, 56% when tested by disc diffusion method. Similarly, ethyl acetate and butanol extracted samples reduced the growth of Bacillus cereus by 44 and 64% respectively. The data further suggest that Erwinia carotovora was inhibited 42% by ethyl acetate and 65% by butanol extracted samples.
The operational sex ratio influences choosiness in a pipefish

If more females than males are available for mating in the breeding population (i.e., the operational sex ratio, OSR, is female biased), males can afford to be choosy. In the pipefish (Syngnathus typhle) females compete for males, who are choosy. In nature OSRs are typically female biased, but may occasionally be male biased. In a series of experiments, males were allowed to choose between a large and a small female under a perceived excess of either males or females. Under female bias, males preferred the large female: they spent more time close to her than to the small female; they courted the large female sooner than the small; and they tended to copulate sooner and more often with the large female. Under male bias all these differences vanished and males mated at random with respect to female size. Males reproduced at a faster rate under male than under female bias because they received more eggs in their brood pouches. Thus, males switched from maximizing mate quality (i.e., being choosy) to minimizing the risk of not reproducing (i.e., being quick) as the OSR became male biased.
The tight interallelic positional coincidence that distinguishes T‐cell receptor Jα usage does not result from homologous chromosomal pairing during VαJα rearrangement

The T‐cell receptor (TCR) α locus is thought to undergo multiple cycles of secondary rearrangements that maximize the generation of αβ T cells. Taking advantage of the nucleotide sequence of the human Vα and Jα segments, we undertook a locus‐wide analysis of TCRα gene rearrangements in human αβ T‐cell clones. In most clones, VαJα rearrangements occurred on both homologous chromosomes and, remarkably, resulted in the use of two neighboring Jα segments. No such interallelic coincidence was found for the position of the two rearranged Vα segments, and there was only a loose correlation between the 5′ or 3′ chromosomal position of the Vα and Jα segments used in a given rearrangement. These observations question the occurrence of extensive rounds of secondary Vα→Jα rearrangements and of a coordinated and polarized usage of the Vα and Jα libraries. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of developing T cells in which TCRα rearrangements are taking place showed that the interallelic positional coincidence in Jα usage cannot be explained by the stable juxtaposition of homologous Jα clusters.
Environmental Control of Moisture Content and Viability in Schlumbergera truncata (Cactaceae) Pollen

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and storage duration on moisture content and viability of Schlumbergera truncata (Haworth) Moran (Thanksgiving cactus) pollen. Pollen viability was assayed by the fluorochromatic reaction (FCR) test, percentage fruit set, and numbers of viable seeds per fruit. Pollen moisture content was ≈38% at anthesis but decreased to ≈12% by 1 day after anthesis and remained low (10% to 12%) until flowers senesced. Pollen viability was 85% on the day of anthesis, remained at ≈80% from 1 to 3 days after anthesis, and decreased to ≈65% when flowers began to senesce. When pollen was stored for 4 days at 21 o C, moisture content decreased to 1% for pollen stored at 1% RH but increased to 33% for pollen kept at 100% RH. Fruit and seed yields obtained with pollen stored for 4 days at 21 o C and 15%, 28%, or 52% RH did not differ significantly from those obtained with fresh pollen. Pollen stored for 4 days at 21 o C and 1%, 68%, or 90% RH produced fewer fruit and seeds than fresh pollen. Fruit and seed yields obtained with pollen stored 20 days at 21 o C and 15% or 28% RH were similar to yields obtained with fresh pollen. Pollen with ≤23% moisture content that was stored at -18 o C for ≥24 hours retained its original viability (≈85%) whereas pollen with a high (32% to 34%) moisture content exhibited low (≈22%) viability after storage at -18 o C for ≥24 hours. Pollen stored for 140 days at 4 or -18 o C and 13% to 51% RH yielded as many viable seeds per fruit as fresh pollen. Although S. truncata pollen is tricellular, it tolerates desiccation to a low (4%) moisture content and can be stored at temperatures below 0 o C.
Effect of infection with Schistosoma mansoni on some biological parameters in Biomphalaria alexandrina snails.

Histological alterations in digestive gland as well as hematological and biochemical changes in haemolymph of Shistosoma mansoni infected Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were studied. The results showed great histological damages in tissues of the digestive gland of infected snails with large numbers of sporocysts and cercariae at several stages of development encircled by cycts in tissue of digestive gland. A detailed light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) of the haemocytes in infected snails were described to evaluate the capability to respond to parasitic infections. Three main haemocytes categories could be distinguished namely: hyalinocytes, agranulocytes and granulocytes according to the presence or absence of granules. Phagocytic ability and pseudopodial formation were obviouisly increased in infected snails. The results showed a significant decrease in total protein and albumin content with elevation of total lipids content and glucose concentration in the haemolymph of infected snails. It was concluded that haemocytes (SEM) in infected snails have large cells with a large imagination, smooth surface and secretion particles adherent to these cells to respond to parasitic infections.
Evaluation Use: Theory, Research, and Practice Since 1986

