Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transition-metal-doped saturable absorbers for passive Q-switching of visible lasers

We experimentally investigate crystals doped with tetravalent chromium or divalent cobalt as saturable absorbers for passive Q-switching of visible solid-state lasers. The recovery time of the ground-state and excited-state absorption cross sections are determined by pump-probe and Z-scan measurements, respectively. We provide saturation intensities, useful wavelength ranges of the investigated materials, and advices to realize passive Q-switching of visible lasers using these crystals as saturable absorbers.
Interovarian communication for the control of follicular growth and corpus luteum function in the cebus monkey

We have investigated the role of the utero‐ovarian ligament (UOL) in the alternating ovulatory performance of the ovaries in the capuchin monkey. In intact animals, the ovulation rate was near 90%, with 67.5% of ovulations occurring in the left ovary. Sectioning the UOL in any phase of the cycle decreased the ovulation rate by 40%, and restricted ovulations to the ovary still connected to the uterus by the UOL. Estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly reduced throughout the following cycles in treated monkeys. Removal of the ovary that had been disconnected 18‐20 months previous, restored both the ovulation rate and normal steroid levels. Histological study of the UOL revealed the presence of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and nerves. Electrical stimulation of the UOL was followed by an abrupt discharge of estradiol by the ovary bearing the follicle, advancing ovulation which was followed by a normal luteal development. Conversely, stimulation of the ovary bearing a corpus luteum did not modify either the ovarian or the peripheral levels of ovarian steroids. The UOL ligament appeared to be functional for products arising from the uterus. The distribution and effects of hCG injected intrauterinely depended upon the day of the luteal phase. In the early luteal phase, hCG was distributed symmetrically between both ovaries, and increased the progesterone secretion by the ovulatory ovary only. In the late luteal phase, hCG was preferentially distributed to the ovulatory ovary, and increased the progesterone secretion by both ovaries. The present findings provide evidence for a local mechanism, throughout the UOL, controlling both the alternation of ovulation and the transfer of substances originating in the uterus that regulate the ovarian function in primates. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) nursery areas in the north-western Mediterranean Sea

Nursery areas of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.) were investigated from spring 2005 to summer 2006 in areas along the French Mediterranean coast of the Gulf of Lion. Nurseries were identified by the presence of settling individuals of sea bass and young juveniles. These nurseries represent different types of sheltered shallow habitats, both natural such as coastal lagoons, estuaries, and artificial such as marinas. Settlement occurred from April to June during both years. The number of settling individuals varied between sites from just a few individuals to several thousand. In one given site, settlement also varied between 2005 and 2006. The size distribution of sampled individuals revealed that several pulses arrived in each nursery. At this stage, sea bass already exhibited a strong orientation capacity but a limited swimming ability. The magnitude of sea bass settlement in marinas requires better environmental management of such artificial areas.
Capacidade fotossintética de genótipos de amendoim em ambiente natural e controlado

Photosynthetic capacity of runner peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) cv. IAC-Caiapo and cv. Runner IAC-886 was evaluated under controlled condition, in plants grown on pots maintained in a greenhouse, and in irrigated plants grown on soil-filled tanks made of concrete, and exposed to natural ambient condition. CO2 net assimilation rate (A) response in relation to photosynthetic photon flux density (DFFF) was better in controlled condition, but in both conditions the same maximum A of ca. 28 µmol m -2 s -1 was reached. Under controlled condition, light saturation was about 1,000 µmol m -2 s -1 , although under natural condition, saturation occurred at higher DFFF. Leaf temperature between 23 and 36°C did not affect A, and leaf to air vapor pressure difference caused partial stomatal closing, decreasing A, when above 3.0 kPa. Photosynthetic capacities of the two cultivars were similar. Both cultivars showed good adaptation to daily changes of environmental conditions that occur during summer, showing dynamic photoinhibition of photosynthesis in the beginning of the afternoon (13-14h), as revealed by a reversible decrease in the maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) of photosystem II.
Early exposure to a bacterial endotoxin may cause breeding failure in a migratory bird

