Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cinefluorographic study of mandibular movement during feeding in the rat (Rattus norvegicus)

The anatomy of the masticatory apparatus, and particularly of the mandibular joints, has led to the view that mandibular movement in the Rodentia is predominantly propalinal, or forwards and backwards in direction. As part of an investigation into the mechanism of function of the mandibular joints in these animals, the feeding behaviour of “August” strain and “Wistar” rats was examined by cinephotography and cinefluorography. The rats were trained to feed on barium sulphate impregnated biscuit and animal cake and to drink radio-opaque liquids. Cinefluorographic recordings of ingestion, mastication, deglutition and of drinking were taken in both the lateral and dorso-ventral projections. Analysis of the recordings has shown a fundamental separation of ingestive and masticatory activity in the rat, which can be attributed to the morphology of the jaws and particularly to the disparity in the lengths of the mandibular and maxillary diastemas. To bring the incisor teeth into occlusion for ingestion, the mandible is brought forward through the rest position and the condyle into articulation with the anterior part of the fossa. In mastication the condyle is moved backwards to bring the molar teeth into occlusion and the condyle into articulation with the posterior articular facet on the fossa. Once the mandible has been moved into the appropriate position for either ingestion or mastication and deglutition, the movements involved in the separation or chewing of the food are cyclical with combined horizontal and transverse movements as well as the fundamental vertical movement acting to open and close the mouth. The basic movement of ingestion carries the mandibular incisors upwards and forwards across the lingual surfaces of the maxillary incisors, so separating the bite. The grinding stroke of mastication is a horizontal movement carrying the mandibular molars anteriorly across the maxillary.
Using coloured roots to study root interaction and competition in intercropped legumes and non-legumes

Aims Root interactions between neighbour plants represent a fundamental aspect of the competitive dynamics in pure stand and mixed cropping systems. The comprehension of such phenomena places big methodological challenges, and still needs clarification. The objectives of this work were (i) to test if a species with coloured roots can be used to examine the interaction in a legume-non-legume intercropping system; (ii) to verify the importance of initial root growth on the successive root development of mixture component plants; (iii) to test if the root interaction in the shallow layers has consequences for deep root growth and (iv) to compare the effect of intraspecific and interspecific competition on root development and biomass growth. Methods A detailed study on root growth and interaction was carried out using rhizotron tubes where two legume species were grown in pure stands or were intercropped with red beet, a variety of Beta vulgaris L. with clear red roots. Within the rhizotrons, the three species were grown either without competitors, with two plants of the same species to measure intraspecific competition or with one legume and one red beet plant to study interspecific competition. The use of mixtures where one component has clearly coloured roots, together with several scalar measurements of root depth and proliferation, allowed the measurement of the root system of each species when grown in the mixtures. Important findings The use of rhizotron tubes coupled with species with coloured roots represented a valuable method to study the belowground interaction in mixed cropping systems. The initial root growth was a very important feature for the subsequent dominance of a species and it was not related to seed dimension. Initial root growth was also important because the root interactions in the shallower soil layers were found to influence the root growth in deeper soil. The root system of the red beet showed much faster and deeper growth than that of the legumes, and made red beet the dominant component in the mixtures while the legume root system was confined to the shallower soil layer. Intraspecific competition was well tolerated by the legumes, but it was limiting for the highly competitive red beet. The outcome of root interaction between neighbour plants was confirmed to be speciesspecific as it changed according to the intensity of the competitive effect/response of each species of the mixture: both legumes were slightly affected by the intraspecific and highly affected by interspecific competition while red beet was more affected by intraspecific competition but strongly dominant when intercropped with legumes.
Alteration of sperm thiol‐disulfide status and capacitation in the guinea pig

