Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Light and oxygen stress in Spirulina platensis (cyanobacteria) grown outdoors in tubular reactors

As the effects of light and oxygen stress in algae on mass culture has not been intensively studied, we investigated them in Spirulina platensis under outdoor conditions in controlled tubular reactors where the respective roles of each stress can be distinguished. It was observed that exposure of this cyanobacterium at two oxygen concentrations (ca 20 and 53 mg l -1 ) caused very little change in the ratio between variable and maximum fluorescence (F v /F m ) during the day even when the culture was grown at higher oxygen concentration (about 7% lower in the evening than in the morning). Vice-versa, when the photochemical efficiency of PSII (photon yield, Φ e ) was measured, a reduction of about 20% was observed. Neither the F v /F m ratio nor the Φ e of the culture grown at the lower oxygen concentration changed significantly during the day. The daily productivity of the culture exposed to the higher oxygen concentration was reduced by about 20%. Laboratory cultures bubbled with air or pure oxygen under continuous light showed a similar response ; i.e., a smaller decrease in F v /F m (17%) than in the Φ e (56%) after 4 h. After 32 h of culture in pure oxygen, a total lysis of the cells occurred. Our results support the hypothesis that photoinhibition and photooxidation, two traditionally linked terms, although often closely associated under similar environmental conditions, may comprise two types of stress with different sites of inhibition.
The Neurological, Multisystemic, PolyGenomic and Multipathological Basis of Aging (the ‘Autonomic’ Hypothesis)

The first precise mathematical model of the relationship between sense perception, brain structure and/or function, the autonomic nervous system and/or physiological systems, and cellular and molecular biology was developed by Dr. Igor Gennadyevich Grakov in the period 1981-1997. The aim of this article is to illustrate how such knowledge can be applied to better comprehend how the whole body functions and, in particular, how this can be applied to understand the process (es) responsible for aging and to understand why we ultimately expire. It supports the conclusion that the aging process is associated with the many and various factors which materially influence the stable function of the autonomic nervous system and physiological systems and that our ultimate demise is associated with the inability of the brain to sustain such functional relationships. The author presents this knowledge in the ‘Autonomic Hypothesis’ outlined in this report, discusses the significance of the many and various factors which influence the stable and coherent function of the autonomic nervous system, which sustains the body’s function and thereby influences the aging process. It incorporates case reports to justify such hypothesis, in particular how this knowledge can be used to screen patient health and optimize longevity.
Demography of barren-ground grizzly bears

Between May 1995 and June 1999, we equipped 81 barren-ground grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) with satellite radio collars within a study area of 235 000 km 2 , centred 400 km northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Can- ada. We used data from radiotelemetry to estimate survival rates, reproductive parameters, and the finite rate of in - crease of the population (λ). The annual survival rate of adult females was estimated at 0.979 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.955- 0.998), while the survival rate of adult males was 0.986 (95% CI = 0.942-1.0). The cub sur- vival rate was 0.737 (95% CI = 0.600- 0.844) and the yearling survival rate was 0.683 (95% CI = 0.514- 0.821). Cub litter size averaged 2.23 (SE = 0.13, n = 35), while yearling litter size decreased to a mean of 1.86 (SE = 0.12, n = 35). The mean litter size of females with 2-year-olds was 1.85 (SE = 0.15, n = 20). The mean birth interval was 2.8 years (SE = 0.3 years, n = 17). The mean reproductive interval, which is calculated by excluding the loss of whole lit- ters from the sample, was 3.9 years (SE = 0.4 years, n = 9). Mean litter size divided by mean birth interval yielded an annual natality rate of 0.81 cubs per adult female per year. The mean age at first parturition was 8.1 years (SE = 0.5 years, n = 10). We believe the population to be currently stable or slightly increasing ( λ = 1.033, 95% CI = 1.008-1.064).
SNP-based method for the genetic identification of ramin Gonystylus spp. timber and products: applied research meeting CITES enforcement needs

