Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of flower, fruit and seed production by a monocarpic perennial, Yucca whipplei

(1) Flower, fruit and seed production of the monocarpic perennial, Yucca whipplei, were measured in a population in southern California. The size of the rosette, number of flowers reaching anthesis, number of fruits initiated, number of fruits aborted, and number of fruits matured were determined for all plants flowering at two sites in 1979 and one site in 1980. Estimates of the average number of ovules per capsule and average seed weight were also obtained for plants flowering in 1979. (2) The number of flowers reaching anthesis was directly proportional to the size of the rosette. The number of fruits initiated on a plant was much less than, but proportional to, the number of flowers produced. (3) Many fruits were aborted and abscised prematurely in both years. Mature fruit production was determined by both the size of the rosette (or inflorescence) and the number of fruits initiated. Mature fruit set (mature fruits/flowers) averaged 9. 1% in 1979 and 10.0% in 1980. (4) The number of ovules per capsule did not vary with plant size; however, average seed weight was positively correlated with rosette size at one site, but not at the other. (5) Yucca whipplei regulates its maternal expenditure at the stages of flower determination and fruit maturation. Unpredictable pollinator availability both within and between seasons appears to favour this pattern of reproduction. (6) A major difference in rainfall between the two years of the study had no significant effect on percentage mature fruit set. The plants may respond to changes in moisture availability by adjusting the size of the inflorescence rather than the proportion of flowers maturing to fruits.
Tooth wear by food limitation and its life history consequences in wild reindeer

Among small-sized, food-limited females tooth wear was twice as rapid as among well-fed, large females. This effect was caused by overgrazing of winter food resources. With increased tooth wear food-limited females had progressively depleted body reserves (weight and fat deposits) during half of their prime reproductive life-span. An important consequence of this was increased offspring losses and lowered reproductive success. Since energy allocation to growth, fattening, survival and reproduction is dependent on both food availability and effective mastication, tooth wear magnifies the effects of food shortage and counteracts the effects of foraging behaviour to enhance fattening and growth during summer. This result does not support the terminal reproductive effort hypothesis.
The influence of herbage mass and supplementary feeding on nutrient flows and animal performance in grazing, lactating ewes

SUMMARY The present paper examines the effect of the type of supplement given to grazing ewes in early lactation on the performance of ewes and lambs on temperate sown pastures. Lactating ewes grazed perennial ryegrass pastures at either low- or high-herbage masses, between days 8 and 96 of lactation. On the low-herbage mass treatments, ewes were either unsupplemented or received either an energy supplement (sugarbeet pulp) or a protein supplement (1:1 sugarbeet pulp:formaldehyde-treated soyabean meal) between days 8 and 50 of lactation. The provision of supplements or the higher herbage mass led to increases in live weight (LW) and body condition score of ewes during days 8–50 of lactation, while unsupplemented ewes on the low-herbage mass treatment lost LW and had lower body condition scores. After supplementation finished, previously supplemented ewes or those grazing the higher herbage mass lost LW and condition, while unsupplemented ewes grazing the low-herbage mass gained both LW and condition. Non-treatment factors such as ewe dentition score significantly affected ewe and lamb LW gains. Regression analyses indicated that lamb LW gains between days 8 and 50 of lactation were 40–60 g/d greater in lambs from supplemented ewes or ewes grazing the higher herbage mass cf. unsupplemented ewes. Overall, there was no difference in the response of ewes or lambs to the type of supplement. Milk yields were estimated in a subset of ewes (replicate 4). Ewes on the high-herbage mass treatment or those supplemented with protein had higher milk yields than those on the low-herbage mass treatment or those given the energy supplement. Supplemented ewes in this replicate had higher metabolizable energy intakes (MEIs). Measurements of digesta flow in a further subset of ewes indicated that both supplements resulted in greater ruminal and post-ruminal supplies of energy and protein than in the unsupplemented ewes at the lower herbage mass, but differences in ruminal and post-ruminal nutrient provision between the supplements were less than had been intended. It is suggested that this is the reason for there being no statistical difference in the performance of ewes and lambs in response to the type of supplement.
The reliability and validity of Chinese version morningness/eveningness questionnaire