Epididymal spermatozoa of the guinea pig were incubated under conditions known to promote a rapid synchronous capacitation in a large proportion of the spermatozoa (Ca2+-free medium with lysophosphatidylcholine, LC) or in Ca 2+-free medium without LC. To study the effects of altered thiol-disulfide status and content, incubations were conducted with reagents that maintain and increase thiol groups (DTT, GSH), maintain and increase disulfide groups (diamide, GSSG), or which irreversibly block thiol groups by alkylation (NEM). The permeable DTT inhibited LC-induced capacitation and at high concentrations diminished the percentage of acrosome reactions in capacitated spermatozoa. The permeable diamide exhibited a stimulatory effect upon capacitation. The largely impermeable GSH and GSSG exhibited effects similar to their respective permeable counterparts but their effects were moderate and required extremely high concentrations. The DTT inhibition of LC-induced capacitation was reversible by washing and a further 1 hr incubation. In this final incubation after removal of DTT by washing, LC was absent too so its stimulatory effect must have been accomplished prior to washing and in the presence of DTT. NEM-alkylation of the existing thiol population did not affect LC-induced capacitation but alkylation of the increased thiol population after prior DTT treatment was inhibitory of capacitation. These results suggest that the maintenance and/or formation of disulfide groups on enzymes or structural proteins may be a component of the capacitation process. In contrast, the formation and maintenance by alkylation of increased thiol groups but not the maintenance of existing thiol groups, is inhibitory of capacitation. The relevance of these findings to a role for a thiol-sensitive proteinase in capacitation is discussed.
Local law enforcement and illegal bushmeat hunting outside the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Law enforcement is crucial to curb unsustainable and illegal exploitation of plant and animal populations. This paper investigates the temporal pattern of illegal hunting activity and factors that influence the probability of Village Game Scouts (VGSs) arresting illegal hunters outside the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania). A total of 201 patrols were conducted during nine months between December 1998 and August 1999, and 96 illegal hunters were arrested. All illegal hunters originated from local villages within 41 km from the closest protected area border. During the dry season more illegal hunters were observed and more snares found during patrols, the increase coinciding with the annual arrival of the migratory herbivores. Logistic regression models indicated that the probability of being arrested varied seasonally and large groups of illegal hunters had a lower probability of being arrested by VGSs. This study shows that routine data collection by VGSs may provide useful baseline values from which illegal hunting activities in partially protected areas can be evaluated. Moreover, VGSs should be integrated into the existing law enforcement structure and given more resources, to ensure optimal efficiency.
Evaluation of dietary yellow loess as an antibiotic replacer on growth, immune responses, serological characteristics and disease resistance in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

A 12 weeks of feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary yellow loess as an antibiotic (oxytetracycline) replacer in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Five experimental diets were formulated to contain no antibiotics or yellow loess (control/CON), three graded levels of yellow loess 5 (YL5), 10 (YL10) and 20 g YL kg−1 diet (YL20) and oxytetracycline at 5 g OTC kg−1 diet. Forty-five fish averaging 39.4 ± 1.6 g (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed in to 15 aquaria. Triplicate groups of fish were fed one of the experimental diets at 1.5 ~ 1.9% of wet body weight per day. At the end of the feeding trial, average weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) from fish fed CON diet were significantly lower than those from fish fed YL10, YL20 or OTC diets (P < 0.05). Lysozyme activity from fish fed YL20 was detected to be significantly higher than that from fish fed CON diet (P < 0.05). While, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity from fish fed YL10 and YL20 was recorded to be significantly higher than that from fish fed CON diet (P < 0.05). Fourteen days of challenge test with bacteria A. salmonicida showed significantly lower survival rate for CON than those of fish fed other experimental diets. Therefore, these results indicated that dietary yellow loess at 10–20 g kg−1 could be a promising alternative of oxytetracycline in rainbow trout.
The Effects of Critical Friends on the Self-Esteem and Academic Oral Presentation Ability of Teacher Students

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of critical friends on self-esteem and the academic oral presentation ability of undergraduate students. A pretest was conducted in the first week of the semester. A pre-academic oral presentation preparation was held from the second week to the seventh week and followed by pedagogical speech activities from the eighth week to the eleventh week. The research instruments are Academic oral presentation behavior and self-esteem evaluation forms. The samples were 37 third year undergraduate students, who were purposively selected from the educational technology class at the Chulalongkorn University. The statistics used for analyzing quantitative data are frequencies, means, standard deviations, one sample t- tests, and Pearson's Product-Moment Correlations. It was found that the 37 third year undergraduate teacher students had higher self-esteem at the statistically significant level of . 05 and academic oral presentation scores after the activity were statistically significant at the . 05 level.
receptors and their transducers

Macrophages and dendritic cells are in the front line of host defense. When they sense host invasion, they produce cytokines that alert other innate immune cells and also abet the development of an adaptive immune response. Although lipoly- saccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan, unmethylated DNA, and other microbial products were long known to be the primary targets of innate immune recognition, there was puzzlement as to how each molecule triggered a response. It is now known that the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the principal signaling molecules through which mammals sense infection. Each TLR recognizes a restricted subset of molecules produced by microbes, and in some circumstances, only a single type of molecule is sensed (e.g., only LPS is sensed by TLR4). TLRs direct the activation of immune cells near to and far from the site of infection, mobilizing the com- paratively vast immune resources of the host to confine and defeat an invasive organism before it has become widespread. The biochemical details of TLR signaling have been analyzed through forward and reverse genetic methods, and full elucidation of the molecular interactions that transpire within the first minutes following contact between host and pathogen will soon be at hand. J. Leukoc. Biol. 74: 479-485; 2003. inferences may accumulate so that every requirement for proper function of a complex system is understood, much as every enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle is now known. In no field has reductionism played a greater role than it has in the science of genetics. Mutations have fueled progress in genetics, and genetic tools have transformed every area of biology. The present review concerns innate immunity: the inherited resistance to infection, shared to some extent by all normal metazoans. We would like to understand innate immunity at a fine molecular level. We would like to catalog each of the biochemical events that innate immunity entails so that every protein participant in the innate immune response is known. We would like to understand the temporal sequence of molec- ular interactions that occur and the importance of this temporal sequence to the outcome that is observed. In the long run, we might wish to modify innate immune responses, damping them when they cause harm (as they do in the course of inflammatory diseases) and augmenting them when they are required (as they are during focal infections that need to be checked before they become generalized).
Octapeptide Polymorphism Analysis of Slovak Autochtonous Cattle Breeds

