Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fundulopanchax gardneri Test: A Convenient Method of Bioassay for Active Constituents of Natural Products

Aim: To apply the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BST) procedure on locally available Fundulopanchax gadneri killifish with a view to achieving the same result. Study design: Extraction of crude extracts from plants, evaluation of the bioactivity of the extracts using brine shrimp and Fundulopanchax gadneri killifish. Statistical analysis of the results obtained. Place and duration of the study: Sample: Afaka, Kaduna north local government, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Department of Chemistry, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. Nigeria, between June 2011 and August 2013. Methodology: Batch method of extraction, brine shrimp lethality test as adopted by Meyer et al., 1982 using brine shrimp and Fundulopanchax gadneri killifish. Results: The results of the brine shrimp and Fundulopanchax gadneri killifish bioassay indicate that eleven out of the thirteen medicinal plants screened for bioactivity were active. Statistical analysis of the results showed a correlation coefficient of 0.970, 0.99 and 0.96 respectively for both BST and FGT suggesting that there is a positive correlation between the two variables. Conclusion: The results are in consonance suggesting that Fundulopanchax gadneri killifish test can be used as a preliminary method of assessing the cytotoxicity of natural products.
The phylogenetic relationships within the Chamaeleonidae, with comments on some aspects of cladistic analysis

The phylogenetic relationships of the African mainland species of the genus Rhampholeon (formerly referred to the genus Brookesia) with respect to Brookesia superciliaris, Bradypodion pumilus, and the genus Chamaeleo are analysed. Rhampholeon constitutes a genus well separated from Brookesia and may itself be subdivided in two subgroups on the basis of characters derived from the nasal and parietal complexes. A final section investigates problems of cladistic analysis, viz. the relationship of parsimony to character weighting, and pattern versus process as complementary perspectives of character analysis and coding.
Systematics, biogeography and host associations of the lace bug genus Inoma (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae)

The lace bug genus Inoma Hacker, 1927 is revised, including a rede- scription of the genus and the type species, I. multispinosa Hacker, 1927. Eight species are described as new to science, as follows: I. arrernte sp. nov., I. breviseta sp. nov., I. fuscata sp. nov., I. innamincka sp. nov., I. kalbarri sp. nov., I. silveirae sp. nov., I. solusa sp. nov. and I. stysi sp. nov. A key to species is provided, and diagnostic characters are illustrated. Inoma angusta Drake, 1942 is not congeneric with the above species, based on the given redescription, and is posited as incertae sedis. Inoma is endemic to Australia, with a mostly arid distribution, with up to three species recorded from a single locality. Host plants of Inoma are recorded for the fi rst time, predominantly from the angiosperm plant families, Lamiaceae and Myoporaceae, and most commonly from species of the ubiquitous genera Eremophila and Dicrastylis.
Using life-history traits of New Zealand sea lions, Auckland Islands to clarify potential causes of decline

Annual censuses of New Zealand (NZ) sea lions Phocarctos hookeri at the subantarctic Auckland Islands have indicated a decline in pup production of over 40% during the first decade of the 2000s. With this significant decline and likely decline in the population as a whole, population ecology theory hypothesizes that lifehistory traits such as reproduction rate, survival or growth should improve, particularly if density-dependency is playing a significant role in the population. This research examined whether changes in NZ sea lion pup production were associated with changes in adult abundance or population life-history traits in an attempt to clarify potential causes of decline. Since 1998/1999, daily surveys of Sandy Bay, Enderby Island, were undertaken during the NZ sea lion breeding season (December‐February). These surveys confirm that the number of adults at the breeding area has significantly declined during the period of pup production decline. There was no difference between years in mean pup birth date, but the ratio of pups to females ashore during peak pupping varied significantly. The sex ratio of pups at birth also varied from year to year, but with no significant variation overall. Pup mortality varied significantly only during years of epizootic events (1997/1998, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003). Pup birth mass showed little variation between 2000/2001 and 2006/2007, increasing slightly in the last 3 years of study. Pup mass at 3 weeks, although highly variable, showed no trend during the period of decline. Despite the significant decrease in pup production and breeding animals, not all life-history traits relating to pup mass and survival or female fecundity improved. Research suggests that indirect fishing-related pressures may influence some of these traits and that the NZ sea lion population was unlikely to have been influenced by density-dependent factors or to have been at or near carrying capacity before the decline.
The existential dimension in psychiatry: an enactive framework