目的 完成清晨型与夜晚型评定量表(MEQ)中文版的引进工作. 方法 首先进行MEQ量表项目的 翻译定稿,然后应用中文版评定163名健康受试者的日周期倾向,并通过两周睡眠记录表记录他们的睡眠习惯. 根据测量的结果,进行量表信度与效度检验,并试图寻找其划界点. 结果 MEQ量表中文版的19个条目被确定为两个因子:睡眠时相因子和最佳表现时间因子. 中文版的划界点:绝对清晨型:70～86、中度清晨型:63～69、中间型:50～62、中度夜晚型:43～49、绝对夜晚型:16～42. 中文版的Chronbach α系数为0. 701～0.738、Spearman-Brown分半信度为0. 584～0.697、重测信度为0. 638～0.831,均达到了心理测量学可接受的水平. 结论 MEQ量表中文版有良好的心理测量学特征,新划界点可以有效地区分清晨型和夜晚型。
Efficacy of Muscovy Ducks as an Adjunct for House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Control in Swine and Dairy Operations

Field studies were conducted using Muscovy ducks, Cairina moschata L. , to control house flies, Musca domestica L. , in swine and dairy facilities. In fly-proof calf pens, one Muscovy duck per pen reduced the adult fly numbers by 96.8% when compared with pens without a duck. The maggot population was reduced by 98.7% when compared with pens without a duck. In an enclosed calf room, fly populations on animals were reduced by 84 and 93% when compared with the times when ducks were not present. However, in open areas of the dairy facility which allowed for immigration and emigration of house flies, statistically significant reductions were not observed. Ducks reduced fly populations on animals by 91% in an enclosed swine farrowing room. In an open dry sow facility, ducks reduced the house fly population by up to 86%. Female ducks consumed house flies up to three times faster than the males. During most experiments, duck health was maintained without any supplementary feedings. Ducks had access to flies, water, and spilled (wasted) feed. On conclusion of the studies, the least valuable ducks were sold for twice the invested cost ($2 cost versus $4 sale), yielding a 100% return on investment. Farmer acceptability was good.
Effects of Diflubenzuron on Chaoborus astictopus and Nontarget Organisms and Persistence of Diflubenzuron in Lentic Habitats

Diflubenzuron 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3 (2, 6 difluorobenzoyl)-urea) applied to 3 farm ponds at rates of 10, 5, and 2.5 ppb, and a lake at 5 ppb, inhibited emergence of adult Chaoborus astictopus Dyar and Shannon 2–7 days following the treatments by 95–100%. Emergence reoccurred in some ponds 4.5–6 wk after treatment. Larval populations in the ponds declined by 98, 88, and 44% of pretreatment at 10, 5, and 2.5 ppb, respectively, and recovered to 30, 87, and 131% of pretreatment numbers, respectively. In the control pond, larvae declined by 53% during the same period but increased to 314% of initial numbers. In the lake, larvae decreased by 99% of the pretreatment level 3 wk posttreatment and remained at low levels. Suppression of crustacean zooplankton occurred at all treatment rates. Cladocerans were more susceptible than copepods and required longer recovery periods. Pond and lake rotifer and algal populations were not altered by the treatments. Bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, collected from the lake fed predominantly on cladocerans and copepods but switched to chironomid midges and terrestrial insects after the treatment. Fish growth was not altered by the treatment. Residues in ponds treated at 10, 5, and 2.5 ppb averaged 9.8, 4.6, and 1.9 ppb, respectively, shortly after the applications, and declined steadily averaging 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 ppb, respectively, 2 wk later. Diflubenzuron residues in the lake averaged 3.3 ppb following treatment, and after 35 days, averaged 0.4 ppb. No residues were found in lake sediment. Residues in white crappie, Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque, varied from 355.1 to 62.2 ppb at 4 and 21 days, respectively, following treatment. Fish residues did not persist at high levels and, by 14 days posttreatment, had begun to decline rapidly.
LC/DAD determination of biogenic amines in serum of patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic urticaria or Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Biogenic amines are integral part of nearly every cell. In present study, we used method of acidic extraction of histamine (His), of polyamines putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and catecholamines epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE) from human serum; precolumn derivatization with dansyl chloride, and LC/DAD analysis of the biogenic amines, in aim to monitor differences of their levels in patients with diabetes mellitus , chronic urticaria , and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, compared to healthy subjects, and to observe them as possible markers for immune mediated diseases. Method of retention times was used for determination of serum biogenic amines. We found statistically significant differences in putrescine and histamine levels in diabetes mellitus patients; putrescine, histamine, spermidine and epinephrine levels in chronic urticaria patients compared to healthy controls, and putrescine and spermidine levels in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients, compared to controls. Norepinephrine was found only in serum of patients with chronic urticaria . The values of recovery, evaluated in controls, varied between 85.7% and 106.7%. The statistically significant changes in putrescine, histamine, spermidine and epinephrine levels in patients compared to healthy people reflects the existence of biochemical disturbances in mentioned immune-mediated diseases.
Endourethral Prostheses for Urethral Stricture

