Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urban, Residential, and Rural Climate Comparisons from Mobile Transects and Fixed Stations: Phoenix, Arizona

Abstract Fixed stations versus automobile transects were compared for a 27-day period between July and November 2001 to investigate urban, residential, and rural temperatures and dew points post-sundown for a sub-region in the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona. Temperature and dew point differences were determined among urban (urb), residential (res), and rural (rur) from the fixed sites (fix) and the mobile transect route (tran). On average, transects revealed a mean ΔT(urb-rur)tran of 7.3°C (standard deviation, σ, of 2.02°C) and ΔT(res-rur)tran of 3°C (σ = 1.09°C); whereas the fixed site results were ΔT(urb-rur)fix of 4.8°C (σ = 2.78°C) and ΔT(res-rur)fix of 2.3°C (σ = 1.81°C). Comparisons of dew points for ΔTd(urb-rur)tran and ΔTd(res-rur)tran were −3.21°C (σ = 4.56°C) and −1.0°C (σ = 1.44°C), respectively; whereas the ΔTd(urb-rur)fix and ΔTd(res-rur)fix values averaged +1.27°C (σ = 2.85°C) and −0.10°C (σ = 2.75°C), respectively. The use of a Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) assists in interpreting the overall results of the differences among sites and highlights the important role of surface vegetation and moisture in reducing temperatures in this desert urban setting. An ongoing mobile climate sampling system is planned within the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research program (CAP LTER) to maintain seasonal and long-term climate sampling in order to determine local details linking urban ecology and land cover change to climate change in this metropolitan region.
Further Than the Eye Can See: Psychological Distance and Perception of Environmental Threats

ABSTRACT The deteriorating state of the environment and global warming pose a serious and unprecedented threat to humanity. Yet, public response and personal behavior do not reflect the proportions of such a threat. In the present research we explored possible reasons for this discrepancy. Past research has shown that people perceive events as more threatening based on their immediacy, certainty, or personal implications. Liberman and Trope (2008) developed the concept of “psychological distance” (PD), according to which more immediate events are seen as “closer in time,” more certain events as “closer in probability,” and events with greater potential for personal harm as “socially closer. ” Adopting this concept, we examined how distant, in terms of PD, people perceive environmental threats to be. Using a structural equations model, we measured how PD influences environmental threat perception. In a sample of 305 Israeli students who completed a computerized questionnaire, we found that environmental threats were perceived as psychologically distant in all of the PD dimensions, and that PD strongly affected perceived severity of environmental threats and willingness to engage in pro-environmental behavior. The reasons for the psychological remoteness of environmental threats and possible approaches to cope with its implications are discussed.
Effect of Neem Seed Extract on the Brown Citrus Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its Parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae)

Abstract The biological effects of a commercially available neem seed extract (Neemix. 4.5, 4.5% azadirachtin, AZ) were assessed on the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirklady), a recently introduced insect pest of citrus in the United States and its parasitoid, Lysiphlebus testaceipes. When small citrus seedlings were dipped with the neem extract at 11–180 ppm AZ, 0–8% of nymphs and 0–17.5% of adults survived 7 d after the treatment while 95% of nymphs and 42.5% of adults in the control survived for the same period. The extract drastically reduced longevity of both adults and nymphs, adult fecundity, and molting of nymphs at all tested concentrations. Spraying neem extract (11–180 ppm AZ) onto potted citrus plants in the greenhouse also significantly reduced aphids by 20–100%, while control aphid populations increased by 950% 7 d after treatment. Application of the extract had little impact on the survival of adult parasitoids and developing parasitoids within aphids because parasite emergences were similar between treated and untreated parasitized aphids. These results indicate that neem extract may be compatible with integrated pest management programs in citrus and should be evaluated for field efficacy.
A NEW DEEP-SEA SQUAT LOBSTER OF THE GENUS MUNIDOPSIS WHITEAVES, 1874 (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA: ANOMURA: GALATHEIDAE) COLLECTED BY THE PANGLAO 2005 EXPEDITION TO THE PHILIPPINES