We describe the development of a genetic assay for the identification of the tropical hardwood ramin Gonystylus spp. , a CITES-listed genus subject to illegal international trade. Sam- ples representing different ramin species, confamilial genera and morphologically similar taxa were obtained. DNA extraction from leaf material and wood products was achieved using com- mercially available kits. Five chloroplast genes were examined for Single Nucleotide Polymor- phism (SNP) loci capable of discriminating ramin. A locus within the matK gene was selected and a TaqMan® assay designed for sample genotyping. The assay was validated against different spe- cies to demonstrate its specificity and reproducibility. The final assay provides a robust, cost-effec- tive, transferable method for identifying processed ramin. The research represents a feasibility study, addressing each of the steps required to develop a genetic identification assay for enforce- ment use; however, it should be noted that further work is required to produce a fully validated forensic identification tool.
The Effect of Teachers' Leadership on Students' Motivation in Al-Islam Tambakbayan Elementary School

Teachers' leadership is one of the important factors that influences students' motivation and learning success. When teachers have good leadership, students will be more motivated in learning. Thus, it will ultimately have an impact on students' learning outcomes. Al-Islam Tambakbayan Elementary School Yogyakarta is one of the schools that pays attention to the importance of teacher leadership. The leadership paradigm that has been developed is not just principal-centered, but also distributed to teachers. This study aimed to examine the effect of teachers' leadership on students' motivation in al-Islam Tambakbayan Elementary School, Yogyakarta. This research was an ex post facto quantitative study. The population in this study were 160 students and 25 teachers of Al-Islam Tambakbayan Elementary School. Based on stratified random sampling technique, 50 students were obtained as sample. The sample of 25 teachers was obtained through the sample technique of saturation quota. The instrument was teacher leadership questionnaire and student motivation. Data analysis techniques were the classic assumption test and simple regression test. The prerequisite tests were normality test, multicollinearity test, and heteroscedasticity test. The results showed that teacher leadership and student motivation in Al-Islam Tambakbayan Elementary School were in the weak category. Based on inferential statistical test, the value of R = 0.065 (R < 0.199) was obtained. It means that there is a significant influence between teachers' leadership and students' motivation. The findings of this study recommend the importance of a paradigm shift in education leadership in the school. It is because strengthening teachers' leadership has a positive effect on students' motivation, and vice versa.
Seasonal variation in the reproductive capacity of the bull

Seasonal variation in the reproductive capacity of the bull was studied during a 27-month experimental period at the Experimental Station. There are a total of 1049 ejaculates for this period. Supplementary data for other periods on the Experimental Station and for two other large farms practising artificial insemination are also included. Highly significant individual and monthly differences were noted during the experimental period for the density and motility of the sperm, the pH of the semen and for the percentage of ejaculations performed. The seasonal variation in semen is marked, but there is considerable variation in different years between bulls and between farms in the periods of maximal and minimal types of semen and in seasonal trends. The relationship between such variation and climatic and nutritional conditions is discussed. There appears to be a basic seasonal rhythm in bull semen associated with climatic factors, warmer conditions causing stimulation and vice versa. Nutritional factors may, however, modify this rhythm. The relationship between seasonal variations in semen quality and fertility is discussed.
Molecular mapping of quantitative trait loci for grain chalkiness in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Chalkiness of rice grain is an important but undesirable quality component, which has a profound influence on milling, cooking and eating qualities. Therefore, it is one of the key factors which determine the market value of rice grains. In this study, QTL mapping to determine the genomic regions governing percent grain with white core (PGWC) and chalkiness score (CS) was conducted using a population of 310 RILs, generated from the cross Pusa 1266/Jaya. Both the parents were extremely contrasting with Pusa 1266 with fully chalky and Jaya with translucent grains. RILs were evaluated at IARI, New Delhi during Kharif 2008 and 2009 and at RBGRC, Aduthurai during Rabi 2009–10. Several QTL signals could be detected by single marker analysis. Among them, two QTLs, one each for PGWC and CS, were prominently detected by composite interval mapping between a marker interval RM 6273-RM204 on the short arm of chromosome 6.The QTL for PGWC, qPGWC6 was consistently detected during all the three seasons, explaining a phenotypic variation of 17.75%, 18.79% and 12.20% respectively. Similarly, the QTL for CS, qCS6 was also consistent across three seasons, accounting for a phenotypic variation of 24.3%, 24.75% and 24.03% respectively. Co-localization of both these QTLs may be representing a single genomic region, strongly implying the presence of Wxb locus in contributing to grain chalkiness of Pusa1266. The positive allele for the reduced grain chalkiness was contributed by Jaya. These results will be useful in fine mapping and validation of the identified QTLs.
Fat Deposition in Broilers: Effect of Dietary Energy to Protein Balance, and Early Life Caloric Restriction on Productive Performance and Abdominal Fat Pad Size