ABSTRACT In his paper Psychiatry and religion: Consensus reached! , Verhagen advocates the relevance of spirituality and religion for the “origins, understanding, and treatment of psychiatric disorders”. In this comment, I argue for the broader claim that the existential dimension is important for understanding psychiatric disorders – of which religion can, but must not necessarily be, part. The existential dimension refers to our ability to relate to ourselves, our experiences, and our situation. This evaluative relation can play an important role in psychiatry: it can co-constitute the disorder, be affected by the disorder, and/or modulate the course of the disorder. Given this importance, it makes sense to explicitly recognize the existential dimension in our explanatory model of psychiatric disorders. The biopsychosocial model goes a long way in providing an integrative model, but there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to integration of its aspects, and acknowledging the existential aspect. I briefly introduce the research paradigm of enactivism, and suggest that an enactive framework is well-suited to incorporate this existential dimension – along with the traditional dimensions of the biopsychosocial model.
Impact of Geographical Isolation on Genetic Differentiation In An Insular Population of the Carpet Shell Ruditapes decussatus in the Mediterranean Basin

ABSTRACT Genetic variation was investigated using allozymes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, internal transcribed spacer region 1, and microsatellite markers in mainland and insular populations of the carpet shell Ruditapes decussatus from the western and eastern Mediterranean Basin. Five morphometric parameters and weight of valves were also used to study the distribution of variation within and among populations. The species is characterized by a relatively high inter- and intrapopulation morphological and genetic variability. The highest values of percent polymorphism and heterozygosity (allozyme and microsatellite data) were found in the sample from Kerkennah Island. The occurrence of higher levels of genetic variability in insular population is probably because this population inhabit marginal environment characterized by temporal-ecological instability. The genetic heterogeneity analysis demonstrates a certain amount of genetic differentiation among local populations of R. decussatus with a relatively high level of genetic subdivision. Sample from Kerkennah Island was differentiated from almost all other populations. Kerkennah Island clams are also the most different in morphology. This study was intended to elucidate, from genetic markers and morphometric parameters, the relative importance of the biogeographical properties of islands on the observed patterns of differentiation of the Kerkennah population.
Threatened birds of the Darién highlands, Panama: a reassessment

Summary The montane forests of the Darién highlands in eastern Panama and adjacent Colombia embrace the entire ranges of 11 species of bird. By calculating the area which each of these species occupies, a reassessment of their status (using the new IUCN criteria) shows that four should be added to the globally threatened list, on the basis of their ranges being less than 100 km. Although the area which these birds occupy is protected within national parks, a number of threats appear to be compromising their long-term survival, and thus the Darien region urgently requires further conservation attention.
Methods to account for spatial autocorrelation in the analysis of species distributional data : a review

Species distributional or trait data based on range map (extent-of-occurrence) or atlas survey data often display spatial autocorrelation, i.e. locations close to each other exhibit more similar values than those further apart. If this pattern remains present in the residuals of a statistical model based on such data, one of the key assumptions of standard statistical analyses, that residuals are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d), is violated. The violation of the assumption of i.i. d. residuals may bias parameter estimates and can increase type I error rates (falsely rejecting the null hypothesis of no effect). While this is increasingly recognised by researchers analysing species distribution data, there is, to our knowledge, no comprehensive overview of the many available spatial statistical methods to take spatial autocorrelation into account in tests of statistical significance. Here, we describe six different statistical approaches to infer correlates of species’ distributions, for both presence/absence (binary response) and species abundance data (poisson or normally distributed response), while accounting for spatial autocorrelation in model residuals: autocovariate regression; spatial eigenvector mapping; generalised least squares; (conditional and simultaneous) autoregressive models and generalised estimating equations. A comprehensive comparison of the relative merits of these methods is beyond the scope of this paper. To demonstrate each method’s implementation, however, we undertook preliminary tests based on simulated data. These preliminary tests verified that most of the spatial modeling techniques we examined showed good type I error control and precise parameter estimates, at least when confronted with simplistic simulated data containing
Population Analysis of Licuala glabra Griff. var. glabra (Palmae) using RAPD Profiling

