Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Beauveria Bassiana on Brazilian Poplar Moth Condylorrhiza Vestigialis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

The Brazilian poplar moth is the most important pest of poplar plantations in Brazil. This research evaluated the effect of Beauveria bassiana Bals. (Vuill.) on the mortality and development of Condylorrhiza vestigialis Guen. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The aim was to develop alternative methods for management of this pest. The pathogens were sprayed on poplar leaves and . consequently, the pathogens reached the caterpillars. Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki Berliner was sprayed as the standard treatment. The spray for the control was distilled water. Both pathogens B. bassiana and B. thuringiensis affected insect development with increase mortality at each stage of the insect cycle, reaching a satisfactory control level. Microbial control of Brazilian poplar moth with B. bassiana is promising. Tests with other strains and species of pathogens, mainly under field conditions, were also encouraging. This is the first report about the action of B. bassiana against C. vestigialis.
Vigilance does not covary with group size in an island population of silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis)

Numerous studies on different taxonomic groups have found that vigilance behavior is negatively correlated with group size, as predicted by several theoretical models. This follows the logical argument that each individual in a larger group can spend less time scanning for predators (and more time feeding), while the group as a whole maintains a high probability of detecting an approaching predator. We investigated the relationship between these variables in the population of silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis chlorocephala) on Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef. The study used procedures of field observation that controlled or measured other variables with which vigilance is often correlated: food density and quality, temperature, time of day, distance from cover, habitat obstructions, observer proximity, breeding status, age, sex, and dominance. There was no relationship between scanning behavior and group size under these conditions. There are several possible explanations, related to the silvereyes' biology, for this lack of covariation. An additional explanation is that Heron Island is a predator-free environment for this species, and covariation between group size and vigilance is not expected in the absence of predators.
Fractionation of crude pentosanase (arabinoxylanase) for improvement of the nutritional value of rye diets for broiler chickens

A pentosanase component of a crude enzyme product was concentrated and added to chick diets. Four levels of purity were examined: (a) the crude enzyme product, (b) a crude water extract, (c) a pentosanase purified using ion-exchange chromatography (non-bound fraction), and (d) residual pentosanase eluted with 0·4 M NaCl salt from the ion-exchange column (salt-eluted fraction). All preparations exhibited high viscosity-reduction capabilities when tested against a soluble pentosan preparation isolated from rye grain. The absence of arabinose release during rapid viscosity reduction of pentosan indicated that the non-bound pentosanase was an endoxylanase (1,4-β-D-xylan xylanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.8) without α-L-arabino-furanosidase activity. When added to broiler chick diets containing rye as the only cereal, all enzyme preparations significantly improved growth and feed conversion. At equivalent viscosity-reduction activity the non-bound pentosanase was less effective than other preparations, suggesting that multiple enzymes may be necessary to elicit maximum benefit. Alternatively, since the non-bound enzyme was less pH stable it may have lost activity in the acidic environment of the foregut.
The effect of correction of serum level of vitamin D on hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and hypovitaminosis D

ciency may exacerbate the symptom of PCOS [9, 10]. Vitamin D expresses its action through both genetic and cellular pathways [11, 12]. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) can be found across several tissues within the female reproductive system. VDR mRNA is expressed in ovarian, decidual, placental, and endometrial cells [13]. Vitamin D may be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS through its receptors’ mediated effect on insulin resistance, LH, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and androgen levels [14, 15]. Also vitamin D may affect aromatase gene expression and thus follicular estrogen level [16]. The aim of the study is to determine whether normalization of vitamin D level in women with PCOS and hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or biochemical) would result in improvement in the parameters of hyperandrogenism.
Organic Carbon Degradation in Anoxic Organic-Rich Shelf Sediments: Biogeochemical Rates and Microbial Abundance

Identifying and explaining bottlenecks in organic carbon mineralization and the persistence of organic matter in marine sediments remain challenging. This study aims to illuminate the process of carbon flow between microorganisms involved in the sedimentary microbial food chain in anoxic, organic-rich sediments of the central Namibian upwelling system, using biogeochemical rate measurements and abundances of Bacteroidetes, Gammaproteobacteria, and sulfate-reducing bacteria at two sampling stations. Sulfate reduction rates decreased by three orders of magnitude in the top 20 cm at one sampling station (280 nmol cm−3 d−1 – 0.1 nmol cm−3 d−1) and by a factor of 7 at the second station (65 nmol cm−3 d−1 – 9.6 nmol cm−3 d−1). However, rates of enzymatic hydrolysis decreased by less than a factor of three at both sampling stations for the polysaccharides laminarin (23 nmol cm−3 d−1– 8 nmol cm−3 d−1 and 22 nmol cm−3 d−1– 10 nmol cm−3 d−1) and pullulan (11 nmol cm−3 d−1– 4 nmol cm−3 d−1 and 8 nmol cm−3 d−1– 6 nmol cm−3 d−1). Increasing imbalance between carbon turnover by hydrolysis and terminal oxidation with depth, the steep decrease in cell specific activity of sulfate reducing bacteria with depth, low concentrations of volatile fatty acids (less than 15 μM), and persistence of dissolved organic carbon, suggest decreasing bioavailability and substrate limitation with depth.
Marine sponges discriminate between food bacteria and bacterial symbionts: electron microscope radioautography and in situ evidence