Tkaaikova a. , R. Voralek, P. Filipaik, I. Mikula Sr.: Octapeptide Polymorphism Analysis of Slovak Autochtonous Cattle Breeds. Acta Vet Brno 2007, 76: 47-50. Octapeptide repeats are 24 bp long repeat segments in the PrP gene that may be present in different species in a different number of repetitions. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of this polymorphism in the PrP gene of two Slovak autochtonous cattle breeds, namely Slovak spotted cattle (n = 89) and Slovak Pinzgau (n = 195). In the study’s cohort of animals, repletion numbers 6 and 5 were found for the octapeptide repeats. We found 6/6 homozygous animals to be most prevalent (96.1%); the remaining animals were 5/6 heterozygous (3.9%). We did not observe any 5/5 homozygous animals in the studied group. This analysis included only a small group of animals. However, the results suggest that animals with six octapeptide repeats are dominant in these Slovak cattle breeds. PrP, octapeptide repeats, polymorphism, Slovak spotted cattle, Slovak Pinzgau
Tratamentos pré-germinativos em sementes de araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata)

The araca-boi (Eugenia stipitata) is a native fruit tree with high agribusiness potential. Its seeds are intolerant of desiccation and present dormancy, which makes more difficult propagation. The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of araca-boi seed germination with three pre-treatments to enhance germination: partial tegument removal, leaching and fractionation. The germination of intact seeds and seeds with partial tegument removal was done in two environments: greenhouse and screened nursery (50%). For leaching, the seeds were placed in a bucket and subjected to leaching in running water (hose nozzle at the bottom of the bucket) for up to 90 days, with intervals of 10 days. The fractionation of seeds was performed according to the meristematic zone position of root and shoot protrusion (transverse and longitudinal fractionation). The partial tegument removal from the araca-boi seeds decreased the period of germination from 91 to 48 days with 100% of emergence. The seeds of araca-boi submerged in water for 50 days, maintains the viability and vigor. The fractioned seeds cut at the meristematic protuberance make normal seedlings, with the same characteristics of intact seed germination, but the other types of fractionation didn't speed up or make the seeds germinated uniformly.
Genetic Resistance and Correlation between Black scurf and Powdery scab Disease of Potato

Multiple disease resistance is an aim of many plant breeding programs. In present studies twelve genotypes of potato were evaluated possessing resistance/tolerance against black scurf and powdery scab disease of potato. The trial was conducted in accordance with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and the results were statistically analyzed. In natural sick field the advanced line Fd-49-62 showed highly resistant reaction against black scurf and highly susceptible to powdery scab disease. The line Fd 44-42 was resistant to powdery scab but was highly susceptible to black scurf disease. Four lines/ varieties namely Fd-48-54, Diament, Fsd-red and cardinal exhibited susceptible to highly susceptible reaction against both diseases. Remaining five entries posses an intermediate reaction in between moderately resistant to susceptible.
Experimental analysis of constitutive and induced defence in a plant–seed–predator system

Summary 1 The functional significance of candidate defence mechanisms, including fruit abortion, fruit morphology and seed provisioning of Silene latifolia (Miller) Kraus (Caryophyllaceae), was tested using experimental exposure to its seed predator Hadena bicruris Hufnagel (Noctuidae). This moth lays eggs in S. latifolia female flowers, and each larva consumes three to four fruits to achieve development. Specifically, we sought to explain why fruit walls are thicker in European plants compared with plants in the introduced range where the seed predator is absent, which suggests a defensive role for fruit wall. We also analysed the carbon and nitrogen content of the seeds of exposed and unexposed plants to investigate whether plants respond to moth attack by modifying seed provisioning. 2 Experimental exposure to moth eggs significantly increased fruit abortion. Fruits built after attack on exposed plants did not have significantly thicker fruit walls compared with fruits on control plants. The proportion of N and C within seeds was significantly, but only slightly, modified in exposed plants. 3 Fruits with thicker fruit walls were not significantly less profitable, nor did they require longer handling time when exposed to larvae. 4 Populations varied significantly in fruit wall thickness. When flowers were infested experimentally, we found significant among-family variation in larval growth, suggesting genetic (or maternal environmental) variation. 5 We conclude that fruit abortion is an important defence mechanism. Constitutive investment in fruit wall thickness does not provide a strong protection against secondary attack. Plants do not appear to respond to attack by modifying fruit wall thickness or seed provisioning in later fruits. Future studies may compare fruit abortion and palatability of European and American plants with their greater variation, to address whether relaxed selection away from the seed predator modifies defences to this natural enemy.
Phylogeny and reclassification of the species of two neotropical grunt genera, Anisotremus and Genyatremus (Perciformes: Haemulidae), based on morphological evidence