Abstract Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiling revealed genetic diversity among three populations of Licuala glabra var. glabra, an understorey palm growing in the dipterocarp forests of Terengganu, Malaysia. The Bukit Bauk population had individuals without aerial stems. The Bukit Besi individuals had stem heights to 30 cm, while those of the Rasau Kerteh population had stems up to 4 m in height. Southern blot analysis confirmed that an apparent monomorphic band generated by the primer OPU-17 among the three different populations corresponds to the same locus. Six primers were used to generate 87 RAPD bands that formed 2-state character raw data for estimating genetic distances using the simple matching coefficient of similarity. The phenogram generated by UPGMA of the RAPD data grouped the individuals from the three populations under three clusters. This was in agreement with the morphological grouping. The infraspecific L. glabra var. selangorensis Becc. was grouped closer to the L. glabra var. glabra individuals than to the outgroup L. scortechinii Becc. Principal component analysis supported the observation from the phenogram. The results show discrete genetic structuring in the populations studied and provide useful information for future conservation measures.
Effects of synthetic adenosine receptor agonists on growth characteristics of G:5:113 fibrosarcoma cells In Vitro

The effects of several synthetic adenosine receptor agonists on the growth characteristics of murine G:5:113 fibrosarcoma cells in vitro were evaluated. Cell number and viability, as well as proportions of cells in individual cell cycle phases, were determined after 48 h cultivation of the cells in the presence of concentrations of adenosine receptor agonists ranging between 0.01 and 500 µM. Effects of the non‐selective adenosine receptor agonist NECA, as well as of agonists selective for A1 (CPA), A2A (CGS 21680), and A3 receptors (IB‐MECA) were evaluated. A slight increase in cell number was observed at a narrow range of concentrations between 30–50 µM of NECA, which was reproduced by CPA, a selective A1 receptor agonist, in concentrations ranging from 20–50 µM. The most important finding was that of significant inhibitory effects of adenosine receptor agonists on cell number in concentrations above 50 µM. This effect was most pronounced after treatment of the G:5:113 fibrosarcoma cells with the selective A3 receptor agonist, IB‐MECA, as revealed also by calculated values of generation time and EC50. The results suggest that adenosine A3 receptor might represent a target for pharmacological anticancer approaches aimed at suppressing the growth of fibrosarcoma cell population. Drug Dev. Res. 60:303–311, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New aromatic cytokinins can make the difference

A number of derivatives of the cytokinin 6-(3-hydroxybenzylamino)purine (meta-topolin, mT) was evaluated in the micropropagation system of Petunia hybrida or Rosa hybrida: 6-(3-methoxybenzylamino)purine (meta-methoxytopulin, MemT), 6-(3-methoxybenzylamino)purine-9-riboside (MemTR), 6-(3-fluorobenzylamino)purine (FmT) and 6-(3-fluorobenzylamino)purine-9-riboside (FmTR). A leaf-variegated petunia chimera with a green-white-green (GWG) histogenic composition was used as a model plant to evaluate meristem stability during micropropagation. MemTR was superior to BA regarding a reliable multiplication of this chimera. In contrast with MemTR, BA induced too much non-variegated shoots. Roses that are micro-. , propagated with BA, suffer from early senescence in vitro. From 4-6 weeks on, some leaves and shoots deteriorate and gradually all the plants in the jars die. The compounds FmT and FmTR showed the best shoot multiplication rate but MemTR had the best anti-senescing effects. After 18 weeks, only half of the plants on MemTR was completely brown. For BA, mT, MemT, MemTR, FmT and FmTR, this was respectively 85, 67, 67, 93 and 76%.
The Effectiveness of Mentoring Youth with Externalizing and Internalizing Behavioral Problems on Youth Outcomes and Parenting Stress: A Meta-analysis