Early life conditions may have important long-term consequences on viability and reproduction. Considering their pervasiveness in natural environments, parasites play a crucial role in determining life-histories of hosts, by negatively affecting their performance and imposing fitness costs. Here, we tested whether exposure to a bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) during the nestling period influenced breeding performance at sexual maturation of a small passerine bird, the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). Three out of 56 LPS male nestlings were recruited in their breeding site, compared to six out of 51 controls. None of the LPS recruits was observed to breed or to pair with a female, while all control recruits bred successfully, with a mean seasonal breeding success of 6.4 fledged offspring. In addition, LPS recruits were captured later than controls. Despite the low sample size, our results suggest that exposure to a bacterial endotoxin during the critical phase of development may negatively affect reproductive success in these short-lived migratory birds, possibly via delaying timing of moult and arrival from wintering grounds.
The effect of successive crops of wheat on the availability of copper fertilizers to plants

Successive cropping with wheat on an acid sandy loam and a calcareous sand rapidly decreased the availability of applied copper sulfate to wheat plants grown in pots. The amount of copper removed in grain and straw was only approximately 10 per cent of the amount of copper applied. Ammonium oxalate-extractable copper also declined with successive crops. Moreover, the relationship between copper uptake and extractable copper also changed with successive crops. The amount of ammonium oxalate-extractable copper required for maximum growth increased with successive crops from 0.2 to 0.4 8g/g soil on the acid sandy loam and from 0.6 to 0.8 8g/g on the calcareous sand.
Structure and Species Composition of Desert Heteromyid Rodent Species Assemblages: Effects of a Simple Habitat Manipulation

Habitat manipulation demonstrates that a reduction in the distance between desert shrubs can produce a marked change in the structure and composition of a desert rodent species assemblage. After placement of small cardboard shelters in open areas between shrubs the dominant heteromyid rodent, Dipodomys merriami, declined in abundance and an intermediate—size species, Perognathus fallax, became established. The reduction in interplant distance also produced successful invasion by two species of generalist cricetine rodents belonging to the genus Peromyscus. Reduction of distances between safe foraging sites, which may decrease the risk of predation, increases the number of strategies of spatial utilization available to desert rodents. Thus, predation risk can be an important determinant of both structure and species composition of desert rodent species assemblages. See full-text article at JSTOR
Population dynamics of an outbreak of house mice (Mus domesticus) in the mallee wheatlands of Australia—hypothesis of plague formation

A plague of mice (Mus domesticus) in the Victorian mallee wheatlands of south-eastern Australia in autumn 1984 appeared to be generated by a sequence of rainfall events: high autumn (March), mid winter and late winter rainfall in 1983, and high summer rainfall in 1983/84. The March rainfall in 1983 ended a drought; mice began to breed and bred until the end of May. Relatively high survival of mice for 12 months after March 1983, together with early onset of breeding and high reproductive performance throughout the 1983/84 breeding season, including summer, were key demographic processes during the formation of the plague. Temporal differences in mouse abundance and breeding performance between habitats highlighted the relevance of specific habitats to the dynamics of mouse populations in the wheatlands. Fencelines were the most important habitat of mice because they were foci for breeding at the start of the breeding season, good nesting sites which were rarely disturbed, and widespread and in close proximity to crops. Cereal crops were colonized in spring 1983 and in autumn 1984; they became important habitats in 1983 when mice dispersed and bred there in early spring. Redhead's (1988) model was sufficient to explain the 1984 plague, but not the magnitude of the decline of mouse numbers in 1984, nor the absence of a further outbreak in 1985. A new model is proposed based on a sequence of rainfall events beginning at least 10 months prior to a plague.
Specific Distinctiveness in the Communication Signals of Birds