Abstract The effect of dietary energy to protein balance, and early life caloric restriction on abdominal fat pad development in the male broiler chicken was studied. Dietary energy concentration had no significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on abdominal fat pad size, although decreasing the calorie.protein ratio of the diet resulted in a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in the proportion of this tissue in the body. Reducing the calorie: protein ratio from a level considered optimum, by the addition of feather meal to the diet was equally as effective in reducing fat pad size as was the addition of a higher quality protein as exemplified by soybean meal plus dl -methione. Restricting the caloric intake of broilers in the 0–3 week growing period by the use of an ad libitum fed low energy diet (2233 kcal. M.E./kg.) had no significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on fat pad development. It is suggested that the degree of calorie restriction was not of sufficient magnitude to influence adipocyte hyperplasia. These results are discussed in relation to findings with other avian and mammalian species.
The Theory of Quantum Amplifiers

The theory of linear quantum amplifiers is reviewed. A simplified method using a "faked vacuum" is introduced to derive amplifier master equations. Properties of various amplifiers are summarized. The solution is derived and used as the amplifier transfer function. The Caves' theory for amplifier added noise is discussed. The properties of squeezed states are reviewed, the use of the Wigner function to describe them is advocated. Finally the amplification of squeezed states is discussed in the Wigner representation.
PROFIL KROMATOGRAFI LAPIS TIPIS EKSTRAK KUNYIT (Curcuma longa Linn) SEGAR DAN SIMPLISIA DENGAN VARIASI METODE EKSTRAKSI

Turmeric is a rhizome plant used as traditional Indonesian medicine. Generally, the extraction process influences the efficacy of turmeric in curing a disease. This study compares the thin layer chromatography profile (TLC) of turmeric extract based on variations in the extraction method. The extraction process was carried out using 70% ethanol solvent in fresh rhizomes and turmeric simplicia. The study used maceration, sonication, and microwave assistance techniques. The thin layer chromatography profiles were analyzed using curcuminoid standards in visible and UV light visualization (254 and 366 nm). The results showed higher yields in the fresh turmeric extracts through maceration extraction, sonication, and microwave-assisted techniques, respectively. The thin layer chromatography pattern using eluent chloroform dichloromethane (32.5: 67.5 v / v) showed the extract was separated into 3 - 4 compounds, with different curcuminoid thicknesses in each treatment. The thin layer chromatography profile with the highest quality of curcuminoid content was found successively in sonication simplicia, maceration, and microwave simplicia extracts, as well as sonication fresh turmeric extract, maceration, and microwaves. The high yield of turmeric extract does not indicate an increase in the quality of the curcuminoid levels produced. Keywords: Turmeric, Thin Layer Chromatography, curcuminoids, extraction modification Kunyit merupakan tanaman rhizoma yang telah dimanfaatkan dalam pengobatan tradisional Indonesia. Khasiat kunyit dalam menyembuhkan suatu penyakit dipengaruhi oleh proses ekstraksinya. Penelitian ini bertujuan membandingkan profil kromatografi lapis tipis (KLT) ekstrak kunyit berdasarkan variasi metode ekstraksi. Proses ekstraksi dilakukan menggunakan pelarut etanol 70% pada rimpang segar dan simplisia kunyit. Teknik ekstraksi yang dilakukan adalah secara maserasi, sonikasi dan bantuan gelombang mikro. Profil kromatografi lapis tipis dianalisis dengan menggunakan standar kurkuminoid pada visualisasi sinar tampak serta UV (254 dan 366 nm). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rendemen yang lebih tinggi terdapat pada jenis ekstrak kunyit segar daripada simplisianya, secara berturut-turut melalui teknik ekstraksi maserasi, sonikasi, dan bantuan gelombang mikro. Pola kromatografi lapis tipis ekstrak dengan menggunakan eluen kloroform:diklorometan (32,5:67,5 v/v) menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak terpisah menjadi 3 - 4 senyawa, dengan ketebalan kurkuminoid yang berbeda pada masing-masing perlakuan ekstraksi. Profil kromatografi lapis tipis dengan kualitas kadar kurkuminoid tertinggi terdapat pada ekstrak simplisia secara sonikasi, disusul dengan ekstrak simplisia secara maserasi dan gelombang mikro, serta ekstrak kunyit segar secara sonikasi, maserasi, dan gelombang mikro. Rendemen yang tinggi dari ekstrak kunyit tidak mengindikasikan kualitas kadar kurkuminoid yang dihasilkan semakin baik. Kata kunci: Kunyit, Kromatografi Lapis Tipis, kurkuminoid, modifikasi ekstraksi
Direct and indirect interactions co‐determine species composition in nurse plant systems