Parents of children with significant externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems habitually report greater parenting stress compared to parents of children without these challenges. One avenue to alleviate parenting stress and ameliorate youth outcomes is youth mentoring, which includes a supportive adult paired with a child with the objective of engendering positive outcomes. The researcher sought to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of mentoring programs for children with significant externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems on parenting stress and youth outcomes and (b) explore moderator variables that may influence program effectiveness. Five studies were included in the current meta-analysis. Results revealed a small effect of these specialized mentoring programs on youth outcomes and parenting stress. Moderator analyses revealed program characteristics that enhance effectiveness. Mentoring programs that target children with significant behavioral and emotional problems may function as an additional service to improve youth outcomes and family functioning.
Identification of heat shock protein 60 as a molecular mediator of α3β1 integrin activation

The α3β1 integrin is involved in the adhesion of metastatic breast cancer cells to the lymph nodes and to osteoblasts in the bone. Regulation of the affinity or avidity of integrins for their ligands may result from conformational changes induced by changes in the microenvironment of the integrin. Two surface proteins, 55 and 32 kDa, coimmunoprecipitated with the α3β1 integrin from breast carcinoma cells. The 55-kDa protein preferentially associated with the active form of the α3β1 integrin. The protein was identified as HSP60 using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry and confirmed by reimmunoprecipitation of the integrin immune complex with an anti-HSP60 antibody. In cell spreading assays on a thrombospondin-1 substrate, addition of exogenous-recombinant HSP60 was sufficient to specifically activate α3β1 integrin but not to activate function of α2β1, αvβ3, α4β1, or α5β1 integrins. Furthermore, mizoribine, an HSP60-binding drug, blocked activation of the α3β1 integrin induced by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) or exogenous recombinant HSP60 and inhibited the association of HSP60 with the integrin. Additionally, inhibiting the surface expression of endogenous HSP60 by nonactin inhibited activation of the α3β1 integrin by IGF1. These data demonstrate that HSP60 binding is sufficient to activate α3β1 integrin function and suggest that association of endogenous HSP60 with α3β1 integrin is necessary for IGF1-induced activation.
Group Problem Solving Among Grassroots Development Activists in South Africa: A Process of Horizontal Mediated Action

The article reports on a study of everyday problem-solving practices of a group of community activists in South Africa. A theoretical framework for the study, based on a cultural-historical approach, is presented. Everyday problem solving is defined as a goal-directed activity that embodies a dialectical interface between person and socio-cultural environment. This interface is defined as cultural mediation. Mediation comes about through joint action between people with the help of mediational means such as values, goals, and models. Data for the study consist of 28 interviews and 10 videotaped problem-solving events. The article describes the grounded interpretative approach used for the analysis of the data and explains the multilayered process of successively deeper interpretations of the data congruent with the adopted theoretical framework. The research participants' group problem-solving practice is steeped in the traditional African philosophy of Ubuntu, which can be loosely translated as the desire of social harmony. This was reflected in the participants' perceptions of the concepts "problem" and "problem solving" and in their problem-solving activities, which were characterized by their sustained attempts to reach a common understanding and group consensus. The structure of the group problem-solving event, the strategies used by the participants, and the roles they played in the activity were congruent with these attempts. However, some evidence suggests that emerging assumptions and practice deviate from the traditional Ubuntu philosophy.
Generation of a ribosomal DNA probe by PCR and its use in identification of fungi within the Gaeumannomyces‐Phialophora complex

