Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mammals and agri-environment schemes: hare haven or pest paradise?

Summary 1 Agri-environment schemes (AESs) are designed to create landscape-scale improvements in biodiversity. While the specific aims of AESs do not always include the enhancement of species of conservation concern, associated conservation strategies, such as the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, often rest on the assumption that AESs enhance environmental conditions and thereby improve the conservation status of target species. However, there is little evidence for the general efficacy of AESs in this respect. 2 To evaluate the effects of the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme, a widespread AES in Northern Ireland, a spotlight survey of the relative abundance of three mammal species, Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus, European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus and red fox Vulpes vulpes, was conducted. Of these, the Irish hare is a priority species for conservation action and the focus of a species action plan, while rabbit and fox are commonly considered agricultural pests. The effects of ESA designation and habitat on each species were assessed at 150 ESA and 50 non-ESA sites, matched for landscape characteristics. 3 The ESA scheme had no demonstrable effect on the abundance of Irish hares, and this agri-environment scheme did not target the landscape and habitat variables associated with hares. 4 In contrast, the abundance of rabbits and foxes was significantly greater within ESAs than the wider countryside. Agricultural factors such as reduced livestock stocking density, reduced overgrazing and field boundary enhancements may create more favourable conditions for both species. Aside from the implications for farm economics, the proliferation of rabbit populations within conservation areas may raise issues concerning the grazing of important plant communities, while increases in fox populations may adversely affect ground-nesting birds and other animal species of conservation concern. 5 Synthesis and applications. The abundance of rabbits and foxes corroborates recent work that suggests AESs may benefit common species but can not be relied upon to encourage rarer species. The Irish hare species action plan relies on agri-environment schemes to enhance the species’ status and realize the target of increasing the hare population by 2010 by promoting suitable habitat. However, the ESA scheme is unlikely to help in achieving these objectives. Targeted and evidence-based agri-environment prescriptions are clearly required in order to ensure the realization of species-specific conservation targets.
Tadpole morphology of high altitude frogs from the Drakensberg mountains

Morphological similarities between the tadpoles of Amietia umbraculata and A. vertebralis has led to confusion and the reporting of incorrect descriptions and identification in the literature. Until recently A. vertebralis was known as Strongylopus hymenopus and its tadpole was described as having typical Strongylopus jaw sheaths that are deeply pigmented to the base. Tadpoles of A. umbraculata and A. vertebralis show considerable overlap in labial tooth row formulae and tail fin shape which added to the confusion. We revised the morphological characteristics of the two species by examining a combination of 33 body measurements, oral arrangement and colour patterns. Specimens were obtained from museum collections and collected at Mont-Aux Sources and Sani Pass in the Drakensberg mountains. Tadpole identification was verified through DNA barcoding. A combination of four characteristics was shown to be informative and consistent in telling the tadpoles apart. These include the degree of mottling on the tail musculature, the shape of the dorsal tail fin, the body length – total length ratio and the lower jaw labial tooth row formula.
Quantifying key photosynthetic enzymes in natural phytoplankton communities in the North Atlantic

