Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in fish biomarkers

Seasonal changes in the detoxification, hormone levels, energy metabolism and water content were measured in juvenile 2-year-old brown trout held in two environmentally different test conditions. In spite of the different test conditions, the course of seasonal changes in the measured biomarkers was quite similar in both test group fish. However, the measured values of these biomarkers differed significantly between the groups, and also between sexes. Although the fish were juveniles, seasonal changes similar to adults were observed in male gonadal growth and plasma testosterone concentration. Also, only in males, during the spawning period, the liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity was negatively correlated with the plasma testosterone concentration, which was at its highest at that time. The liver detoxification activity reached maximum in winter. Plasma osmotic concentration was also higher in winter than summer. During the entire year, the tissue-water content of the “laboratory” fish was significantly higher than that of the fish farm group. Energy resources of the fish increased during summer, and were high in autumn and early winter. Between the groups notable differences were observed only in winter.
What Strategy for Optimal Health in Poorest Developing Countries

This article shows how the international organizations’ goal i.e zero discrimination in health care access may lead to zero HIV new infection and zero decease in Africa. A macroeconomic model is used to study the achievement of this goal. Whereas the macroeconomic literature studies the impact of HIV/AIDS on the economic growth, this analysis assimilates the HIV/AIDS virus to a perfect foresight dynamics to study health alteration process. The results found are: before the “seropositivity”, vaccine may be efficient. In the transition between the HIV and the AIDS thresholds, medical-care may slow death process. After the cross of the AIDS threshold, the organism converges to the dead zone. Indeed, HIV eradication needs population implication on the one hand and the cooperation between the low cost pharmaceutical companies and the poor countries government with the international organizations on the other hand. Keywords : HIV/AIDS Threshold; HIV/AIDS; Medical-care; Dead zone
Measurement of Unloading and Reloading of Photo-assimilate within the Stem of Bean

Minchin, P. E. H. and Thorpe, M. R. 1987. Measurement of unloading and reloading of photo assimilate within the stem of bean. —J. exp. Bot. 38: 211-220. There is growing evidence that the phloem transport pathway is leaky with passive unloading into the apoplast and active reloading from the apoplast. In this paper we report in vivo measurements of unloading and reloading in immature stems of bean expressed as a percentage per unit length of the photo-assimilate flow within the transport pathway. Gross unloading was up to 6% cm-1 and net unloading up to 4% cm-1. Time constants of bulk flow through 10 cm of stem were about 4-6 min whereas those of net unloading were 8-13 min and of gross unloading, at the most, 7-8 min.
What Future for the Baka?: Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Livelihood Opportunities in South-east Cameroon

FOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS The indigenous hunter/gatherer peoples of the Central African rainforests have a strong and valuable customary heritage, developed over millennia in cultures that are uniquely adjusted to living in and utilizing the forest in a harmonious and sustainable way. Today, the cultures and very survival of the indigenous peoples of Central Africa are under severe threat, as a result of being pushed off their traditional forest lands by other interest groups, including logging, mining, national parks/conservation, agroforestry and agricultural ventures. As a consequence, the indigenous peoples of the Central African rainforests are becoming increasingly impoverished and marginalized, and their wealth of traditional forest-related knowledge risks being lost – to the detriment of global cultural diversity and to the detriment of global knowledge on environmentally-sound natural resource management practices. This report looks specifically at the livelihoods and human rights situation of the Baka indigenous hunter/gatherers of south-east Cameroon. The Baka of this region are facing an increasingly uncertain future as their traditional lands have been almost entirely taken away from them, mainly to allocate to international logging and mining companies and as parts of Protected Areas. As a result, many Baka communities have been forced to leave their traditional lands and very few are now living a purely traditional nomadic lifestyle. Many live in settlements along the roadsides where they are the victims of widespread discrimination and human rights abuses on the part of the dominant society and where they face immense problems in terms of poverty and access to sufficient food and basic services. The fundamental human rights of the world’s indigenous peoples – including those of the Baka – are protected by UN conventions and declarations, as well as by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. These are not, however, being implemented in Cameroon and there is no national legislation protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. Nor are there any specific government programmes aimed at supporting the livelihoods of the Baka people, who are basically left to fend for themselves – with some assistance from NGOs in Cameroon. This report, which is a co-publication of IWGIA, Plan Finland and Plan Cameroon, analyses the livelihoods and human rights situation of the Baka people and provides recommendations for action. It is hoped that this report will serve as an informative reference for Baka communities, the government of Cameroon, nongovernmental organisations and the international human rights community, and that it will help to promote Baka rights in future decision-making at all levels of society.
Evaluating the Air Force Inspection System