A new deep-sea galatheid, Munidopsis dentifalx, is described on the basis of two specimens obtained at depths of 2,120-2,323 m by the PANGLAO 2005 expedition to the Philippines. The new species closely resembles M. villosa Faxon, 1893, known from the Gulf of Panama and off Chile, but differs from that species in lacking antennal and epigastric spines on the carapace and a median spine on the abdominal segment 5, and in the spination of the P2-4 dactyli. The last mentioned character is unusual in the genus Munidopsis, the ultimate of the ventral marginal spines being far distant from the penultimate.
ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITIES OF VERNONIA CINEREA EXTRACT AGAINST CCL4 INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS Research Article

In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Vernonia cinerea (F. Asteraceae) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Hepatotoxicity was successfully induced by injecting CCl4 (0.5ml/kg body weight) intraperitoneally. Ethanol extract of Vernonia cinerea (250mg/kg) administrated intraperitoneally along with CCl4 for 7 days. The general observation, mortality, biomarker enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phospatase (ALP), diagnostic enzyme markers like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH), Vit-C, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were monitored after 7 days of the last dose. CCl4 caused liver damage as evident by statistically significant (p<0.001) increased in plasma activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH. There were general statistically significant losses in activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, Vit-C, and an increase in MDA in the liver of CCl4-treated group compared with the control group. However, Vernonia cinerea were able to counteract these effects. The present results suggest that the plant can act as hepatoprotective against CCl4 toxicity and that the mechanism by which they exert hepatoprotection modulating antioxidant status.
Effect of amino acid formulation and dietary direct-fed microbial supplementation on egg production and egg characteristics in laying hens

SUMMARY An experiment was conducted to determine whether direct-fed microbial supplementation could alleviate a marginal amino acid (AA) deficiency in Hyline 36 laying hens from 33 to 44 wk of age. The experiment was a 2 × 4 factorial design with or without a commercial directfed microbial (Primilac; 1.36 kg/1,000 kg) and 4 levels of AA formulation. Egg characteristics (yolk, albumen, or shell proportions and yolk or albumen solids) were not affected by diet. Primilac supplementation had no effect on egg production or egg mass. However, Primilac supplementation reduced feed intake-to-egg mass ratio by 2.4 and 3.4% from 33 to 36 wk and 41 to 44 wk, respectively. Total eggs laid and egg mass were greatest when at least 14.4 g of CP, 804 mg of Lys, 382 mg of Met, 601 mg of TSAA, 502 mg of Thr, and 609 mg of Ile were consumed per hen per day from 33 to 44 wk of age. In conclusion, Primilac supplementation was not able to completely alleviate a marginal AA deficiency in laying hens but did improve feed intake-to-egg mass ratios during 8 wk of the 12-wk study.
Frost resistance and pH of cell effusate in needles of artificially deacclimated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Provenances of seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) from northern Finland (65°N) and cuttings from trees of the same species about 30 to 40 years in age were studied in 3 artificial deacclimation experiments during the winter and spring of 1994. The deacclimation conditions varied in terms of temperature rise and photoperiods. Frost resistance and the pH of the cell effusate were studied in order to investigate the possibility of a connection between them. Complete deacclimation was achieved, as shown by a frost resistance of -60°C to -65°C in the seedlings and -80°C in the cuttings at the beginning of the experiment and decreased to above -10°C by the end. The frost resistance and pH of the cell effusate responded significantly to the increase in temperature that marked the onset of the deacclimation process, whereas the response to different photoperiods was only slight. A highly significant correlation was found between frost resistance and the pH of the cell effusate. These variables were also significantly correlated with the freezing test temperature, indicating the condition of plasmalemma and tonoplast ; and with sampling day, indicating the response to deacclimation. In the light of these findings, it is concluded that the pH of the cell effusate with certain reservations, can be used as a time saving, alternative viability test when determining frost resistance.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Probing of Biofertilizing Halotolerant Azosprillum Spp. and Bacillus Spp.