When using releasers in phylogenetic study, it is essential to consider whether the compared species are sympatric. If they are allopatric, it is often possible to find relationships between all releasers. If they are sympatric it is essential to know something of the function of the releasers, before their taxonomic value can be assessed. Signals that are in some way involved in reproductive isolation are likely to be highly divergent between closely allied sympatric species. They will therefore be useful as characters for specific diagnosis, but of limited value at higher levels of classification. In birds this group will include the male colours of most sexually dimorphic species, especially those that rely on visual recognition, have a short pair bond, and whose reproductive isolation is not yet complete (SIBLEY in press) : also advertisement, pair formation, courtship and some appeasement displays: songs, when they are loud and play an important part in pair-formation: some courtship and perhaps food and nest calls. Releasers of sympatric species whose function discourages specific distinctiveness, will often converge on common types, for the value either of mutually similar signals, or of signals that are for some extrinsic reason most efficient for the context. They are likely to be of limited taxonomic value, even at the specific level. This group includes colours of Batesian and Mullerian mimics; distraction, alarming and aggressive displays used against predators (LACK 1941), alarm calls and displays (HUXLEY 1938) and some nestling and fledgling calls. Releasers selected for moderate specific distinctiveness, with both intra- and inter-specific functions, diverge at a relatively slow rate. They are therefore of little use in specific diagnosis, but are valuable for classifying genera and families. This group includes cryptic colours, especially of female and young; mobbing, pre-flight and aggressive displays; flight and aggressive calls, and some owl-mobbing calls which have secondary functions. A similar moderate specific distinctiveness is found in close-range signals, again valuable in discerning relationships. This group includes colours of eggs and the nestling palate, and perhaps the eye, beak and face colours of adults; some copulatory, submissive and begging displays; soft calls, such as certain alarm cries, and songs which have no function in reproductive isolation, perhaps especially the songs and calls of densely colonial birds.
Effect of fall infestations of Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) on winter wheat yield and quality on the Canadian prairies.

The effect of fall infestations of Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), was investigated in winter wheat in southern Alberta, Canada. In 3 trials, yield losses ranging from 25 to 37% were prevented by insecticide treatment of the Russian wheat aphid. The highest yield loss was associated with aphid densities of 4.81 ± 0.61 aphids per plant in the early seedling stage (Zadoks 13) on 11 September 1990; subsequently, aphid densities in the control plots increased to 90.68 ± 7.68 per plant by the last sampling date on 19 November. In all 3 trials, aphids did not survive the winter, but the fall infestations resulted in stand reductions through winterkill ranging from 28 to 35%. On a per plant basis, those plants that survived the winter fully recovered from aphid damage during the growing season. Quality analyses indicated that the overall effects on bread making quality were minor. There were no significant relationships between aphid densities and yield. However, yield was significantly con-elated with plant stand in the spring, which in turn was significantly correlated with aphid densities during the previous fall. These data support the conclusion that, in southern Alberta, Russian wheat aphid damage is expressed in stand reductions through winterkill and that yield reductions occur primarily when stand reductions become significant. Once they survive winter, previously infested plants recover from aphid damage and yield losses are minimal, provided plants are not reinfested in the spring.
Regeneration of the active zone at the frog neuromuscular junction

The active zone is a unique specialization of the presynaptic membrane and is believed to be the site of transmitter release. The formation of the active zone and the relationship of this process to transmitter release were studied at reinnervated neuromuscular junctions in the frog. At different times after a nerve crush, the cutaneous pectoris muscles were examined with intracellular recording recording and freeze- fracture electron microscopy. The P face of a normal active zone typically consists of two double rows of particles lined up in a continuous segment located opposite a junctional fold. In the initial stage of reinnervation, clusters of large intramembrane particles surrounding membrane elevations appeared on the P face of nerve terminals. Like normal active zones, these clusters were aligned with junctional folds. Vesicle openings, which indicate transmitter release, were seen at these primitive active zones, even though intramembrane particles were not yet organized into the normal pattern of two double rows. The length of active zones at this stage was only approximately 15% of normal. During the secondary stage, every junction was reinnervated and most active zones had begun to organize into the normal pattern with normal orientation. Unlike normal, there were often two or more discontinuous short segments of active zone aligned with the same junctional fold. The total length of active zone per junctional fold increased to one-third of normal, mainly because of the greater number of segments. In the third stage, the number of active zone segments per junctional fold showed almost no change when compared with the secondary stage. However, individual segments elongated and increased the total length of all active zone segments per junctional fold to about two-thirds of the normal length. The dynamic process culminated in the final stage, during which elongating active zones appeared to join together and the number of active zone segments per junctional fold decreased to normal. Thus, in most regions, regeneration of the active zones was complete. These results suggest that the normal organization of two double rows is not necessary for the active zone to be functional. Furthermore, localization of regenerating active zones is related to junctional folds and/or their associated structures.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza in mini‐mycorrhizotrons: first contact of Medicago truncatula roots with Glomus intraradices induces chalcone synthase

