Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Cannibalism Preventing Properties of the Fiber Fraction of Oat Hulls

Abstract A PREVIOUS report by Miller and Bearse (1938) indicated that the cannibalism preventing properties of oats were in the hulls, but that they were not due to the presence of a mineral or minerals in the oat as the oat hull ash was not effective in this respect. This work, however, left some doubt in the minds of the authors as to whether or not the process of manufacture of the oat hull ash by combustion of the oat hulls had not resulted in changing the character of the mineral constituents in such a way as to destroy their effectiveness. The work herein reported was planned to answer that question and to determine what fraction of the oat hull was responsible for preventing or retarding the development of cannibalistic tendencies. As defined by Miller and Bearse (1937), cannibalism is considered as a vicious habit of picking toes, comb, vent, feathers, .
Estimation of Growth and Extinction Parameters for Endangered Species

Survival or extinction of an endangered species is inherently stochastic. We develop statistical methods for estimating quantities related to growth rates and extinction probabilities from time series data on the abundance of a single population. The statistical methods are based on a stochastic model of exponential growth arising from the biological theory of age- or stage-structured populations. The model incorporates the so-called en- vironmental type of stochastic fluctuations and yields a lognormal probability distribution of population abundance. Calculation of maximum likelihood estimates of the two un- known parameters in this model reduces to performing a simple linear regression. We describe techniques for rigorously testing and evaluating whether the model fits a given data set. Various growth- and extinction-related quantities are functions of the two param- eters, including the continuous rate of increase, the finite rate of increase, the geometric finite rate of increase, the probability of reaching a lower threshold population size, the mean, median, and most likely time of attaining the threshold, and the projected population size. Maximum likelihood estimates and minimum variance unbiased estimates of these quantities are described in detail. We provide example analyses of data on the Whooping Crane (Grus americana), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in Yellowstone, Kirtland's Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii), California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata), Palila (Loxioides balleui), and Laysan Finch (Telespyza cantans). The model results indicate a favorable outlook for the Whooping Crane, but long-term unfavorable prospects for the Yellowstone grizzly bear population and for Kirtland's Warbler. Results for the California Condor, in a retrospective analysis, indicate a virtual emergency existed in 1980. The analyses suggest that the Puerto Rican Parrot faces little risk of extinction from ordinary environmental fluctuations, provided intensive management efforts continue. However, the model does not account for the possibility of freak catastrophic events (hurricanes, fires, etc.), which are likely the most severe source of risk to the Puerto Rican Parrot, as shown by the recent decimation of this population by Hurricane Hugo. Model parameter estimates for the Palila and the Laysan Finch have wide uncertainty due to the extreme fluctuations in the population sizes of these species. In general, the model fits the example data sets well. We conclude that the model, and the associated statistical methods, can be useful for investigating various scientific and management questions concerning species preservation.
BIOGEOCHEMICAL IMPACT OF HIERACIUM INVASION IN NEW ZEALAND'S GRAZED TUSSOCK GRASSLANDS: SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS

The establishment and spread of invasive plants could be enhanced by plant–soil feedbacks that alter the cycling of biologically important elements. In New Zealand, overgrazing of tussock grasslands in the South Island has led to land degradation and simultaneous invasion of exotic weeds (primarily Hieracium spp.) over large areas. While Hieracium continues to spread rapidly, little is known about variation in the impact of Hieracium across landscapes characterized by a range of environmental conditions. We examined the impact of Hieracium invasion on soil and ecosystem processes first at the scale of individual patches under one disturbance regime and uniform “environment” (i.e., one aspect and elevation), and then under different environmental conditions (aspects) and disturbance regimes (long-term grazing, no grazing since 1978). Around individual plants on heavily grazed north-facing slopes with significant bare ground, Hieracium invasion increased total soil C and N and lowered soil pH and mineral N .
Strategies for Mutagenesis and Gene Cloning Using Transposon Tagging and T-DNA Insertional Mutagenesis

PLANT TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS IN NATIVE HOSTS 50 Properties of DNA-Based Elements 51 BEHAVIOR OF ELEMENTS SHOWING MENDELIAN INHERITANCE 52 NONMENDELIAN BEHAVIOR OF MUTATOR ELEMENTS 54 Properties of Element Insertion 55 Somatic Instability and Consequences of Excision . 58 Secondary Mutation . 59 GENERATING MUTANTS 59 Targeted Mutagenesis: Recovery of Mutants in Known Maize Genes . 60 Nontargeted Mutagenesis . 63 MOLECULAR ANALYSIS: COSEGREGATION 64 Specific Strategies . 66 INVERSE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION AND RESTRICTION FRAGMENT LENGTH POLyMORPHISM 68 METHODS OF MOLECULAR VERIFICATION 69 Reconstruction of Functional Alleles and Complementation Assays . 70 TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS INTRODUCED INTO HETEROLOGOUS HOSTS . 71 T-DNA AS A MUTAGEN AND MOLECULAR TAG 73 T-DNA Introduction Into Tissues . 74 T-DNA Introduction into Seeds of A. thaliana . 75 PROSPECTS 77
Physical activity and exercise interventions for people with rare neurological disorders: a scoping review of systematic reviews