3 Abstract: The present study was conducted to study the divergence of phenotypic and genotypic characterization of six isolated Plant Growth Promoting Bacterial (PGPBs) strains such as four Azosprillum spp. (A. lipofereum, A. amazonense, A. haloperense and A. brasilense), nitrogen fixers and two Bacillus spp. (B. megaterium and B. subtilis), phosphate solubilisers from the mangrove environment. From the result, it was clear that the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the test bacterial species were significantly varied. The analysis of genotypic characterization by ARDRA profiles showed different polymorphic band patterns and which were interrelated by different statistical and cluster dendrogram analysis.
Integrated pest management for the potato leafhopper ( Empoasca fabae) in alfalfa

This paper summarizes the knowledge to date on the biology of the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris including its distribution, development, migration, agricultural host plants, and the mechanism of injury to host plants. Damage to alfalfa, potatoes, soybeans and snap beans, as well as treatment guidelines, are summarized. Particular attention is given to integrated pest management options in alfalfa, the host plant most frequently incurring economically damaging populations of potato leafhopper. Alfalfa scouting and economic thresholds are discussed along with cultural controls and host plant resistance.
Genetic characterization of an arctic zooplankter: insights into geographic polyploidy

Species of Bosmina from the temperate regions of North America and Europe are diploid and reproduce by cyclical parthenogenesis. By contrast, this study provides evidence that the dominant bosminid taxon in High Arctic lakes reproduces by obligate parthenogenesis and is a polyploid derived from interspecific hybridization.Sinobosmina liederi, a species common in temperate North America, is likely to have been one parent of these hybrids, but the other parent is unknown. As neither parent was detected in the Arctic, it seems unlikely that the hybrid clones that now occupy arctic lakes were synthesized locally. Most habitats contained only one or two clones, despite a total of 38 clones in the region, suggesting that priority effects have been important in restricting diversity within single lakes. The high regional diversity of arctic bosminids could reflect either repeated hybridization between the parent taxa or the genetic instability of newly formed polyploid lineages. These processes would produce hybrid polyploids that are considerably more diverse than their sexual parent taxa, and this difference in genetic diversity may confer an advantage to the polyploid biotype. As many zooplankton taxa from the arctic possess genetic characteristics similar to those of bosminids, these processes may provide a general explanation for the widespread occurrence of polyploids in the Arctic.
USE OF ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON THE EFFICACY OF BIOCONTROL AGENTS IN THE CONTROL OF ROOT ROT AND ROOT KNOT DISEASE COMPLEX OF OKRA

Use of Verticillium chlamydosporium, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Rhizobium meliloti or soil amendment with Stoechospermum marginatum seaweed controlled the infection of Meloidogyne javanica root knot nematode and Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani infection of okra. Neem cake and datura powder were also effective against M. javanica and M. phaseolina infection. The combined use of V. chlamydosporium and neem cake completely controlled the M. javanica infection. The greatest height and fresh weight of shoot were produced when R. meliloti was used with seaweed followed by V. chlamydosporium used with neem cake.
INNSBRUCK

OW late years the Northern Tyrol has begun to attract winter visitors bent purely on holiday and winter sports, for it affords a large choice of places, within easy reach of one another, at which skating, sledging, toboganning, and ski-running can all be parsued under exceptionally favourable circumstances. Northern Tyrol, however, has attractions of a much more serious character than those of a convenient winter playground; but to these neither the inhabitants nor the world at large seem to have awakened until recently. This is somewhat curious, because the merits of Northern Tyrol, and especially of Innsbruck, were strongly -emphasized some twelve years ago by Professor Jaccoud. Writing in March, 1894, in the La Semaine Mdicale, he reviewed minutely the various factors which go to make up a desirable residence for persons predisposed to tubercle, and discussed the extent to.which they existed at various places-Davos, St. Moritz, Samaden, Arosa, Caux, -Glion, and others-and finally plumped for Innsbruck,
Geographic distribution of Rhyncholestes raphanurus Osgood, 1924 (Paucituberculata : Caenolestidae), an endemic marsupial of the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest

