Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Changes in Weights of Marmots

Seasonal changes in the body weights of yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) populations were studied for 8 years in western Colorado. Marmots may be classified by size into four age groups: juvenile, yearling, 2-year-old, and 3-year-old or older, each group with significantly different mean body weights. For each age group, the mean body weight of males was significantly larger than that of females. Mean body weights in June of yearlings and older were smaller, the later the onset of the growing season. All age groups made signifi- cant weight gains each year; there was no significant difference in growth rates among years. When the rates of weight gain of juveniles are corrected for time of appearance aboveground, the regression coefficients are virtually identical. The earlier young marmots are weaned, the more they weigh at hibernation and the more likely they are to survive hibernation. The percentage of young surviving their first winter of hibernation is significantly greater the earlier spring begins. Marmots at 3400 m elevation had growth -rates similar to those of mar- mots at 2900 m elevation. The adaptive strategy of marmots includes rapid growth rates, high tissue growth efficiencies and extension of the growing season by repro- ducing immediately following hibernation.
Hemorrhage Control in Eimeria tenella Infected Chicks When Protected by Anti-Hemorrhagic Factor, Vitamin K

Conclusion 1. Administration of vitamin K in the dietary of chicks definitely decreased the mortality in chicks parasitized by E. tenella, a hemorrhage-producing protozoan, since all autopsies performed show the vitamin K-protected birds had a fibrinated core in the caeca, which was in the process of being reabsorbed. 2. Vitamin K-protected birds showed a mortality of only 10% in comparison to 70% mortality in the unprotected group.
Easychip 8x15k: A New Tool for Detecting Chromosome Anomalies in Low Risk Pregnancies, Supporting and Integrating Standard Karyotype

Over last decade chromosome microarray analysis has become a routine test, but its use as first tier in prenatal diagnosis still raises disputes specially when applied to low risk pregnancies. In order to limit the identification of incidental findings (IF) and variants of unknown significance (VOUS) we designed EasyChip, a low-resolution oligonucleotide array CGH platform with a functional resolution of 3 Mb in genomic backbone, 300 Kb in sub-telomeric regions, and 150 Kb in 43 regions associated with syndromic disorders, selected considering morbidity, penetrance, and etiological mechanisms. After an “in silico” evaluation, which showed that Easychip would not uncover most of VOUS (24% vs 3%) and any IF, we have validated EasyChip on 169 patients samples, 57 retrospective samples with known imbalances and 112 prospective samples as part of the prenatal diagnosis process. All the known rearrangements were detected and 7 further pathogenic imbalances were detected on the still undiagnosed cohort. To evaluate false positive/negative rate, thirty-eight out of the 112 prospective samples were also processed on an high resolution array CGH, allowing comparing the results in term of diagnostic utility and impact on detection rate. Two positive and pathogenic results were detected by both platforms. EasyChip did not detect 10 of the 11 VOUS nor 2 IF discovered by the high-resolution platform. In conjunction with karyotype, EasyChip is a useful tool in prenatal diagnosis for screening purposes on low risk pregnancies, it enables the detection of cryptic imbalanced subtelomeric rearrangements, microdeletions/duplications within 43 syndromic regions and supports standard cytogenetic analysis at whole genome level. Finally, this tool, differently from higher resolution platforms, significantly reduces the detection rate of VOUS and IF, which represent a major drawback during genetic counselling specially for low risk pregnancies, significantly reduces the time to spend on analysis and limit the need of additional confirmation.
Natural and experimental changes in chick provisioning in a long-lived seabird, the Antarctic Prion

The ability of Antarctic Prions Pachyptila desolata to regulate their provisioning effort was studied at Kerguelen Islands by comparing two seasons when food availability differed, and by experimental manipulation of foraging costs. Antarctic Prions provision their chick by a two-fold foraging strategy: on average, they alternate a long foraging trip 7-9 days long when they build up body reserves and then feed the chick, with 2 or 3 successive short trips lasting 1 or 2 days when they use previously stored body reserves to forage for provisioning the chick. Although hatching success and fledging success were similar for the two seasons examined, chicks produced in 1996 grew faster and were heavier at the end of the study than in 1995. The difference was due to a higher provisioning rate in 1996 resulting from long trips being 2 days shorter than in 1995, because the Antarctic waters where adults are believed to feed on Antarctic krill during these long trips were 330 km further away in 1995 than in 1996. While returning from long trips, and during short trips, prions mainly feed close to the colonies on the amphipod Themisto gaudichaudii. This prey was less available in 1995, but prions were able to switch to other prey. Cost of foraging was increased experimentally by adding mass to adults. Loaded parents differed from control parents only by increasing the duration of long foraging trips. The results of both the experiment and the study of the natural variation indicate that the ability of Antarctic Prions to increase provisioning is limited. Birds kept their body mass stable, provided food loads of similar mass and had short foraging trips of similar duration. During long trips they spent longer time foraging either to reach more distant feeding grounds or to cover higher foraging costs. The main constraint on chick provisioning is probably the necessity for birds to maintain a threshold body mass to limit the risk of increased mortality due to breeding effort; the higher yields during long foraging trips permit them to do so.
Seminal plasma oxidative stress affects sperm morphology