Background: People living with rare neurological conditions (RNCs) often face common physical, cognitive and psychological challenges that lead to reduced physical activity and associated deconditioning. Physical activity interventions are routinely utilised to address disease specific limitations with the intention of promoting participation in people with RNCs. This scoping review aimed to synthesise the body of evidence for such interventions as they are applied across a wide range of RNCs. Methods: We undertook a scoping review of systematic reviews of any type of physical activity and exercise interventions for adults with neuromuscular diseases, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, inherited ataxias and hereditary spastic paraplegia. The reviews were included if they reported at least one outcome that aimed to increase physical activity level at either the body structure/function, activity and/or participation levels. Results: Sixty-two articles were full-text screened of which 27 were included. Most studies involved interventions in people with neuromuscular diseases. No reviews of interventions in hereditary spastic paraparesis were identified. The majority of reviews included studies of structured exercise using outcome measures at the level of body function and functional activity. Interventions were grouped as: i) combined interventions; ii) muscle strength training; iii) respiratory training; iv) aerobic training. Frequency, intensity, time and type of structured exercise utilised varied considerably across studies. Most studies were methodologically limited by small sample sizes, variation in exercise dose and training duration.Conclusions: To date, primary attention has been given to structured exercise interventions, which have demonstrated to have a low to uncertain level of evidence. Novel approaches to implementing common interventions and modalities are needed to increase accessibility and engagement in physical activity irrespective of disease type. Further exploration is warranted to achieve consensus on outcome measures that reflect areas of importance and relevance to people with RNCs.
Does Treadmill Training Improve Balance Function of Healthy Untrained Young Adult Male?

Background: Number of falls increase among elders and young adults prior to any cause. Occult balance disorder may become one of the morbidity factors that causes fall in young adults and eventually elders. One leg stance test reflects static balance function that might show occult balance disorder in healthy population. Closed eyes crossed arms one leg stance (CECAOLS) used to eliminate balance factors such as visual and arms sways that can elevate limit of stability (LOS). Treadmill used as a dynamic balance exercise with inclination and speed level as its’ component to challenge the balance function.Aim: to compare CECAOLS value in subjects with gradual increase of speed versus inclination in moderate intensity treadmill exercise.Methods: Nineteen healthy young adults male with sedentary lifestyle aged from 26 to 37 years old were recruited. Nine people in inclination group, ten people in speed group. Treadmill exercise with moderate intensity (70% maximal heart rate), exercise duration was 30 minutes (5 minutes warming up, 20 minutes core exercise, 5 minutes cooling down), 3 times/week, for 4 weeks. Measurement of CECAOLS value were done prior to first exercise and after completion of exercise in 4th week.Results: Significant increase of CECAOLS value at right leg inclination group with p=0.038. No significant increase of CECAOLS value in speed group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Moderate intensity treadmill exercise with gradual inclination increase 30 minutes duration, 3 times/week, for 4 week was proven to increase CECAOLS value in young adult healthy untrained male.
Expression and Localization of Estrogen Receptor‐β in Murine and Human Bone

Estrogens have profound effects on bone metabolism. Cellular responses to estrogens are mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs) which belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Two estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, have been cloned. Previously expression of ERα has been shown in osteoblasts. Here we demonstrate that the transcript for ERβ can be detected in the human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG‐63 and SaOS‐2) and in cultured human osteoblast‐like cells. We also show that ERβ protein is present in nuclear extracts from these cells. Furthermore, ERβ immunoreactivity is found in sections of murine and human bone. Murine and human osteoblast and osteocyte nuclei are immunoreactive for ERβ. Osteoclasts are also ERβ immunoreactive but the staining is mainly cytoplasmic. The present study demonstrates that ERβ is present in all the cellular compartments involved in bone formation and bone resorption, both in human and in murine bone tissue.
Migration and Staging Patterns of the Wryneck (Jynx Torquilla) at Eilat, Israel