Marine phytoplankton are central to biogeochemical cycling within the ocean, driving enzyme catalysed redox reactions using a set of evolutionary conserved metabolic proteins. Data are presented from four cruises in the North Atlantic in both the sub-tropics (D326, winter 2008 and FeAST, summer 2008) and the high latitudes (D350, spring 2010 and D354, summer 2010). Optimisation of quantitative immunoblotting enabled detection of target photosynthetic proteins and resulted in a method which provided extraction efficiencies averaging 71% 12% and good reproducibility. Quantification of target proteins within natural marine communities, are combined with photophysiological measurements and biochemical data, to determine protein distribution patterns and suggest potential acclimation patterns in response to environmental forcing. Quantification of photosystem II (PSII) and Rubisco, was achieved from phytoplankton communities in the sub-tropical North Atlantic, in both surface waters and from the deep-chlorophyll maximum (DCM). Increased PSII abundance, relative to total protein, observed in samples from the DCM suggest that phytoplankton within the sub-tropical North Atlantic, photoacclimate to lower irradiance by increasing the abundance of PSII reaction centres. Data collected from the high latitude North Atlantic (HLNA) during spring and summer 2010 suggest that, during summer, primary productivity in the Irminger Basin was limited by iron (Fe) availability while co-limitation by Fe and nitrate was constraining phytoplankton growth in the Iceland Basin. The most significant inter-season difference in protein abundance was a decrease in Rubisco in summer. This decline was potentially attributed to a decrease in nitrate availability between spring and summer. Low PSII:Chl a ratios, coupled with depressed photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), were observed in the Irminger basin during summer, potentially as a result of larger antenna sizes and/or excess uncoupled Chl-binding proteins, in response to Fe limitation. Nutrient addition incubation experiments in the HLNA, during summer 2010, further supported the in situ data. In particular, the molecular level response of these communities to Fe addition was characterised by a marked increase in PSII:Chl a. Overall this thesis has enabled absolute quantification of key photosynthetic proteins from natural communities in the North Atlantic and has addressed potential environmental drivers for changes in protein abundance. Future quantification of key photosynthetic proteins, in natural communities, will provide applications in primary productivity estimates.
LASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE TEMPERATURE SENSOR FOR IN-FLIGHT DROPLETS

In this work, laser-induced  uorescence (LIF) is used to develop a noncontact temperature sensor. The noninvasive sensor is sensible, reversible, and reproducible to temperature changes, and can be used as a temperature indicator for in- ight droplets. A calibration curve relating  uorescence emission intensity to temperature of a solution was developed for a mixture of ethanol–pyrene at 5 mM concentration. The percentage by mass of the mixture is 99.9% ethanol and 0.1% pyrene. The calibration curve was used as a noninvasive sensor to measure temperature of in- ight droplets. The mixture of ethanol– pyrene concentration at 5 mM was used as the base  uid to generate droplets of 215 l m. These droplets were atomized at a velocity of 10 m/s. Droplet temperature measurements were achieved at 1.9, 2.9, and 3.9 cm downward from the tip of the atomizer with the aid of the noncontact thermometer. The initial temperatures of the droplets were changed to 50, 40, and 33 C, and the resulting decrease in temperatures was attributed to heat and mass transfer between the droplets and the surrounding environment.
Effects of glycerin and essential oils (Anacardium occidentale and Ricinus communis) on the meat quality of crossbred bulls finished in a feedlot

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on meat quality of crossbred bulls finished in a feedlot when some corn is replaced by glycerin and essential oils (EO) are added to the diet. Thirty bulls weighing 311 kg ± 28.8 kg (22 ± 2 months old) were randomly assigned to one of three diets: CON – Control (diet without glycerin and EO); GLY – 16.1% glycerin in dry matter (DM); and GEO – 16.1% glycerin in DM and EO (cashew: Anacardium occidentale; castor: Ricinus communis) at 442 mg/kg DM consumed. The bulls were kept in a feedlot for 115 days and slaughtered at an average weight of 467 ± 27.9 kg (25 ± 2 months old). The bulls were fed on sorghum silage, cracked corn, glycerin, soybean meal, urea, limestone, and mineral salt. Replacing corn with glycerin plus EO adding to the diet had no effect on the fat thickness, Longissimus muscle (LM) area, marbling, texture, colour, Warner–Bratzler shear force, or chemical composition of the LM. The fatty acid composition in the LM was similar among the diets, except for percentages of myristic and margaric acids. The diets had no effect on the percentage of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Animals fed on glycerin had a lower ratio of n-6 to n-3 in the LM when compared with the CON diet. Partial replacing of corn with glycerin and EO improved meat flavour, tenderness, and the preference of consumers. Corn may be replaced by glycerin to a 15% level of DM without any detrimental effect on the carcass characteristics or the chemical composition of the LM.
Prolamins of maize and wheat differentially affect intestinal cells both in biopsies of celiac patients and CACO-2 cell line