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infertility is defined as “no conception after at least 12 months of unprotected intercourse”. Sperm morphology is an important index of fertility. The presence of many abnormal sperm forms indicate impaired fertility. The high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a result of oxidative stress have been associated with the peroxidation of cell membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids, thus it is hypothesised that the increased ROS level in seminal plasma due to oxidative stress may lead to sperm cell membrane defects which may cause morphological deformity in the sperm cells. Therefore, this study was undertaken with the aim to evaluate the sperm deformity index (SDI) and its relation with the ROS level in the seminal plasma of normozoospermic and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic subjects. Materials and Methods: 200 semen samples were studied (100 Normozoospermic and 100 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic cases). The samples were evaluated for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, sperm deformity index and level of oxidative stress. Results: The SDI is inversely related sperm concentration, Percentage Motility, Percentage Normal Morphology. The linear relation was observed between SDI and level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (MDA level). Conclusion: The study concluded with the remark that high level of ROS may be responsible for the morphological deformities of the sperm cells. Further, SDI score is a useful tool in identifying infertile men with high seminal ROS in infertility clinics where facilities for measuring levels of seminal ROS are not available.
New investigations on the effect of the dietary boron on broilers and layers; Boron and food quality

An increasing number of studies conducted during recent years presumed that boron could be essential in animals since its deprivation in both experimental animals and humans causes changes in biological function which are reversible by restoration of boron. The study of B essentiality in animal nutrition was limited until the report that supplemental B stimulated growth and partially corrected leg abnormalities in cholecalciferoldeficient chicks. As far as we know, the literature does not report works on the correlations between the supplementary dietary boron given to livestock and on food quality. The purpose of this paper was to assess the effects of some boron-enriched products used as feed additives in poultry feeding (broilers and layers). The trials were conducted by the Institute of Biology and Animal Nutrition Balotesti in cooperation with SC Natural Research SA. The data obtained from the feeding experiments suggest that the supplemental dietary boron given to poultry has a beneficial effect particularly on egg quality due to its biochemical traits that
Factors Affecting Genotypic Susceptibility to Spotted Bollworm Earias Vittella Fab. in Cotton

Abstract—The susceptibility of 23 cotton genotypes to spotted bollworm, Earias vittella, was studied under natural infestation during 1977 and 1978 rainy season at Delhi, India. There were substantial differences in bollworm damage and larval population in different genotypes. Damage in shed squares and bolls was higher than in green bolls picked up from the plant. The damage/larval population in the less susceptible cultivars (Hindiweed, XG-15, HR-26 # 8XHHG-6-IN and Sanguineum) was lower than in the susceptible check (BJR) and the trial mean. The differences in susceptibility were more pronounced at the moderate damage levels and that the damage in less susceptible cultivars increased or decreased according to the insect pressure.There were significant differences in the gossypol, tannins, moisture, phenols and sugar content among the genotypes tested. Gossypol, tannins and moisture content of bolls and squares were negatively correlated with bollworm damage and larval population. Free phenols showed negative, but lower correlation coefficients with bollworm damage. Sugars contributed towards susceptibility while nitrogen content of bolls did not show any effect on bollworm damage. The less susceptible cultivars had higher amounts of gossypol and tannins. Some genotypes showed ovipositional non-preference because of smooth leaves.Many factors appeared to influence the genotypic susceptibility to spotted bollworm, of which gossypol, tannins and ovipositional non-preference (due to smooth leaves) were the major factors. Gossypol and smoothness are genetically inherited and can be manipulated through crop improvement. The rating of the number and size of pigment glands on the calyx tubes and hairiness on the under surface of leaves can be used as important marker characters in breeding for spotted bollworm resistance.
Update of the calcium-sensing receptor and calcimimetics