SAF/IG implemented the Air Force Inspection System (AFIS) in 2013 following a USAFE pilot study into its potential for implementation across the Air Force. Using responsive constructive evaluation and content analysis of interviews as a methodology, AFIS was evaluated against the objectives laid out in AFPAD13-01. 18 interviews were conducted on 4 stakeholder groups across the inspection enterprise, which resulted in 4 overarching themes: Culture Shifts, Self-Assessment, Higher Headquarters Relationships, and PAD Objectives. This research allows SAF/IG to implement changes to future versions of AFIS that incorporates views from the field.
DMS and DMSP in mucus ropes, coral mucus, surface films and sediment pore waters from coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef

Concentrations of dimethylsulphide (DMS) and its precursor compound dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), two sulphur compounds that are involved in the formation of clouds, were measured for mucus ropes, coral mucus, surface films and sediment pore waters collected from three coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The concentrations of DMS (61–18 665 nm) and DMSP (1978–54 381 nm) measured in mucus rope samples are the highest yet reported in the marine environment. The values exceed concentrations of DMS and DMSP reported from highly productive polar waters and sea ice algal communities. Concentrations of DMSP in coral mucus ranged from 1226 to 25 443 nm, with mucus from Acropora formosa containing the highest levels of DMSP. Dimethylsulphide and DMSP in surface microlayer samples from three coral reefs were two to four times subsurface (0.5 m) concentrations. In coral-reef sediment pore waters, concentrations of DMS and DMSP were substantially higher than water-column concentrations, suggesting that coral sediments may be a significant source of these two compounds to reef waters. Overall, the results strongly suggest that coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef are significant sources of these two sulphur substances.
The Ecology of Avian Incubation

Birds reproduce successfully in a wide diversity of habitats; the breeding ranges of certain species include some of the most inhospitable environments on earth. Such accomplishments are particularly striking because avian embryos are partially more susceptible to environmental extremes than are embryos of viviparous vertebrates, which are protected in the internal environment of the adult. Although avian eggs are provisioned at laying with all the nutrients and materials necessary for construction of hatchlings, the embryos are not totally self-sufficient and require application of external heat, periodic turning, defense from predators and brood parasites, and exchange of gases with the external environment (Drent 1973, 1975). Despite the wide variety of habitats in which eggs are laid, development appears to require regulation of thermal and gaseous conditions within fairly restricted limits. The intent of this paper is to review the existing data that specify these requirements and to outline how such needs are met by species breeding in particularly severe habitats.
Mechanistic and Therapeutic Advances in Colon Cancer: A Systematic Review

Colon cancer is a common gastrointestinal malignancy in daily life and is the third most common cancer. So far, the global incidence of colon cancer has risen every year. Colon cancer mortality accounts for half of the incidence, colon cancer mortality ranks fifth in malignant tumor mortality, which seriously threatens human survival and health. This article refers to the latest domestic and foreign related articles related to colon cancer. It summarizes common and emerging screening methods for colon cancer which can make early detection and early treatment of the disease for reducing the deterioration and metastasis of colon cancer.
Supervised Sparse Components Analysis with Application to Brain Imaging Data

We propose a dimension-reduction method using supervised (multi-block) sparse (principal) component analysis. The method is first implemented through basis expansion of spatial brain images, and the scores are then reduced through regularized matrix decomposition to produce simultaneous data-driven selections of related brain regions, supervised by univariate composite scores representing linear combinations of covariates. Two advantages of the proposed method are that it identifies the associations between brain regions at the voxel level and that supervision is helpful for interpretation. The proposed method was applied to a study on Alzheimer ’ s disease (AD) that involved using multimodal whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). For illustrative purposes, we demonstrate cases of both single- and multimodal brain imaging and longitudinal measurements.
Biomechanical analysis of alpine skiers performing giant slalom turns