The Chilean shrew opossum (Rhyncholestes raphanurus) is the southernmost representative of the family Caenolestidae (Marsupialia : Paucituberculata). The species lives in temperate forests of southern Chile and Argentina and is currently known from 50%) in coastal Chile and the Andes from 39°30′ to ~42°S, and most of Chiloe Island, plus a northern and southern expansion of medium to low (<50%) prediction values. The most important environmental variables identified from the models include precipitation and some temperature-related variables. The species occurrence lies within the Andean region, Subantarctic subregion, and Valdivian biogeographic province. At a smaller scale, most of the localities occur in eight of the 22 forest types described for the Valdivian ecoregion, implying narrow ecological requirements. Identification of critical areas through potential distribution modelling may have implications for species conservation and identification of biogeographic patterns.
Innovation in large lectures—teaching for active learning

T he cal! for reform in seienee education stimulatcd by "A Nation at Risk" (National Commission on Exccllence in Educarion 1983) is multifaceted and complex, as weIl as inc1usive in scope, cncompassing kindergarten through graduate school (AAAS 1990, NRC t 996a, 1996b, Projeer Kalcidoscope 1991). This national call for reform also hascaptured thc attention of many university faeulty nationwide (Gibbons 1994), who recognizethe need co change how seicnee is taught-cspcciallr at the undergraduate level, in courses such as introductorv biolagy. Explicit in chis call to a~tion is a rethinking of the purpose of 5cieilee courses in terms of "student outcomes"-that is, whar do seicnee educators want students to know and be able to da? In the science education reform eHorts that we have instituted at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and at the Uni versity of Monrana (UM), our goal was for all of our srudents to hecome biologically literate, especially those not majoring in seience, such as elementary and secondary ed ucation majors-tha t is, future teachers. As we define it, biologicalliteracy includes not only understanding major biological coocepts but also being able to use thc process of inquiry to solve problems, to communicate effectively, and to develop positive attitudes toward and self-confidence in understanding biology. We focused our eHorts on introductory biology courses because they enrolllarge numbers of majors and nonmajors, both groups whose biological hteracy is in need of improvemcnt (Sundberg er a1. 1994). Moreover, introductory biologyclasses tend to be large lecture courses, which
EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF MUSA PARADISIACA (LINN) STEM JUICE ON CHEMICALLY INDUCED ACUTE INFLAMMATION Research Article

The methanol extract of Musa paradisiaca (MEMP) at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg orally was tested for anti-inflammatory activity in some acute models viz. xylene induced ear lap oedema, carrageenan induced paw oedema and dextran induced paw oedema model. Ibuprofen at the dose of 50 mg/kg was used as standard. MEMP showed dose dependent activity against all the three models and the results were significant (p<0.05) compared with the control group. Thus the present study indicates that the methanol extract of Musa paradisiaca stem juice possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity.
A contribution to the leaf and young stem anatomy of the Combretaceae

A comprehensive survey of anatomical features of the leaf and young stem in southern African Combretaceae has been conducted. Anatomical descriptions of the native genera (Combretum, Lumnitzera, Meiostemon, Pteleopsis, Quisqualis and Terminalia) are provided. Attention was paid to the description of the observed structural diversity, as well as to an assessment of its possible systematic significance. Unusual anatomical features are present in the leaves of a number of species; these include various glands, complex vascular tissue and arm-palisade cells. Interpretation of the vascular tissue comprising the midrib of the leaves is particularly problematic; there is considerable interspecific variation, notably in pattern of vascular tissue arrangement and the degree of external and internal phloem development. The anatomy of the mangrove Lumnitzera racemosa, a highly-specialized member of the family, is peculiar and an attempt is made to link certain features with possible function. Some of the structural characters are of systematic significance and useful for generic and sectional recognition as well as the identification of sterile material. Combretum section Angustimarginata can be distinguished by a combination of leaf blade anatomical features and Terminalia section Psidioides by the tanniniferous palisade cells in the leaf blade. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 138, 163–196.
Prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas Spp. and Acinetobacter Spp. Causing Nosocomial Infection in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of National Liver Institute