Facilitation by nurse plants plays an important role in determining community composition in severe environments. Although the unidirectional effect of nurses on beneficiary species has received considerable research interest, nurse-mediated interactions among beneficiary species (so-called indirect interactions) are less known. Consequently, community composition in nurse plant systems is generally considered as a simple consequence of the facilitative effect of the nurse even though beneficiary species may significantly contribute to community assembly and modulate the direct nurse effects on the community. In an observational study we assessed nurse effects and nurse-mediated beneficiary interactions in two contrasting nurse plant systems in dry environments using a newly developed framework. We quantified plant–plant interaction intensity using the relative interaction index (RII) at the community and species level for three Retama sphaerocarpa shrub size-classes in a semiarid shrubland and four Arenaria tetraquetra cushion plant communities differing in aspect and elevation in dry alpine gravel habitats. The observed RII was split into nurse and beneficiary effects, and related to individual mass, species frequency and abundance using generalized linear mixed models. Results showed predominantly positive nurse effects and negative beneficiary interactions. The effect size of nurse plants, however, was significantly higher than the effect size of beneficiary species in both systems. Individual plant mass and abundance of species was dependent on the combined effects of nurse and beneficiary species whereas species occurrence was related to nurse effects only. Despite evident differences, the semiarid and alpine nurse plant systems showed strong functional parallelisms. We found interdependence between the effects of nurse and beneficiary species on beneficiary plant assemblages emphasizing their combined role on community assembly in both systems. Our results highlight the need to consider indirect interactions to understand fully plant community dynamics.
RECENT X‐RAY RESULTS FROM ARIEL V AND COPERNICUS

This paper presents recent results from the MSSL instruments on Ariel V and Copernicus. The extragalactic source, the Centaurus cluster, has a spectral line feature attributed to iron line emission a t 7 keV. Source A0430-62 (3UO426-63) is likely to be associated with a cluster of galaxies on the basis of a revised error box and its spectrum. Source 3C273 is found to have a low energy cutoff in its x-ray spectrum, indicating that the x-ray emission arises from the nucleus of the quasar. Measurements of 3C390.3 from Ariel V confirm variability of the x-ray emission over a period in which the radio flux from the nucleus of the galaxy has also varied. Recent measurements on the variability of Centaurus A x-ray emission are presented. The discovery of x-ray regular variability in a number of sources on the time scale of a few minutes is reviewed. An additional source, A1540-55, with a periodicity of 8.8 minutes, has recently been discovered with Ariel V. Observations over extended periods show that the periods are in general decreasing with time, the rate being consistent with accretion onto a neutron star rather than a white dwarf. The measurements of the period of the x-ray source associated with X Per show fluctuations significantly removed from a simple linear decrease of period with time. These fluctuations are consistent with Doppler shifts caused by the 581-day orbital motion deduced from optical data. In the two years since the last Texas Conference the observing program for the Copernicus x-ray instrument has mainly been devoted to galactic x-ray sources. The Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) collimated proportional counter on board the Ariel V satellite (Sanford and Ives)' has primarily been used for study of extragalactic and the unidentified weak, high galactic latitude sources.
A revision of the genus Metarhabditis (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) with description of three known species, a key to the identification of congeners and discussion of their relationships