Over the past few years, technological breakthroughs have helpedcompetitive sports to attain new levels. Training techniques, athletes' management and methods to analyse specific technique and performancehave sharpened, leading to performance improvement. Alpine skiing is not different. The objective of the present work was to study the technique of highy skilled alpine skiers performing giant slalom, in order to determine the quantity of energy that can be produced by skiers to increase their speed. To reach this goal, several tools have been developed to allow field testing on ski slopes; a multi cameras system, a wireless synchronization system, an aerodynamic drag model and force plateforms have especially been designed and built. The analyses performed using the different tools highlighted the possibility for several athletes to increase their energy by approximately 1.5 % using muscular work. Nevertheless, the athletes were in average not able to use their muscular work in an efficient way. By offering functional tools such as drift analysis using combined data from GPS and inertial sensors, or trajectory analysis based on tracking morphological points, this research makes possible the analysis of alpine skiers technique and performance in real training conditions. The author wishes for this work to be used as a basis for continued knowledge and understanding of alpine skiing technique. - Le sport de competition beneficie depuis quelques annees des progres technologiques apportes par la science. Les techniques d'entrainement, le suivi des athletes et les methodes d'analyse deviennent plus pointus, induisant une nette amelioration des performances. Le ski alpin ne derogeant pas a cette regle, l'objectif de ce travail etait d'analyser la technique de skieurs de haut niveau en slalom geant afin de determiner la quantite d'energie fournie par les skieurs pour augmenter leur vitesse. Pour ce faire, il a ete necessaire de developer differents outils d'analyse adaptes aux contraintes inherentes aux tests sur les pistes de skis; un systeme multi cameras, un systeme de synchronisation, un modele aerodynamique et des plateformes de force ont notamment ete developpes. Les analyses effectuees grâce a ces differents outils ont montre qu'il etait possible pour certains skieur d'augmenter leur energie d'environ 1.5 % grâce au travail musculaire. Cependant, les athletes n'ont en moyenne pas reussi a utiliser leur travail musculaire de maniere efficace. Ce projet a egalement rendu possible des analyses adaptees aux conditions d'entrainement des skieurs en proposant des outils fonctionnels tels que l'analyse du drift grâce a des capteurs inertiels et GPS, ainsi que l'analyse simplifiee de trajectoires grâce au suivi de points morphologiques. L'auteur espere que ce travail servira de base pour approfondir les connaissances de la technique en ski alpin.
Browse intake rates by bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and boergoats (Capra hircus)

Foraging efficiencies of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus Pallas) and boergoats (Capra hircus Linnaeus) were evaluated in terms of browse intake rates attained when foraging from a selection of Valley Bushveld plants. Intake rates were calculated as the product of bite size and bite rate. Boergoats were capable of greater bite sizes and bite rates and were therefore more efficient foragers in terms of intake rates. Intake rates increased with increasing bite size and conformed to an asymptotic relationship, while bite rates declined with increasing bite sizes. Plant spinescence and fibre content influenced the intake rates of both species.
New prosauropod material from South Wales

New prosauropod material from a cave filling of Upper Triassic/Lower Jurassic age in Pant-y-ffynnon Quarry, South Wales, is described. The Panl-y-ffynnon fauna also includes thecodont, coelurosaur, crocodile and lepidosaur material. Most of the prosauropod skeleton is represented. An almost complete but disarticulated skull is preserved. The skull and whole skeleton of the prosauropod are reconstructed. Evidence from the size and relative proportions of the bones, also the state of ossification, indicates that the prosauropod remains represent juveniles. The level of the jaw articulation combined with the form of the teeth would suggest that the Pant-y-ffynnon prosauropod was omnivorous. The Pant-y-ffynnon prosauropod resembles closely the much less complete Durdham Down (Bristol) remains of Thecodonlosaurus antiquus Morris; the Welsh material could well be juveniles of that species. Here the Pant-y-ffynnon material is ascribed to Thecodonlosaurus sp. The mode of deposition of the fossil material is discussed, to account for the deposit containing only juveniles of the prosauropod.
Relationships of the Australian Genus Synercticus Newman (Coleoptera: Boridae)

Synercticus Newman is diagnosed and placed in Synercticinae, subfam. n. within the Boridae. Comparisons are made with the other genera of Boridae (Boros Herbst, Lecontia Champion) and members of the related family Pythidae. Osphyoplesius Winkler is removed from the Boridae and tentatively placed in the Pythidae. the known geographic distribution of Synercticus heteromerus Newman (=Aposyla picea Pascoe, syn. n.) is given.
New 2-Acylcyclohexane-1, 3-diones: Kairomone Components against a Parasitic Wasp, Venturia canescens, from Feces of the Almond Moth, Cadra cautella, and the Indian Meal Moth, Plodia interpunctella

As new kairomone components, 2-palmitoyl- (I) and 2-stearoylcyclohexane-1,3-dione (II) were identified for the parasitic wasp Venturia canescens from feces of the Indian meal moth larva, Plodia interpunctella. One more component, 2-arachidoylcyclohexane-1,3-dione (III), together with the afore mentioned two compounds were newly obtained from feces of the almond moth larva Cadra cautella. Purified kairomone fractions from both species indicated similar activity to synthetic 2- oleoylcyclohexane-1,3-dione (active at 0.1 mg/ml). 2-Palmitoylcyclohexane-1,3-dione (I) was the most active (at 1 mg/ml) among the synthetic homologues with saturated 2-acyl groups.No traces of 2-acylcyclohexane-1,3-dione were found in the rearing medium of the host; therefore, the kairomone was suggested to have been biosynthesized.
Aspergillus pseudotamarii, a new aflatoxin producing species in Aspergillus section Flavi