Non-fermenting gram negative bacilli including Pseudomonas aernginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Acinetobacter spp. have been implicated in a variety of nosocomial infection particularly in Intensive Car Units (ICUs). This study aimed to overview the problem of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas spp an Acinetobacter spp causing nosocomial infections in ICUs in National Liver Institute and to determine the risk factors predisposing to these infections, also to assess the occurrence of ESβls and MβLs among these isolates. The study included 160 nosocomially infected patients (97 males and 63 females). Also,20 hospital staff who were in close contact to ICU patients and 40 environment and equipment samples from the ICU. Bacterial culture and identification were carried out using standard microbiological methods. The antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the disc diffusion methods, also gram negative isolates were tested for ESβLs and MβL production by disk diffusion method, double disk synergy test and E test (for MBL). Our results revealed that NF gram negative isolates represented 18.75% of nosocomial isolates. Pseudomonas spp was 15.6%, Acinetobacter spp was 2.1% and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was 1.04%. They were frequently isolated from cases with ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). All isolates were resistant to ampicillin and augmentin, They were highly sensitive to gentamycin (Pseudomonas spp 80.6%, Acinetobacter spp 80% and S. maltophilia 100%). They were highly resistant to ceftriaxone (Pseudomonas spp 77.8%, Acinetobacter spp 80% and S.maltophilia 50%), ceftazidime(Pseudomonas spp 80.6%, Acinetobacter spp 100% and S.maltophilia 100%), Rates of resistant to Imipenem were(Pseudomonas spp 61.1%, Acinetobacter spp 80% and S.maltophilia 50%). ESβL +ve Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. detected by disk diffusion method were 38.9% and 40% respectively, and confirmed by double disk synergy tests were 25% and 40% respectively. MβL was produced by 61.1% of Pseudomonas isolates and 80% of Acinetobacter isolates detected by disk diffusion and DDT, while E test detected the presence of MβL in 52.8% of Pseudomonas isolates and 60% of Acinetobacter isolates. In conclusion non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli including Pseudomonas spp, Acinetobacter spp and Stenotrophamoneas maltophilia were important causes of nosocomial infections in ICUs,particularly VAP. Most of these isolates were multidrug resistant and producers of ESβL and MβL.
OF COMPLEMENT BY HAGEMAN FACTOR FRAGMENT

There is a striking similarity between the mechanisms involved in the activation of the complement system and those of the Hageman factor-dependent pathways that lead to blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and kinin formation Both systems require an initial contact with an activator which in turn triggers a cascade of reactions involving the sequential interactions of a series of enzymes and regulators. Furthermore, certain pro_reins seem to operate as regulators of both systems. The serum C1 inactivator (CI-INA), 1 an inhibitor of activated C1 that is absent in patients with hereditary angioedema (1), is known to inhibit the activities ofplasmin (2, 3), activated Ha_geman factor (2-5), anaphylatoxin inactivator (2), Factor XIa (6), kallikrein (2, 7),C lr, and Cls (2, 3) through the formation of stoichiometric complexes. In the absence of C 1-INA, activated Hageman factor may activate the kinin system by conversion of prekallikrein to kallikrein, which in turn cleaves bradykinin from high molecular weight kininogen. Since bradykinin is a potent mediator of enhanced vascular permeability, the pathogenesis of hereditary angioedema may involve interactions between the Hageman factor-dependent pathways and the classical pathway of complement activation. Previous evidence has suggested that C 1 activation in this disease is Hageman factor dependent (8). Plasmin has been shown to be capable of activating C 1 (9) and may represent one such enzyme.