The wryneck is an unusual representative of Palearctic Picidae in that it is a long-distance migrant, whose populations have declined across Europe in the last century. Israel is at the eastern extremes of the known wryneck migration routes in the spring, which are little studied. Hence, we studied the species migration patterns and staging at Eilat, the southern tip of Israel being a very important stopover site for many migratory bird species. During 28 springs and 25 autumn migration seasons in the years 1983-2010, a total of 588 wrynecks were trapped. The mean number of birds recorded per spring season was 18.32 (SE = 2.12) and only 3.00 ± 0.71 per autumn season. The analysis performed for spring passage showed that the mean proportion of juveniles to all birds to which ages were assigned was 48.9 ± 5.2%. Furthermore, we did not find any differences in the dates of ringing, wing length, body mass or body condition index of juvenile and adults. We retrapped 97 (18.9%) wrynecks during the spring. The av.
Fine-scale Genetic Structure in the Threatened Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (Rana Boylii)

Abstract The Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana boylii) is a threatened river-dwelling amphibian endemic to California and Oregon. Determining the genetic structure of populations that have not yet declined is an important tool for their conservation. In this study, molecular markers were used to asses the genetic structure of R. boylii. The ND2 region of the mitochondrial genome and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were examined amongst 51 individuals collected from seven relatively pristine tributaries branching off the Eel River in Northern California. Both markers exhibited significant genetic differentiation among tributaries; however, the RAPD markers revealed a positive correlation between geographic distance and genetic distance. Cluster analysis illustrated a distinct separation between northern and southern tributaries within the study site. In contrast, relatively little geographic structure was apparent when mtDNA haplotypes were examined. Discordance may be caused by the number of loci examined in the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, recent divergence, and sex-biased dispersal.
Immunotherapy of SARS based on combinations of neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies

Evaluation of: Coughlin MM, Babcook J, Prabhakar BS: Human monoclonal antibodies to SARS-coronavirus inhibit infection by different mechanisms. Virology 394(1), 39–46 (2009). This work discusses passive immunotherapy based on neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with different mechanisms of action. The authors have demonstrated that combining such mAbs, which target distinct epitopes, may greatly increase inhibition of virus infection and suppress the generation of neutralization escape mutants. The inhibition of human mAbs to SARS-coronavirus (CoV) may also act through different mechanisms of action, depending on their target epitopes or regions. Therefore, this approach could provide fast and effective prophylaxis and treatment of SARS-CoV infection during a SARS outbreak. Specifically, Coughlin et al. have indicated that most of the tested anti-S1 mAbs recognized epitopes within the receptor-binding domain and blocked virus attachment to its cellular receptor. These findings could provide a further step in understanding the mechanism of these mAbs in the prevention of SARS-CoV infection, as well as an insight into the design and development of novel therapeutic treatments.
Efficacious Production of Viable Germ‐Line Chimeras between Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells and 8‐Cell Stage Embryos

Many embryonic stem (ES) cell lines have been isolated from various mouse strains, but production of germ‐line chimeras has been achieved with only strain 129. This report describes the isolation of a new ES cell line, F1/1, from a mouse blastocyst with the C57BL/6 X CBA male genotype and tests on its ability to produce germ‐line chimeras by two techniques, blastocyst injection and 8‐cell embryo injection. Chimera production using CD‐1 blastocysts as a host was low (20%), as reported by others. But by the 8‐cell embryo injection method, in which F1/1 cells were injected into the perivitelline space through a slit in the zona pellucida of 8‐cell embryos, chimeric mice with extremely high chimerism were obtained at a rate of 80%. Breeding tests showed that 89% of the fertile males were germ‐line chimeras and in most case, the majority of the sperms in their testes were derived from F1/1 cells. This F1/1 cell line with a different genotype from the 129 strain shows high ability to produce functional germ cells, moreover, the 8‐cell embryo injection method using F1/1 cells seems to be an efficient way to produce viable germ‐line chimeras.
Variation in Phytopathogenic Viruses

When phytopathogenic viruses multiply they apparently pro­ duce exact replicas of themselves. Hence, they conform to the first law of heredity which is that "like breeds like. " But they also con­ form to another law of heredity which similarly stated is that "like breeds unlike. " These paradoxical statements may be harmonized by explaining that plant viruses usually multiply without change but that occasionally, rarely in some instances, more often in oth­ ers, they produce variants which are more or less unlike the entities from which they spring. In this respect they behave like bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. Recognition and study of plant virus variants was promoted by three discoveries that greatly facilitated experime,ntal efforts to understand virus relationships (1). The first of these was a demon­ stration that a seemingly unlimited number of yellow and necrotic type viruses could be isolated from small, irregular-shaped, bright yellow spots that occasionally appeared on leaves of tobacco plants inoculated with ordinary tobacco mosaic virus. McKinney (2) was the first to observe and study these spots. For some time he sus­ pected that they might be due to contaminations. However, when he found that different samples of ordinary tobacco mosaic virus obtained from various sources and apparently pure in the sense that they were free of contaminations, gave yellow spots in about the same numbers as the original sample, he modified this view. Each of seventeen tobacco mosaic virus samples obtained from seven States of the United States and from Hawaii, England, and the Canary Islands gave yellow spots after inoculation in tobacco plants (3). This general association of yellow mosaic with the ordi­ nary green tobacco mosaic from different sources led McKinney to suggest that "viruses may become altered locally in the plant, thus producing mutations. " In 1933 Jensen (4) reported that he had been able to isolate a whole series of yellow mosaic type viruses from bright yellow spots that regularly appeared in leaves of to. mato and tobacco plants affected by tobacco mosaic. It was con­ cluded that they were variant strains and that they arose from
N‐3 fatty acids for human nutrition: stability considerations