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a ribosomal DNA fragment from Gaeumannomyces graminis. This fragment was labelled and tested for its usefulness as a probe in restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) studies of fungi within the Gaeumannomyces-Phialophora complex. When the probe was hybridized to Eco RI digests of DNA from these fungi, there were consistent band pattern differences between the three varieties of G. graminis (tritici, avenae and graminis). This method of probe production, which is more rapid than many others currently used, has considerable potential for use in the identification of these organisms, and may also be applicable to other groups of fungi.
QUALITY OF CARCASS, BEEF MARBLING AND MEAT CHOLESTEROL CONTENT OF MALE BALI CATTLE FED WITH FERMENTED COCOA POD HUSK-BASED FEED

This research aimed to examine carcass quality, marbling and cholesterol content in beef of male Bali cattle fed with feed based on cocoa pod husk concentrate which fermented with Bioplus (CPHCFBio). The research conducted at the Teaching Farm Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Mataram. As many as 9 male Bali cattle aged 1.5 2 years were used with its initial weight of 142-172 kg. The experiment was arranged based on a completely randomized design in the same direction with 3 treatments: P1 = 30% CPHCFBio + 70% corn straw; P2 = 40% CPHCFBio + 60% corn straw and P3 = 50% CPHCFBio + 50% corn straw. The data of carcass and non-carcass percentage, fleshing index, dorsal fat thickness, rib eye area, marbling and cholesterol level of beef were analysed using analysis of variance with SAS software and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 95% of convidence level. Results showed that the use of CPHCFBio up to 50% of corn straw can produce carcass which are in accordance with Indonesian National Standard (SNI) as followed: carcass percentage 52%, non-carcass percentage 37%, fleshing index 0.843%, rib eye area 58.103 cm 2 , dorsal fat thickness 2.66 mm, marbling score (3,3373,717%) and cholesterol content (3,337-3,717%).
The Experimental Error of Field Trials

The magnitude of experimental error attaching to one or more field plots is a question of extreme importance in Agricultural Science, because upon its proper recognition depends the degree of confidence which may be attached to the results obtained in field work. A very cursory examination of the results of any set of field trials will serve to show that a pair of plots similarly treated may be expected to yield considerably different results, even when the soil appears to be uniform and the conditions under which the experiment is conducted are carefully designed to reduce errors in weighing and measurement.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN EVAPORIMETRIC RADIOMETER TO ESTIMATE THE GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION FLUX DENSITY DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM RADIÔMETRO EVAPORIMÉTRICO PARA ESTIMAR A DENSIDADE DE FLUXO DE RADIAÇÃO SOLAR GLOBAL

Based on measurements of evaporation through a black horizontal porous surface (Bellani capsules) supplied with pure water at zero potential, an instrument was developed to measure the incoming solar radiation (Qg), here called evaporimetric radiometer. Basically, it is composed of a set of two identical capsules; one completely exposed to the incoming solar radiation and the environment on the whole, and another covered to minimize the incidence of solar radiation. It was found that the difference of volumetric water evaporated (∆Vt) on both capsules is a good estimation of Qg. A linear regression showed that Qg (MJ.m.day) = 8.7028 + 0.2522 ∆Vt (cm), (r = 0.7237, n = 117) gives a reasonable fit to the data. Such relationship was tested against an indepedent set of data and the results show that the points fall around the 1:1 line.
Fallacia emmae sp. nov., (Bacillariophyta) a New Soil-Inhabiting Diatom Species from the Sub-Antarctic Region

Abstract During a survey of the diatom flora of some caves on Île de la Possession, the main island of the Crozet archipelago, a small, unusual naviculoid taxon was observed, initially identified as Fallacia lenzii. The new taxon is described as Fallacia emmae but it shows features of two related genera: Fallacia and Germainiella. Thorough morphological research revealed details that, on the one hand, contradicted its placement in Fallacia, such as the relatively low number of poroids on the conopeum, the absence of external canal apertures beside the raphe slit (Fallacia-feature), and striae that are composed of one slit-like areola (Germainiella-feature). The morphology and taxonomy of the new taxon are discussed and questions are raised about the validity of genera recently split off from the genus Navicula on the basis of one, or occasionally two, morphological features.