A recent report of an aflatoxin producing isolate of Aspergillus tamarii prompted a taxonomic re-examination of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic isolates identified as A. tamarii as well as the closely related A. caelatus. Representatives of each species, including atypical isolates, were compared morphologically, for mycotoxin production, and for divergence in ITS, 28S, β-tubulin and calmodulin gene sequences. Because of genetic, morphological, and mycotoxin differences, the aflatoxin producing isolates of A. tamarii are given species rank as Aspergillus pseudotamarii sp. nov.
The Reproductive Cycle and Spawning in a Caribbean Gorgonian

The reproductive biology of Plexuara A, a common but undescribed Caribbean gorgonian, was studied in the San Blas Islands, Panama. Oocytes were present in the polyps throughout the year, though a seasonal developmental cycle is evident. Early stage oocytes appeared at the base of the polyps in November. In January total egg volume per polyp began to increase and reached a maximum in early May. Total egg volume per polyp then decreased through the summer as mature eggs were released. Spawning occurred over a period of 4-7 days following each full moon in May, June, and July. Egg release was synchronous, starting at approximately 18:30 and lasting 90 minutes. Larval development is initiated just prior to or at the time of release. Initiation of larval development at the time of release without brooding is unknown for any gorgonian or scleractinian. Of 265 colonies examined from 6 reefs near San Blas Point, all but 3 contained gonads and were female. No male or hermaphroditic colonies have been found in the .
Análise genética da habilidade de permanência em fêmeas da raça Nelore

The purpose of this study was to analyse of the stayability trait (STAY) of Nelore cows. Stayability was defined as the probability of calving at a specific age, or after that age, given that the cow calved at least one time prior to that age. The study focused specifically on six year old groups, and the information corresponding to 55,682 animals were analysed. The data were analysed based on an a posteriori maximum threshold model to predict the genetic values, while the Gibbs sample was used to estimate the variance components. The analyses provided heritability estimate and standard deviation of 0.21 ± 0.003 and average genetic tendency a year was of 0.14% for STAY. The estimates indicate that the use of this trait as a criterion for selection may contribute toward increased female fertility.
Activity of cabozantinib (XL184) in hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from a phase II randomized discontinuation trial (RDT)

261 Background: Cabozantinib is an oral, potent inhibitor of MET and VEGFR2. MET over-expression has been observed in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Anti-VEGF pathway agents have shown clinical benefit in pts w/ HCC. Simultaneous targeting of the MET and VEGF signaling pathways with cabozantinib may therefore be a promising treatment strategy. Methods: HCC pts with progressive measurable disease, per mRECIST received cabozantinib at 100 mg qd PO over a 12 week Lead-in period. Up to one prior regimen was allowed and only pts with Child-Pugh score of A were eligible. Tumor response was assessed every 6 weeks. Treatment beyond Week 12 was based on response: pts with PR continued open-label cabozantinib, those with SD were randomized to cabozantinib vs. placebo, and those with PD discontinued study drug. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (RR) per mRECIST in the Lead-in period, and progression free survival for pts who entered the randomized period. Results: Enrollment has been completed.
Characterization of arginine kinase from the caenogastropod Semisulcospira libertina, an intermediate host of Paragonimus westermani

Arginine kinase (AK) belongs to the phosphagen kinase (PK) family of enzymes that have a significant role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. In this study, cDNA of Semisulcospira libertina AK was determined, cloned and the recombinant protein was expressed as fusion protein with maltose-binding protein. The protein has a theoretical molecular mass of 39,412 Da and an estimated isoelectric point (p I) of 6.37. The recombinant enzyme showed high affinity and significant activity only for the substrate L-arginine (Km ¼ 0.53 mM; Vmax ¼ 61.30 mmol/min mg protein). Phylogenetic analyses showed that S. libertina AK clusters with gastropod and cephalopod AKs. Comparison of gene structure showed that all intron positions of S. libertina AK are shared with molluscan AKs. Certain intron positions are also shared with trematode TK and sipunculid HTK. Semisulcospira libertina AK can be utilized in the control of paragonimiasis since it is absent in mammalian hosts.
Heat tolerance in sheep with white and dark coat under heat stress

The aim of this research was to evaluate heat tolerance of thirty crossbred sheep (Santa Ines with Dorper) with white and black coat under heat stress. The experiment was conducted in September and October of 2012 and a completely randomized design was used. Before and after one hour exposure to solar radiation (14h00 - 15h00), rectal temperature, respiratory rate and surface temperature of the animals were measured. The Black Globe Temperature Humidity Index, the Heat Tolerance Index and the Heat Tolerance Coefficient were calculated. The values found for the Black Globe Temperature Humidity Index in the sun and in the shade were 89.08 and 82.81 respectively. Animals coat coloring did not influence on their rectal temperature and there was no difference on the heat tolerance index. It was verified the effect of coat coloring on the respiratory rate in dark colored hair coat sheep (P < 0.05) and the effect of the environment and coat coloring on the surface temperature and on the heat tolerance coefficient under the sun. Dark colored hair coat sheep presented lower heat tolerance.