The gold standard for treating a recurrent urethral stricture in a definitive way remains an open surgical urethroplasty. However, most urologists continue to manage their stricture patients with repeated dilation or urethrotomy, which are typically not curative methods. Since the introduction of urethral stents in the 1980s for the treatment of urethral strictures, two different methods to prevent scarring contraction have been introduced, namely permanent stents versus temporary stents that undergo a staged removal. Examples of permanent urethral stents are the UroLume Wallstent and Memotherm, while that of temporary stents are the UroCoil, Memokath, and Allium. Indications for stent placement are limited and typically for recurrent bulbar urethral strictures. Despite initial enthusiasm, with time, the results obtained with permanent urethral stents have been disappointing. Results with the newer temporary stents are encouraging.
Skin Reactions in Sarcoid

Summary (1) Four cases with clinical and pathologic evidence of sarcoid gave skin reaction following the intradermal injection of an antigen made from a sarcoid lesion of the skin. Four normal individuals gave no such reaction. (2) These results suggest that sarcoid is a virus disease and that it is possible to prepare a diagnostic antigen.
Systematics and Evolution of Western North American Frogs Allied to Rana Aurora and Rana Boylii: Karyological Evidence

C-banded karotypes of five species of frogs endemic to western North America were analyzed to investigate the use of such chromosomal data in determining their systematic interrelationships. Morphologically, three of the species (Rana aurora, R. cascadae and R. pretiosa) may be considered generalized "brown frogs," while the other two species (R. boylii and R. muscosa) are morphologically divergent and may be termed "stream frogs. " The peculiar karyo- type of R. muscosa, with its three pairs of telocentric chromosomes, can be derived from that of R. boylii by postulating a series of chromosomal inversions. Based on karyotypic character anal- ysis, R. boylii and R. muscosa constitute a pair of sister taxa that appears to have arisen from within the western Rana. The chromosomal evidence, while concordant with morphological considerations, conflicts with various systematic hypotheses that have been proposed concern- ing these frogs based on immunological distance studies and reanalyses. (Anura; Ranidae; Rana; systematics; evolutionary relationships; chromosomes; C-bands; western North America.) Five species of frogs, genus Rana, are en- demic to the far western United States and Canada. The relationships of these species-R. aurora, R. boylii, R. cascadae, R. pretiosa and R. muscosa-that constitute the R. boylii group (sensu Case, 1978a) have been the subject of repeated analyses by various means, including study of mor- phology, comparative biochemistry and karyology (Boulenger, 1920; Zweifel, 1955;
The effect of timing of post-harvest foliar urea sprays on nitrogen absorption and partitioning in peach and nectarine trees

SummaryThe effects of timing of autumn foliar urea-N sprays on nitrogen absorption and partitioning were studied in mature peach and nectarine trees. A 10% 15N enriched urea solution was applied by either dipping individual shoots in 1995 or spraying whole tree canopies in 1996. Trees whose canopies were sprayed during the post-harvest period with a 10% w:v urea solution in 1996 were excavated in the dormant season, and 15N contents and distribution were determined. Peach leaves rapidly absorbed urea-N irrespective of application date, and transport of urea-N to perennial tree parts occurred primarily within 4–7 d after application. Between 48 and 58% of the urea-N applied was recovered in abscinded leaves and perennial organs. Leaves exported ≥60% of the foliar-applied urea-N following application in early autumn (September or October), but <50% export occurred when applied shortly before leaf fall (November). Of the urea-N translocated, most was recovered in roots (≥38%) following application in Septemb.
Mutations of E6 and E2 oncogenes of human papillomavirus 16 in women with cervical carcinoma in Qingdao.