The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is a seven transmembrane–spanning G-protein–coupled receptor. It contains a large extracellular domain (ECD), the signature seven transmembrane domains (TMDs), three intracellular loops, and a large carboxy terminal tail. The CaR is expressed in the parathyroid, thyroid C-cells, kidney, brain, pituitary, intestine, bone marrow, skin, and other tissues. CaRs regulate serum calcium homeostasis through changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and renal calcium excretion. CaRs may also participate in controlling cell growth and differentiation, and in augmenting the actions of other hormones. Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia is caused by gain-of-function mutations that increase the sensitivity of the CaR to Ca2+. Familial benign hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism result from inactivating mutations of the CaR. The locations of the point mutations that are responsible for both increased and decreased sensitivity to extracellular Ca2+ are typically in the ECD of the CaR, supporting the idea that the ECD is responsible for both Ca2+ binding and sensing changes in Ca2+. Binding of Ca2+ to the ECD may cause a conformational change in the ECD that promotes an interaction with critical TMD residues, thus enhancing G-protein–dependent signal transduction. A class of compounds called calcimimetics potentiates the effects of extracellular Ca2+ on the CaR.Calcimimetics have been shown to reduce PTH and serum Ca2+ in patients with primary (1°) and secondary (2°) hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Studies with rats suggest that calcimimetics may be useful in treating renal osteodystrophy and may also suppress parathyroid growth. Further long-term studies will be needed to address the possible benefit of calcimimetics to patients with 1° and 2° HPT.
A Review of the Tegus, Lizard Genus Tupinambis (Sauria: Teiidae) from South America

Analysis of variation in the South American tegu lizards, genus Tupinambis requires revision of their systematics. Two species are recognized: T. teguixin and T. rufescens. Tupinambis nigropunctatus Spix, 1825, is placed in the synonymy of T. teguixin (Linnaeus, 1758). The nominal taxa T. duseni Lonnberg and Andersson 1910, and T. teguixin sebastiani Miiller, 1968, are placed in the synonymy of T. rufescens (Guinther, 1871). Tupinambis teguixin is restricted to the tropical and subtropical vegetational communities of Colombia, Venezuela and the Guyanas and it occurs throughout the Amazon basin, following these associations south along the major river systems to Rosario, Argentina. Tupinambis rufescens is restricted to arid and semiarid associations of eastern and southeastern Brazil, Bolivia, south through Paraguay to Buenos Aires, Argentina and Durazno, Uruguay. Sympatry is indicated by records for both species from Ascunci6n and from other localities along the Rios Apa and Pilcomayo in Paraguay and from the province of Santa Fe, Argentina.
Density-Dependent Habitat Distribution in Birds: Issues of Scale, Habitat Definition and Habitat Availability

For many species, distribution across different habitats may be a dynamic process affected by population size and the position of individual habitats on the continuum of habitat quality from most preferred to least preferred. Species that exhibit density-dependent habitat preferences should show a negative relationship between the proportion of a population in a particular habitat and total population size over time in those habitats that are relatively preferred, and positive relationships in habitats that are relatively less preferred. Such relationships were analysed within 13 farmland study areas for 12 bird species. At least one significant relationship was detected per species, but no species showed consistent significant relationships in any habitat across plots. Furthermore, both negative (relatively preferred habitat) and positive (relatively less preferred habitat) relationships were detected in different study areas for a particular species in a given habitat. When habitat variation across study areas was controlled in a combined analysis, only four species showed strong evidence of density-dependent habitat use. The lack of stronger relationships between population size and habitat use is likely to be a consequence of defining habitat at too crude a scale. Density-dependent habitat processes may be more usefully examined when specific micro-habitat features that contribute to territory quality can be identified. Inability to detect consistent patterns of habitat preference may be caused by spatial variation in habitat availability, habitat quality and inter-specific competition.
Fluorophore - Labeled Substrate and CE for Monitoring Enzyme Activity

Copyright: © 2012 Wang K. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell proliferation. This aberrant proliferative behavior is often caused by dysregulated signaling pathways, a major contribution comes from the abnormal enzyme activity. Development of anticancer drugs targeting these pathways has been a hot topic. Some reagents targeting the oncogenic signaling pathway, such as Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), have reached clinic trials. In turn, a method of monitoring the enzyme activity is very valuable in the drug developing phase and in clinical applications on monitoring the reaction of patients during the treatment.
The effectiveness of different planting frameworks for recruitment of tropical rainforest species on ex‐rainforest land