Currently there is great interest in dietary n-3 fatty acids to promote health. The food industry aims to produce food products enriched in α-linolenic acid (Ln), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to reduce some of the physiological effects of linoleic acid (L), the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in our diet. However, the goal is hampered by the susceptibility of the n-3 fatty acids to oxidation. As a result the sensory and nutritional quality of such foods deteriorates. Lipid scientists therefore have to find a way to stabilise these fatty acids. Innovative technologies to protect n-3 polyunsaturates using antioxidants, adequate preparation, refining and packaging of the oil are needed. In this paper we review the inherent stability and the stabilisation of these nutritionally valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Plumage Bacterial Load is Related to Species, Sex, Biometrics and Fledging Success in Co-Occurring Cavity-Breeding Passerines

Abstract. Plumage bacteria might influence the trade-off between parental and self-preening efforts in birds, therefore affecting breeding success. However, too little is known about natural variation patterns in plumage bacterial communities for these hypotheses to be thoroughly assessed. We studied the density and phylotypic richness of plumage bacterial assemblages in wild breeding populations of Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca and Great Tits Parus major in the same area and breeding season, using flow cytometry and ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA). The density of plumage bacteria was higher in Tits than in Flycatchers, providing evidence that bacterial microflora differs even between co-occurring hosts that share habitat, nest site and foraging preferences. It is concurrent with the finding that migratory birds might have lower bacterial loads than sedentary birds. In both species bacterial loads were higher in females than in males, which along with two earlier studies, indicates the generality of this sex pattern. A negative correlation between parental body mass and the richness of feather-degrading bacterial phylotypes was found in Pied Flycatchers. In Great Tits, higher bacterial densities in the plumage of parent birds were associated with the production of fewer fledglings. However, the causality of these associations remains to be tested experimentally.
Determinants of yearling male lekking effort and mating success in black grouse (Tetrao tetrix)

Age at first reproduction is a crucial component of individual fitness as it often determines the length of reproductive lifespan. The reproductive success of males generally varies more than that of females, but it is challenging to study because the genetic data or proper surrogate measure needed to investigate reproductive success are usually not available. In black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), a lekking species with strong male mating skew and female preference for older males, there is a strong relationship between observed matings and genetic paternity. Using this relationship, we studied the effects of morphological, and behavioral traits on probability of being territorial, mating success, and survival of yearling males. Heavier yearling males were more likely to be territorial, and higher population density increased the frequency of yearling male territoriality. Mating success was positively related to population density, lek attendance, and fighting rate, but not to morphological traits. Overwinter survival did not differ between territorial and nonterritorial yearling males. Our results show that yearling male black grouse in good condition can establish territories and have some limited mating success, especially during increasing population density. In black grouse, the direct fitness benefits gained as yearlings undoubtedly contribute substantially to individual fitness, as the high reproductive skew means few males successfully copulate during their lifetime. For other species, early reproduction may relate to individual lifetime mating success but depends both on the direction and magnitude of the relationship between age-specific mating success and survival, and, as our results also demonstrate, on extrinsic factors such as population density.
Phytochemical screening and effects on cell-mediated immune response of Pleurotus fruiting bodies powder

This study examined the phytochemical profile and the effects of Pleurotus fruiting bodies powder on cell-mediated immune response in both in vivo and in vitro assays. Although carbohydrates (55%, w/w) appear to be the most important immunomodulatory compound, secondary metabolites (terpenoids, phenols and flavonoids) would also enhance immunity. Pleurotus powder was administered orally during 7 days to Balb/c mice (1000 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (CY; 100 mg/kg) was inoculated intraperitoneally at the beginning of the experiment. The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction measured at 48 and 72 h after antigen challenge was similar to that of control mice and it was associated with an increase in the mass index of popliteal lymph nodes (p< 0.05). An in vitro lymphoproliferative-stimulating response was also demonstrated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from Pleurotus powder. These effects suggest that Pleurotus supplement could potentiate the cellular immune response and should be promising for further immunotherapy studies.