Objective To investigate the distribution of HPV16 E6 and E2 gene mutation in cervical cancer,and the relationship between the mutation and the development of cervical carcinoma in Qingdao,Shandong.Methods DNA samples extracted from 104 cervical cancer tissues in Qingdao were amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR) using specific primers for high-risk HPV,HPV16,E6 and E2 genes of HPV16,respectively.Then the PCR fragments of HPV16 E6 and E2 genes were purified,sequenced and compared with the type stain.Results The positive rates of HPV and HPV16 were 93.27%(97/104) and 69.23%(72/104) respectively.Prototype HPV16 E6 was found in 5 cases(13.51%) while mutation was detected in 32 cases(86.49%),among which the T178G or T178A(D25E) mutation was found in 25 cases(67.57%). The E2 sequence of 23 cases contained C3684A(T-K),that of 14 cases contained T3524C,C3684A(T-K) and C3787A(D-E) at the same sample,and 9 cases contained A2926G,C3159A(T-K),G3249A(R-Q),T3384C(I-T),C3410T(P-S) and C3684A(T-K) meanwhile.Conclusion There are several HPV16 E6 and E2 gene mutations in cervical cancer tissue for women in Qingdao.The mutation of E6 may relate to that of E2.
Scientific Contribution Error and patient safety: Ethical analysis of cases in occupational and physical therapy practice

Compared to other health care professions such as medicine, nursing and pharmacy, few studies have been conducted to examine the nature of practice errors in occupational and physical therapy. In an ongoing study to determine root causes, typographies and impact of occupational and physical therapy error on patients, focus group interviews have been conducted across the United States. A substantial number of harmful practice errors and/or other patient safety events (deviations or accidents) have been identified. Often these events have had moral dimensions that troubled the therapist involved. In this article, six of these transcribed cases are analyzed, using predominant bioethical theories, ethical principles and professional codes of ethics. The cases and their analyses are intended to be exemplary, improving the readers ability to discern and critically address similar such events. Several patient safety strategies are suggested that might have prevented the events described in these cases.
An Experimental Study of the Mechanisms of Nest Building in a Weaverbird

NEST building is a classic example of what has been called instinctive behavior. But such an explanation of the phenomenon is not sufficient. How does a bird build its nest? This question has intrigued many persons, and a partial answer, based upon a more or less close description of the process of nest building, has been furnished many times. But the basic question as to the nature of the forces that move and guide a bird at each stage in the act of building its nest has remained largely unanswered. This report is an attempt to answer this question for one species of bird, Textor cucullatu$ (Milllet), the Common Village Weaverbird of Africa (also variously known as Ploc1⁄2us c•c•llat•s (Milllet), the Hooded Weaver, or the Black-headed Weaver), which builds a highly organized and complex nest. The results of some of our experiments were presented before the Ecological Society of America and before the American Ornithologists' Union in 1960, and an abstract has been published (Collias and Collias, 1959). We are here reporting the results of these and more extended investigations on the same problem in some detail.
Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Larval and Juvenile Fish Abundance in a Temperate Floodplain River