The taxonomy of the genus Metarhabditis is discussed with an emended diagnosis and a key to identification of its species. Three known species of Metarhabditis are described and illustrated. Metarhabditis amsactae (Ali et al. 2011) Sudhaus, 2011, a species recently transferred to the genus, is described in detail and its relationship with other congeners is discussed. The present population of Metarhabditis costai (Martins, 1985) Sudhaus, 2011 shows some minor differences with the original population in having slenderer individuals with relatively greater ‘a’ value, relatively smaller spicules and gubernaculum. Some minor differences are also noted in the present population of Metarhabditis andrassyana Tahseen et al. 2004 from the original population. The present population has distinct lateral fields, faint longitudinal striae, a nearly undifferentiated corpus and a relatively posteriorly located third genital papilla in males.
Food habits of feral cats (Felis silvestris catus L.) in insular semiarid environments (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands)

In this study, we present the first data on diet and impacts of feral cats on a semiarid island (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands). A total of 614 prey was identified in the 209 scats analysed. Introduced mammals, especially rabbits and mice, were the most consumed vertebrate prey and constituted more than 90% of biomass. Barbary ground squirrels, Algerian hedgehogs, and rats were preyed upon less even though they were abundant on the island. Invertebrates, mainly Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Odonata, were the second most important prey items (in terms of actual numbers) but they contributed only minimally with respect to biomass (<1.1%). The presence of terrestrial molluscs in the diet was interesting because they are a rare prey in an insular context. Birds and reptiles occurred at a low frequency. A total of 677 seeds was counted, mainly belonging to Lycium intricatum (Solanaceae) and two unidentified plant species. Levin's niche breadth was narrow due to the high consumption of mammals. Morisita's index showed a similar trophic overlap in diet with respect to the other xeric habitats of the Canarian archipelago. Considering that more than 90% of biomass corresponded to introduced mammals, we conclude that feral cats are not having a large direct impact on the native prey species.
„Polypill“ u seniorov: možná frekvencia používania fixných kombinácií liečiv podľa údajov zo štúdie SAFIS / Polypill in seniors: possible frequency of fixed drug combination according to the SAFIS study

Dubrava M, Nemeth F, Drobna T, Gerlich L. Polypill in seniors: possible frequency of fixed drug combination according to the SAFIS study. Cardiology Lett. 2020;29(2):97–101 Abstract. Aims: Polypharmacy is one of the most typical features of geriatrics. Unreliable drug usage belongs to its risks, among others. One way of reducing this risk is to integrate more drugs into one tablet (polypill). Nowadays this could be done especially in cardiovascular medicine. Real world data from the health care provided in Slovakia, which would reflect the potential for switching from more tabs with one drug towards the polypill in seniors, are almost unknown. Methods: We used the “Slovak Audit of atrial FIbrillation Study” (SAFIS) data (3 706 patients, average age 80.5 years) and evaluated how frequently patients had the combination of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an AT1-receptor for angiotensin II inhibitor (ARB) and a diuretic, an ACEI/ARB and a betablocker (BB), an ACEI/ARB and a statin or at least 3 out of these 4 drug groups at discharge. Results: The average number of recommended drugs was 9.1 at discharge. A diuretic, BB, statin or ACEI/ ARB was recommended in 68.9, 64.1, 31.9 and 52.4% of patients respectively. Simultaneous treatment with a diuretic and an ACEI/ARB, BB and an ACEI/ARB, statin and an ACEI/ARB was recommended in 37.9, 36.2, and 19.7% patients respectively. The frequency of these co-treatments was typically higher than 40% in 65-79 yrs. old, declining with age moderately, but staying above 20% even in the oldest (90 yrs. and older) for combinations of an ACEI/ARB with a diuretic or a BB. At least 3 drugs from the groups ACEI/ARB, BB, diuretics, statins were recommended in 38.6% of patients. Conclusion: The potential for the reduction of the number of daily used tablets with their integration in a polypill is really high in seniors. Fig. 1, Tab. 1, Ref. 20, on-line full text (Free, PDF) www.cardiologyletters. sk