Summary • The association of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is widespread in nature, but little is known about molecular aspects of this symbiosis. Particularly during the early stages of the AM symbiosis, it is difficult to monitor growth of the two partners, to dissect gene expression patterns and to correlate them with plant, fungal or symbiosis development. • A new system, the ‘mini-mycorrhizotron’, was established to cultivate seedlings of Medicago truncatula in mycorrhizal symbiosis with Glomus intraradices under gnotobiotic conditions. This system allows natural growth of the symbiotic partners and permits the continuous noninvasive observation of the development of plant and fungus under a microscope. • The mini-mycorrhizotron was used to determine the stage of induction of a mycorrhiza-related gene detected by differential display-reverse transcription-PCR, namely a novel chalcone synthase (Mt-chs1). The gene is induced in roots at the stage of the first fungal contact. • The mini-mycorrhizotron allowed identification and cloning of a symbiosis-related gene, and the correlation between its expression and the developmental stage of the symbiosis was established. This provides a useful tool for molecular and developmental studies of the early stages of AM symbioses. Mt-chs1 nucleotide sequence can be found at the Genbank data base (accession no. AJ277211). The following sequences were also used: Glycine maxchs (X52097), chs1 (X54644); chs2 (X65635), chs3 (X53958), chs5 (L07647), chs6 (L03352), chs7 (M98871); Pisum sativumchs (X80007), chs1 (D10661), chs2 (X63334), chs3 (D88261), chs4 (D88260), chs5 (D88262), chs7 (D88263); Medicago sativachs1 (L02901), chsI (X68106), chs2 (L02902), chs4–1 (U01018), chs8 (L02904), chs9 (L02905), 12–1 (U01021); Medicago truncatulachs1, this work (AJ277211); Trifolium subterraneumchs1 (M91193), chs2 (M91194), chs3 (L24515), chs4 (L24516), chs5 (L24517), chs6 (M91195); Phaseolus vulgarischs (X06411) and Vigna unguiculatachs (X74821).
Sobre os Teoremas do Ponto Fixo de Boyd-Wong e Vittorino Pata

O principal objetivo desse trabalho foi o estudo de resultados de existencia e unicidade de ponto fixo nos quais as funcoes envolvidas sejam contracoes fracas, ao inves de contracoes (hipotese exigida no classico Teorema do Ponto Fixo de Banach). Dessa forma, foram estudados o Teorema do Ponto Fixo de Boyd-Wong, publicado em 1969 e o Teorema do Ponto Fixo de Vittorino Pata, obtido em 2011. Os Teoremas de Banach, Boyd-Wong e Vittorino Pata foram comparados entre si e foi apresentado um exemplo no qual se exibiu uma funcao que satisfaz as condicoes do Teorema de Boyd-Wong e nao satisfaz as hipoteses do Teorema de Banach. Alem disso, provou-se que, em Espacos Metricos limitados, os Teoremas de Boyd-Wong e Vittorino Pata sao equivalentes, bem como apresentou-se um exemplo de uma funcao definida em um espaco ilimitado no qual sao satisfeitas somente as condicoes do resultado de Vittorino Pata, mas os Teoremas do Ponto Fixo de Banach e Boyd-Wong nao sao aplicaveis.
Supplemental Oxygen therapy and Non-Invasive Ventilation in Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)