ABSTRACT We study the effect of maize zeins on cellular immune response as compared to that of wheat gliadins for exacerbating celiac disease due to a hypothetical similar response in some patients. In vitro activation of celiac duodenal mucosa with gliadin or zein immunoreactive peptides and pro-inflammatory response of CACO-2 cells to digested gliadin or zein fractions were evaluated as indicators of adaptive and innate response, respectively. In 3/5 biopsies, zein increased production of IFN-γ, whereas gliadin has done it in all the patient biopsies. In CACO-2 cells, two zein fractions (3–5 and 1–3 kDa), similar to gliadin fractions, stimulated the production of IL-8, p38 MAPK, COX2, and release of ZO-1 as compared to medium alone. The 3–5 kDa zein fraction increased permeability in cell monolayers, although less than gliadin. Zein peptides are immunogenic for some patients and induce a similar innate response, but to a lesser extent than gliadin peptides.
Identification and Distribution of the Weedy Spurges in the Delta of Mississippi

The weedy spurges found in the Delta region of Mississippi, U.S.A. , include spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata L. # EPHMA), nodding spurge (Euphorbia nutans Lag. # EPHNU), prostrate spurge (Euphorbia humistrata Engelm. ex Gray # EPHHT), creeping spurge (Euphorbia serpens H.B.K. # EPHSN), and hyssop spurge (Euphorbia hyssopifolia L. # EPHHS). Nodding spurge was the most common while creeping spurge was the least common. Hyssop spurge, not previously known to be in Mississippi, was found in six of the 17 counties in the Delta of Mississippi. Hyssop spurge occurs with, and had previously been confused with, nodding spurge. Diagnostic characters, special identification features, and illustrations are provided to aid in identification of these five species of weedy spurges, which occur widely in the U.S.
Economic Development and Women's Labor Force Participation in India

ABSTRACT India has experienced steady economic growth over the last two decades alongside a persistent decline in women's labor force participation (LFPR). This paper explores the relationship between economic development and women's labor supply using state-level data spanning the period 1983–4 to 2011–2. While several studies suggest a U-shaped relationship between development and women's labor force participation, our results suggest that at the state level, there is no systematic U-shaped relationship between level of domestic product and women's LFPR. On examining the relationship between the structure of the economy and women's economic activity, we find that it is not economic growth but rather the composition of growth that is relevant for women. Further, our results suggest that aggregate changes in the proportion of women in the workforce can be mostly attributed to the movement of the workforce across sectors rather than changes in the proportion of women workers within a sector.
An Overview of RNA Structure Prediction

This unit briefly describes the two fundamentally different methods for predicting RNA structures. The first is to find that structure with the minimum free energy of folding, as predicted by various thermodynamic parameters related to base‐pair stacking, loop lengths, and other features. If one has only a single sequence, this thermodynamic approach is the best available method. The second fundamental approach to RNA structure prediction is to use multiple, homologous sequences for which one can infer a common structure, and then try and predict a structure common to all of the sequences. Such an approach is referred to as a comparative method or phylogenetic method of RNA structure prediction.
Microwave dielectric properties of Li2MgTiO4 ceramics synthesized via high energy ball milling method

ABSTRACT Li2MgTiO4 ceramics were prepared with Li2CO3, TiO2 and MgO by high energy ball mill method. After mixtures ball-milling 30 h and calcining at 700°C, the homogenate Li2MgTiO4 powders with average particle size of 160 nm were obtained. The pure phase obtained temperature was about 300°C lower than that by a conventional solid-state reaction process. Due to Li+ evaporation, the Li2MgTiO4 ceramics sintered at high temperature existed with some Mg2TiO4. The Li2MgTiO4 ceramics at 1250°C had an excellent microwave dielectric properties ϵr = 12.17, Q × f = 42000 GHz and an τf = −23 ppm/°C
Comparisons of fish catches using fyke nets and buoyant pop nets in a vegetated shallow water saltmarsh flat at Towra Point, NSW