We studied the dynamics of the young-of-the-year (YOY) fish community in a portion of the floodplain and adjacent channel of the Tallahatchie River, Mississippi, by quantifying temporal and spatial variation in abundances of larval and juvenile fishes. Multivariate comparisons of relative abundance data indicated that assemblage composition differed over time and among sampling locations. A spring assemblage consisting of larval gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), larval crappie (Pomoxis spp.), and larval darters (Etheostoma and Percina spp.) dominated samples from mid-April to early June. Composition of the spring assemblage did not differ among habitats although more larval fishes were caught in warmer, more lentic habitats. This assemblage was replaced in late June by a group consisting of larval and juvenile sunfishes (Lepomis spp.), YOY mosquitofish (Gambusia afinis), and juvenile shiners (Cyprinella and Notropis spp.). The relative abundance of fishes in this assemblage differed among habitats; larval and juvenile sunfish were most abundant in habitats exhibiting low flow rates and high temperatures, and juvenile shiners were most abundant in moderate to high flow habitats. High larval fish abundance in floodplains stems, in part, from the presence of larvae of species that inhabit both the channel and the floodplain as adults.
Variation in Snout Morphology in the North American Snake Pituophis melanoleucus (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Carpenter (1982) observed that "The morphology of a species should instruct an observer as to the possibilities of its behavioral actions. " The reverse could also be true, as behavioral actions may, in fact, give clues to the presence of particular morphological structures. Snakes of the colubrid genus Pituophis are large and conspicuous members of the snake fauna over much of North America, and are active predators on most species of readily obtainable small mammals. One subspecies, Pituophis melanoleucus sayi, the bullsnake, has a very pronounced rostral scale, supposedly an adaptation for earth moving to gain entrance into small mammal retreats, particularly the mounds constructed by gophers of the genus Geomys (H. S. Fitch, pers. comm.). Considerable quantities of sand are moved by bullsnakes during these excavations. Carpenter (1982) reported on one specimen that displaced 2088 g of damp sand in 23 minutes.
Physeterostemon (Melastomataceae) : a new genus and two new species from the Bahian Atlantic Forest, Brazil

A new genus, Physeterostemon, with two new species, P. fiaschii and P. jardimii, is described from southern Bahian Atlantic forest of Brazil. The genus can be distinguished from all other Melastomataceae by its 6-merous and diplostemonous flowers, toothed and persistent calyx, inferior ovary and dry, capsular fruits. The androecium consists of stamens that are slightly unequal in size with connectives that are unappendaged or minutely ventrally bituberculate and not prolonged below the thecae but dorsally and apically thickened; the anthers are oblong and rounded apically in ventral view, slightly projecting backwards over the connective in lateral view, but with a single ventral pore.
Host-Dependent Sporulation and Species Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in a Mown Grassland

1 In laboratory microcosm experiments, co-occurring plant species were found to support very different rates of sporulation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. These differences were not affected by the time of harvest, suggesting that they reflect host-dependent differences in fungal growth rates, rather than host-dependent timing of sporulation. 2 Spore counts in field soil and estimates from sorghum trap cultures showed that the association of AM fungi with particular host plants in the field was positively correlated with the sporulation rates observed on those hosts in the microcosm experiments. 3 The AM fungal species richness observed at the field site was high relative to estimates made in previous studies. 23 distinct species of AM fungi were found, seven of which have not been previously described. 4 The host-dependence of the relative growth rates of fungal populations may play an important role in the maintenance of fungal species diversity.
Structure, elasticity and diversity of animal behavior

The definition of behavior, the structure of behavior and diversity of behavior have been ignored by researchers for a long time. We defined the concepts of elasticity and inelasticity of animal behavior. We also studied the space requirements for animals to perform behavior. Based on these basic concepts, we discuss the relationship between habitat elements and behavioral diversity. We discovered that captive space affected the social behavior and communication behavior in Pere David's Deer. Available space also had a profound impact on aggregation behavior. Pere David's Deer that were kept in small pens showed no sign of sexual segregation. However, when the deer were released into the field, the stag left the hinds. Sexual segregation, which had been suppressed in the Pere David's deer population held in small pens, was resurgent once the animals had more space. We also discovered that male and female giant panda living in a larger captive space had more courtship behaviors and spent more time on activities. Thus space had a profound impact on courtship behavior of male or female giant pandas. Animals living in captive environments for generations may only perform behaviors of high inelasticity and may loose behaviors of elasticity. Such a process will reduce behavioral diversity. Taking the saiga and Mongolian wild ass as examples, we point out that we should consider escape space and seasonal migration space requirements when we keep endangered ungulates in captivity or establish reserves for them. Diversity of animal behavior is not only a fundamental component of biodiversity but it is also relevant to the successful conservation of endangered species, particularly ex situ conservation. When we attempt to preserve endangered species in captivity, we should pay special attention to maintaining behavioral diversity of these animals, because behavioral diversity is an integral part of biodiversity.P