The world has experienced a pandemic due to novel Severe Acute Respiratory Disease Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV2) since December 2019. The clinical spectrum of the disease known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is so much wide, starting from an asymptomatic state to paucisymptomatic clinical presentation, pneumonia, respiratory failure to even death. Supplemental oxygen therapy is essential in managing COVID-19. Also, there is sparse evidence regarding use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in pandemics like SARS-CoV-2. This study reviews the currently available methods for respiratory support in COVID-19 with a discussion about using these modalieties in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Role of the N-Terminal Activation Domain of the Coiled-Coil Coactivator in Mediating Transcriptional Activation by β-Catenin

The coiled-coil coactivator (CoCoA) is involved in transcriptional activation of target genes by nuclear receptors and the xenobiotic aryl hydrocarbon receptor, as well as target genes of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is mediated by the lymphocyte enhancer factor (LEF)/T cell factor transcription factors and the coactivator β-catenin. The recruitment of CoCoA by nuclear receptors is accomplished by the interaction of the central coiled-coiled domain of CoCoA with p160 coactivators; the C-terminal activation domain (AD) of CoCoA is used for downstream signaling, whereas the function of the N-terminal region is undefined. Here we report that the N terminus of CoCoA contains another AD, which is necessary and sufficient for synergistic activation of LEF1-mediated transcription by CoCoA and β-catenin. The N-terminal AD contains a p300 binding motif, which is important for synergistic cooperation of CoCoA and p300 as coactivators for LEF1 and β-catenin. p300 contributes to the function of the CoCoA N-termin.
Effects of Organic Iron Supplementation on the Performance and Iron Content in the Egg Yolk of Laying Hens

An experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of dietary iron-soy proteinate (Fe-SP) and iron-methionine chelate (Fe-Met) on the performance of laying hens and iron content in egg yolk. Eight hundred Hy-Line Brown laying hens of 68wk old were housed in 400 cages of 2 birds each. Two hundred birds (10 cages×10 replicates) were assigned to one of the following four treatments: Control; non supplementation with Fe-SP or Fe-Met, Fe-Met 100; 100ppm iron supplementation with Fe-Met, Fe-SP 100; 100ppm iron supplementation with Fe-SP, Fe-SP 200; 200ppm iron supplementation with Fe-SP. Results of 35d feeding trial showed that there were significant differences in egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio and Haugh unit among the treatments. Egg weight and Haugh unit of Fe-SP 200 were significantly higher than the control. Hen-day egg production and feed conversion ratio of Fe-SP 100 and Fe-SP 200 were not significantly different from those of the control. Eggshell color was significantly improved in the Fe supplementation treatments compared to the control. The iron content of egg-yolk was maximized 5wk after feeding supplemental Fe and that of Fe-SP 100 was highest being 16.6% higher than the control. There were no significant differences in iron content of egg-yolk between source and level of iron supplementation. Copper content in the egg-yolk was not significantly affected by treatments but zinc content was significantly increased in iron supplemented treatments at 5th week after feeding. In conclusion, Fe content of egg-yolk could be effectively increased by supplementing 100ppm iron as iron-soy proteinate for 5wks. No significant difference was found in Fe content of egg yolk between Fe-SP and Fe-Met.
Underwater Sound Locating Capability in the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Abstract It is known that crocodilians are able to locate the source of air-borne sound. However, locating the source of water-borne sound is difficult for physical reasons. I tested the ability of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) to determine the direction toward the source of underwater sound by using their tendency to be attracted to slaps on the water surface. To produce surface slapping sounds with no air-borne component, I slapped the surface of the water inside a submerged diving bell and recorded the direction of alligator movements after the sound. The results show that alligators have a directionally biased response to water-borne sounds, indicating that they are capable of locating the source of a sound signal transmitted through the water. It would be physically difficult for the animal to do so by using the differences in time of sound arrival or in amplitude between left and right sides of the animal's head, so it is likely that alligators use other methods such as a sound pressure gradient system.