The haemulid genera Anisotremus and Genyatremus contain eleven valid New World species. We examined 52 morphological characters of all Anisotremus and Genyatremus species and five relatives. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we propose that two Anisotremus species (Pristipoma dovii and Conodon pacifici) are members of the genus Genyatremus. The primary synapomorphies leading to the definition of these clades come from the oral and pharyngeal jaws. Reclassification of both genera, as well as an identification key, is included. A review of early literature indicated that the type species of Genyatremus is Diagramma cavifrons, as stated by the original describer, and is not Lutjanus luteus, which is not a haemulid. Resumen Los generos Anisotremus y Genyatremus contienen once especies validas en el Nuevo Mundo. Se exploraron 52 caracteres morfologicos en la totalidad de especies de Anisotremus y Genyatremus; cinco taxa adicionales de haemulidos conformaron el grupo externo. Con base en el analisis filogenetico se propone que dos especies de Anisotremus (Pristipoma dovii y Conodon pacifici) son en realidad miembros del genero Genyatremus. Las principales sinapomorfias que conllevan a la definicion de los clados provienen de las mandibulas oral y faringea. Se incluye una reclasificacion de ambos generos asi como una clave de identificacion. Se realizo a la vez una revision bibliografica y se concluye que la especie tipo de Genyatremus es Diagramma cavifrons, como fue establecido por su descriptor original, y no Lutjanus luteus, el cual no es un haemulido.
Biomass pyrolysis: a state‐of‐the‐art review

Biomass pyrolysis is a process by which a biomass feedstock is thermally degraded in the absence of air/oxygen. It is used for the production of solid (charcoal), liquid (tar and other organics) and gaseous products. These products are of interest as they are possible alternate sources of energy. The study of pyrolysis is gaining increasing importance, as it is not only an independent process, it is also a . rst step in the gasi. cation or combustion process, and has many advantages over other renewable and conventional energy sources. Studies have been conducted on pyrolysis of biomass and other substances by several researchers. The actual reaction scheme of pyrolysis of biomass is extremely complex because of the formation of over a hundred intermediate products. Mode ling of pyrolysis includes chemical kinetics model, heat transfer model and mass transfer model. Various kinetic models, heat and mass transfer models reported in the literature and our previous study are reported in the present review with experimental validations to provide the current status of the study. Plasma pyrolysis provides high temperature and high energy for reaction as the reaction sample is rapidly heated up to a high temperature. This review also covers the experimental and modeling study status of plasma‐assisted pyrolysis. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Early regeneration of Fraxinus rhynchophylla in the understorey of Larix kaempferi stands in response to thinning

Summary The effects of thinning were investigated on naturally regenerated Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (Korean ash) grown in the understorey of a Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. plantation, established on a site that previously supported old growth hardwood forests. The regeneration characteristics were evaluated after thinning of the plantation (about 60 per cent of relative density was removed). In the naturally regenerated and mixed stands, Quercus mongolica Fisch. was the most abundant tree species in the overstorey, but the understorey of the thinned plantations was dominated by F. rhynchophylla with six other minor tree species. Fraxinus rhynchophylla was regenerated by four propagation types including natural seedling, stump sprout, root sprout and layering. Before thinning, the difference of average height growth for each regeneration type was insignifi cant. One year after thinning, the stump sprouts showed the fastest growth among the regeneration types. Height growth of advance regeneration was slow in the year following thinning but then increased rapidly surpassing the other regeneration types 5 years after thinning. Thinning had an effect on the composition of regenerated trees also by seedling, stump sprout, root sprout and layering in the understorey. Advance regenerations occupied the upper understorey at 5 years after thinning. A large number of stump sprouts emerged in the plots 1 year after thinning, while at 5 years after thinning the occupation of stump sprouts decreased. Root sprouts and layers faded away. Considering the early growth and the composition of understorey F. rhynchophylla , its advance regeneration has a high potential to develop into overstorey trees at this site.