The selection of appropriate sampling methods is a prerequisite for the design of any survey detailing nekton assemblages. In the present study two commonly used saltmarsh fish sampling methods, the fyke net and the buoyant pop net, were used to compare the assemblages of fish caught in a saltmarsh flat during monthly spring tides over a twelve month period. Both nets were made of 2mm mesh. A total of 3514 fish and crustaceans of 21 species were captured by 48 fyke net sets and 818 fish of 16 species were captured by 48 pop net releases. Fyke and pop nets recorded significantly different (ANOSIM: P<0.001) assemblages, with higher proportions of Pseudomugil signifer caught in the fyke nets and Ambassis jacksoniensis in the pop nets. Five species, Sillago cilliata, Rhabdosargus sarba, Redigobius macrostoma, Taeniodes mordax and Metapenaeus macleayi, were caught in the fyke nets only. Significant differences in the size of fish caught were recorded for two species, Gobiopterus semivestitus and Gerres subfasciatus, with larger fish on average caught in the pop nets. The result suggested that pop nets are less efficient at catching smaller fish.
Enhancing unsaturated fatty acids in ewe's milk by feeding rapeseed or linseed oil.

The aim of our research was to evaluate whether rapeseed and linseed oils used as feed addi - tives to ewe's diets allow to achieve the higher secretion of unsaturated fatty acids into milk with extended emphasis on the conjugated linoleic acid concentration. Two experiments were carried out on 6 lactating ewes in two independent 3 × 3 Latin square designs. In each feeding cycle the animals were subjected to one of the treatments: (1) without oil supplementation, (2) with 3.5% of rapeseed oil (RS) or linseed oil (LS), (3) with 7.0% of rapeseed oil or linseed oil. Feeding diets rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids to lactating ewes under our experimental conditions resulted in demanded changes in milk fatty acid content without causing milk fat depression or modification of other milk constituents. Milk fat was improved in unsaturated fatty acids including C18:2 c9 t11 CLA isomer without changing the milk fat concentration. The C18:2 c9 t11 concentration increased from 0.03 (FAME, %) in the control group to 0.21 and 0.12 (FAME, %) in groups receiving 3.5 and 7% RS, respectively. The diet with 7% LS also elevated the C18:2 c9 t11 level in milk from 0.04 (FAME, %) in the control group to 0.11 (FAME, %). Hence a conclusion is drawn that plant oils may be an important source of monoenic and also polyenic fatty acids in milk, however, our research and analysis of literature data indicate that results are strictly dietary and supplement-dependent.
The Influence of Firing Temperatures on the Crystal Structure, Microstructure and Dielectric Properties of 0.68Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.22Bi0.5K0.5TiO3-0.10Bi0.5Li0.5TiO3 Ceramics Prepared Via the Combustion Technique

The 0.68Bi0. 5Na0.5TiO3–0.22Bi0. 5K0.5TiO3–0.10Bi0. 5Li0.5TiO3 (BNKLT) lead-free ferroelectric ceramics were prepared by the combustion technique. The BNKLT was calcined from 600°C to 850°C for 2 h and sintered from 900°C to 1050°C for 2 h. The XRD diffraction pattern was indexed on the basis of rhombohedral perovskite structure. The secondary phases K4Ti3O8 and K2Ti6O3 were detected in the powders calcined below 750° C. The highest perovskite percentage was observed in the powders calcined above 750°C. The sintered pellets showed single-phase perovskite structure for all samples, which indicated that K+, Bi+ and Li+ ions substituted onto the A-site in the BNKLT lattice to form a solid solution. The increase in sintering temperature up to 1025°C significantly promoted grain growth and microstructure densification. The depolarization temperature (Td) of the sample shifted to higher temperatures whereas the temperature of maximum permittivity (Tmaxε) shifted to lower temperatures with an increase in sintering temperature. The optimum dielectric properties were obtained from the sample sintered at 1025°C with ϵr = 4,340 (at Tmaxε), density (ρ = 5.79 g/cm−3) and shrinkage (∼18.4%).
Poverty and fat consumption: Education poor or income poor?