A long‐term rainforest restoration experiment was established on abandoned pasture in northeastern Queensland in 1993 to examine the effectiveness of five different restoration planting methods: (T1) control (no plantings); (T2) pioneer monoculture (planting seedlings of one pioneer species, Homalanthus novoguineensis, Euphorbiaceae); (T3) Homalanthus group framework method (H. novoguineensis and eight other pioneer species); (T4) Alphitonia group framework method (Alphitonia petriei, Rhamnaceae, with eight other pioneer species); and (T5) maximum diversity method (planting pioneers, middle‐phase species, and mature‐phase species). We investigated temporal patterns in the (1) fate of seedlings originally planted in 1993; (2) natural recruitment of native plant species; and (3) current habitat structure (canopy cover and ground cover of grasses and invasive plants) within each restoration treatment. A total of 97% of seedlings planted in T2 died within the first 13 years and all had died by 2014. A total of 72% of seedlings planted in T3, 55.5% of seedlings planted in T4, and 55% of seedlings planted in T5 also died by 2014. By 2014, 42 species from 21 families had recruited across the experimental site, and the abundance of recruits was almost twice that recorded in 2001 and 2006. Overall, T3, T4, and T5 had the greatest diversity and abundance of recruits. By 2014, canopy cover was greatest in T3, T4, and T5 but grass cover was least in T5. It is concluded that some restoration success measures increase with planting diversity, but overall the rate of recovery is similar in framework species and maximum diversity method.
Genic Variation and Systematics of Rice Rats (Oryzomys palustris Species Group) in Southern Texas and Northeastern Tamaulipas, Mexico

Two taxa within the Oryzomys palustris species group, O. p. texensis and O. couesi aquaticus , occur sympatrically in southern Texas and northeastern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Tissues of 379 individuals from sympatric and allopatric populations within this area and allopatric populations outside the area were analyzed using starch-gel electrophoresis to describe genic variation in the contact zone within each taxon, determine the level of gene flow, if any, between the two taxa, and resolve the taxonomic status of the two rice rats. Populations of O. palustris in and near the contact zone have lower mean heterozygosity than populations from regions to the north and east, whereas O. couesi does not show lower heterozygosity within the contact zone relative to adjacent regions. Within the contact zone, O. palustris has a more linear (coastal) pattern of gene flow with greater differentiation among local populations than does O. couesi . Within and outside the zone of contact, the two taxa were fixed for alternate alleles at four loci, and unique alleles were expressed by one or the other of the two taxa at eight loci. Based on the lack of evidence of hybridization or introgression in sympatry, O. palustris and O. couesi are recognized as distinct species.
Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test in comparison with conventional methods in detection of helicobacter pylori infection in dyspepsia patients

Background: Helicobacter pylori colonize the human stomach and is associated with gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Owing to its momentous pathogenic role, the diagnosis of H pylori infection remains a subject of interest. Helicobacter can be detected by invasive and non invasive methods. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of stool antigen test as a non invasive method for the diagnosis of H pylori infection. Materials and Method: A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary medical college hospital. Patients presenting with dyspeptic symptoms were subjected to endoscopy and investigated for H pylori infection through rapid urease test, histopathology and culture. Stool samples were also collected from these patients and tested for H pylori infection by a rapid Hpylori Stool Antigen test. H pylori status was defined as positive when both rapid urease test (RUT) and histopathology were positive or culture alone was positive for biopsy based invasive methods. Similarly a positive rapid HpSA test also indicates H pylori infection. Results: Of the 100 patients tested, 63 were H pylori infected by the endoscopy based invasive methods, and 54 by the non-invasive rapid HpSA test. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of H pylori stool antigen test were 85.7%, 88% and 91% respectively. Conclusion: The rapid HpSA test could be used as a noninvasive diagnostictest for H pylori infection.
Sprouting After Uprooting of Canopy Trees in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Brazil

The goal of this study is to report on tree species for which uprooting is the starting point for the development of sprouts. One hundred uprooted trees were evaluated in order to investigate the sprouting ability of different species and size dasses, and to determine the extent of contribution of sprouting to gap closure. The large proportion (82%) of sampled trees with live sprouts indicates that uprooting need not be associated with the death of the tree. The occurrence of sprouting, while independent of the diameter of the fallen trunk, varied greatly among species. Al the sampled trees found with sprouts fit the definition of non-pioneer species. This study suggests that sprouts may compete successfully with pioneer trees in the process of gap closure. RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho e apresentar dados referentes a esp&cies arb6reas, para as quais a queda representa o ponto de partida para o desenvolvimento de rebrotas. Foram avaliadas 100 arvores caidas, com sistema radicular exposto, com vistas a avaliar a habilidade de rebrota de diferentes esp&cies com diferentes dasses de tamanho, e determinar o grau de contribuiSao destas rebrotas para o fechamento da clareira formada pela queda da arvore. A grande proporSao (82%) de arvores caidas, amostradas com rebrotas vivas, indica que a queda pode nao estar associada A consequente morte do individuo. A ocorrencia de rebrota independe do diametro do tronco caido, contudo e altamente variavel entre especies. Nenhuma das especies amostradas se enquadra como pioneira tipica, dentro das diferentes categorias sucessionais consideradas. Este estudo sugere que as rebrotas podem competir exitosamente com arvores pioneiras no processo de fechamento de dareiras.