As part of a larger effort by members of the American Evaluation Association (AEA) Topical Interest Group on Evaluation Use (TIG- EU), we undertook an extensive review and synthesis of literature in evaluation use published since 1986. We observe several recent developments in theory, research and practice arising from this literature. These developments include: the rise of considerations of context as critical to understanding and explaining use; identification of process use as a significant consequence of evaluation activity; expansion of conceptions of use from the individual to the Lyn M. Shulha organization level; and diversification of the role of the evaluator to facilitator, planner and educator/trainer. In addition, understanding misutlilization has emerged as a significant focus for theory and to a limited extent, research. The article concludes with a summary of contemporary issues, particularly with regard to their implications for evaluation practice.
Phylogenetic Relationships and Character Evolution of Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) based on Nuclear Ribosomal ITS and Plastid trnL-F and psbA-trnH Sequences

Abstract Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) comprises about 70 species and shows a high level of morphological diversity. The genus is mainly distributed in alpine areas and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere with the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau as its center of diversity. The phylogenetic relationships within Rhodiola remain poorly understood largely because of difficulties in collecting samples and specimens. In the present study, 51 species/varieties from Rhodiola representing all morphological sections were analyzed using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers region and the plastid psbA-trnH and trnL-F markers. Our results suggest that Rhodiola and Pseudosedum form a well-supported clade, but the relationship between these two genera is not resolved. None of the four currently recognized subgenera is monophyletic; yet three of seven sections, R. sects. Trifida, Prainia, and Pseudorhodiola are each supported to be monophyletic. Rhodiola rosea is a popular medicinal plant that has an adaptogenic effect. The three accessions of R. rosea from eastern Asia, eastern North America, and Europe form a well-supported clade. Rhodiola species independently reached North America from Asia twice, once in the R. rosea lineage, and the other in the R. integrifolia-R. rhodantha lineage. Two taxonomically important characters, dioecy and marcescent flowering stems, are inferred to have evolved multiple times within Rhodiola.
Immunohistochemical localization of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in medullary thyroid carcinoma

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes that degrade protein components of the extracellular matrix. These enzymes are believed to play an important role in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. Materials and methods: We examined the expression of one member of the MMP family, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, collagenase A) in twenty-two paraffin-embedded specimens of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) using an immunohistochemical method and a monoclonal antibody against MMP-2. In addition, we compared MMP-2 expression with clinicopathological data at the time of surgery. Results: Immunohistochemical staining showed moderate to strong positivity in 19/22 cases and weak positivity in 3/22 cases. MMP-2 was immunohistochemically localized mainly in tumor cells, but was also present in surrounding stromal tissue. MMP-2 expression, however, was not associated with histopathological appearance of the tumor tissue, tumor size or the presence of lymph node metastases. Conclusion: Considerble production of MMP-2 is associated with the malignant phenotype of parafollicular thyroid cells, suggesting a potential role of this proteolytic enzyme in tumorigenesis in vivo. However, since MMP-2 expression was not related to clinicopathological data, immunohistochemical staining of MMP-2 does not seem to be helpful in predicting the prognosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Utilization of membrane vesicle preparations to study drug–ABC transporter interactions

Background: The last 15 years have marked an expansion in our understanding of how ABC transporters modulate the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. Assays based on different membrane preparations were one of the first methods developed to study ABC transporters. Later, they turned out to be valuable tools to gain insight into the nature of drug–ABC transporter interactions. Objectives: Membranes prepared from different sources have been used and characterized; based on the biochemical characteristics of the transport process, a number of different assay types have been developed. Methods: This review focuses on the current experiences on how different membrane-based assays can be utilized in pharmaceutical R&D. Sources of membrane preparations, available assay types and correlation studies between different in-vitro and in-vivo methods are discussed. Results/conclusion: Membrane-based assays are valuable tools in drug discovery to characterize drug–ABC transporter interactions.
Evaluating Habitat-Association Models for the Saltmarsh Sparrow

Abstract. Habitat models that associate organisms with features of their environment can help identify areas for planning conservation strategies. These models, however, should be tested with new data before their conclusions are widely accepted. The Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus) is a species of growing conservation concern along the Atlantic coast of North America. In a previous study, we developed models for Saltmarsh Sparrow presence and nesting habitat. Sparrow occupancy was best predicted from raw reflective properties of marshes derived from remote sensing, whereas sparrow nesting was best predicted from a classification of marsh plant communities. To test these models, we surveyed a stratified random sample of sites for which the probability of sparrow presence had been predicted and compared the observations to the predicted probability of presence and nesting generated from the models. The models' performance, assessed by the area under a receiver-operating characteristic curve and the deviance of observations from the models' predictions, was significantly better than expected by chance alone. Because sparrows are predicted to occur in many places where they are unlikely to nest, monitoring sparrow presence alone will not identify areas important for their nesting.