Abstract In this paper, we question the role of added fats on health disparities in the French case and its policy implications. Since low-status populations are proven to have more nutritional pathologies, can we evidence fat consumption specificity in poor populations? We first verify the strong sensitivity of fat consumption to income and education, criteria which both characterize deprived populations. We estimate a demand system taking into account the selection issue. For this we propose a modification of the Shonkwiler and Yen's procedure which, unlike Heckman's, allows participation on every market of products to be controlled for. We use the latter procedure on a set of seven fat categories which have different, including opposite, health attributes. Our results show that segmentation following income and/or education essentially affects price elasticities. This offers different perspectives for health policies. Controlling fat consumption through prices appears easier among low-income households than among low-education households.
Assessment of residential exposures to agricultural pesticides: A scoping review

The assessment of residential exposure to agricultural pesticides is a major issue for public health, regulatory and management purposes. In recent years, research into this field has developed considerably. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of scientific literature characterizing residential exposure to agricultural pesticides and to identify potential gaps in this research area. This work was conducted according to the JBI and PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were consulted. At least two experts selected the eligible studies. Our scoping review enabled us to identify 151 articles published between 1988 and 2019 dealing with the assessment of residential exposure to agricultural pesticides. Of these, 98 (64.9%) were epidemiological studies investigating possible links between pesticide exposure and the onset of adverse health effects, principally cancers and reproductive outcomes. They predominantly used Geographic Information Systems and sometimes surveys or interviews to calculate surrogate exposure metrics, the most common being the amounts of pesticides applied or the surface area of crops around the dwelling. Twenty-six (17.2%) were observational measurement studies conducted to quantify levels of pesticide exposure and identify their possible determinants. These studies assessed exposure by measuring pesticides in biological and environmental matrices, mostly in urines and house dust. Finally, we found only eight publications (5.3%) that quantified the risk to human health due to residential exposure for management purposes, in which exposure was mainly determined using probabilistic models. Pesticide exposure appears to be largely correlated with the spatial organization of agriculture activities in a territory. The determinants and routes of exposure remain to be explored to improve the conduct of epidemiological and risk assessment studies and to help prevent future exposures. Improvement could be expected from small-scale studies combining different methods of exposure assessment.
Population‐based analysis of treatment patterns and outcomes for pancreas cancer in Victoria

The Victorian Pancreas Cancer summit 2017 analysed state‐wide data on management of Victorians with pancreas cancer between 2011 and 2015 to identify variations in care and outcomes. Pancreas cancer remains a formidable disease but systemic therapies are increasingly effective. Surgery remains essential but insufficient alone for cure. Understanding patterns of care and identifying variations in treatment is critical to improving outcomes.
Review of the Long-Term Implantable Senseonics Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and Other Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems

The article published by Kevin Cowart in this issue of the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (JDST) is a detailed overview of the clinical trial data and analysis used to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the Eversense continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) System for regulatory approval and clinical acceptance. The article describes the published study results for safety, accuracy, reliability, ease of insertion/removal, adverse events, and ease of diabetes patient-use for controlling their glucose levels short and long term. The author nicely compares Eversense CGM System safety and performance with the short-term subcutaneous tissue CGM systems being commercialized by Dexcom, Medtronic Diabetes, and Abbott Diabetes. This comparison may help the clinician define which type of patient with diabetes might benefit the most from the long-term implantable CGM system. The majority of studied patients describe a positive experience managing their diabetes with the Eversense CGM System and request implantation of a new sensor 90 or 180 days later.
The Dichotomic Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Neurodegeneration

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed by different cell types and exerting multiple biological functions. It has been shown that MIF may be involved in several disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson disease (PD), and Huntington disease (HD), that represent an unmet medical need. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify novel pathogenetic mechanisms that may translate into tailored therapeutic approaches so to improve patients’ survival and quality of life. Here, we reviewed the preclinical and clinical studies investigating the role of MIF in ALS, PD, and HD. The emerging results suggest that MIF might play a dichotomic role in these disorders, exerting a protective action in ALS, a pathogenetic action in HD, and a yet undefined and debated role in PD. The better understanding of the role of MIF in these diseases could allow its use as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the monitoring and treatment of the patients and for eventual biomarker-driven therapeutic approaches.