This study considered whether marine sponges are selective particle feeders, and whether they are capable of distinguishing between sponge bacterial symbionts and other bacteria. Four species of marine sponges (Aplysina aerophoba, A. cavernicola, Pericharax heteroraphis and Spongia sp.) were fed in situ with tritium-labelled bacteria, either symbionts or other bacteria isolated from seawater. A large proportion of bacterial symbionts passed through the sponge and were expelled in the exhalant current, whereas seawater bacteria disappeared from the incubation water and were retained within the sponge. The seawater bacteria were observed in choanocytes and occasionally in pinacocytes after 30-40 min, whereas symbiont bacteria were rarely observed. Although sponges do have mechanisms to ingest particles such as food, they appear to be unable to consume bacterial symbionts, probably because their identity is masked by capsular sheaths. A specific mechanism for recognition and rejection of self-particulate matter is proposed for sponge epidermal cells.
Analysis of the Causal Relationships Between Measures of Financial and Customer Aspects in Balanced Scorecard

As is well known, the strategy dictates how an organization creates value for the stakeholders, customers and citizens. In fact, the strategy is the very factor that guides the organization in its journey towards realizing its vision. In this regard, four perspectives of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) articulate the strategic goals of organization in all respects. The cause-and-effect relationships, outlined in the form of a strategy map, are deemed as the formula for the organization's achievement. Causal relationships map the precise route for the strategy realization. Without such relationships, the organization has only to a set of individual financial and non-financial measures. For the first time in the banking industry of Iran, introduced key indicators of the banking industry and has been investigated the cause and effect relationship between to them. In addition, in the research the author's experiences in the banking industry have been considered so based on this research key variables were extracted from the system and converted to quantitative indicators. Finally, to ensure the validity of the data, the cause and effect relationship has been studied using granger causality method.
The State of Finnish Coastal Waters in the 1990s

The ecological status of coastal waters still is an important environmental issue. Especially the shallow Finnish coastal zone is in many respects sensitive to pollution and eutrophication. The long term point-source loading of watercourses, especially by nutrients and harmful substances, as well as the indirect effects of increasing demand for different land use e.g agriculture and building activities in catchment areas have had deteriorating effects in many ways.
Anxiolytic and curative effect of Solanum macrocarpon leaves extract on acetaminophen induced brain injury in adult Wistar rats

Background of study: Herbal plants such as Solanum macrocarpon may have free radical scavenging activity and is used in the treatment of brain tissue hence this study was aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous extract of solanum macrocarpon leaf on acetaminophen induced brain injury. Materials and Method: Twentyfour adult male wistar rats with average age of 120-215 grams were purchased and used for this experiment. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of four (4) rats each. After 14days of acclimatization, the rats were grouped into control group (group A) and experimental groups (group B, C, D, E and F). The control group were given normal saline and feed. Group B rats were given 0.5ml of acetaminophen with 200mg/kg of aqueous extract. Group C received 0.5 ml of acetaminophen with 400mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract. Group D received 0.5ml of acetaminophen with 600mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract while Group E received 0.5ml of acetaminophen only. Group F were given standard drug, vitamin E orally for 10 days. The animal sacrificed on the 20day, and the organ was harvested for assaying brain function and histopathological test. Brain tissues were excised and fixed in formal saline then processed using the Hematoxylin and Eosin method. Result: Administrations of aqueous leaf extract of S. macrocarpon shows moderate healing with mild condensed neurons (CN), mild microcytic space (MS) and some plasma cell (PC) secondary to acetaminophen (H/E) X (400) induced cortex degeneration with microcystic space (MS), shrinking of the neurons (SN),eosinophilic substance within the vacuolated space (ES) and moderate coagulative necrosis. Conclusion: This present study proved that the aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarpon leaf exhibited a dose dependent significant antioxidant property on the brain against acetaminophen induced inflammation on the experiment rats. It is however recommended that further investigations should be carried on the efficacy and safety of use this extract on the brain and other tissues before recommending its use for certain medicinal.
Variation in nuclear DNA content across environmental gradients: a quantile regression analysis

The nuclear DNA content of angiosperms varies by several orders of magnitude. Previous studies suggest that variation in 2C DNA content (i.e. the amount of DNA in G1 phase nuclei, also referred to as the 2C-value) is correlated with environmental factors, but there are conflicting reports in the literature concerning the nature of these relationships. We examined variation in 2C DNA content for 401 species in the ecologically diverse California flora in relation to the mean July maximum temperature, January minimum temperature, and annual precipitation within the geographical ranges of these species. Species with small 2C-values predominate in all environments. Species with large 2C-values occur at intermediate July maximum temperatures, and decline in frequency at both extremes of the July temperature gradient, and with decreasing annual precipitation. Our analysis demonstrates the utility of quantile regression for statistical inference of complex distributions such as these. The method supports our observation that relationships between nuclear DNA content and environmental factors are stronger for species with large 2C-values.
Persistence and stability of genetically manipulated derivatives of Enterobacter agglomerans in soil microcosms

Molecular methods and conventional plating were applied to monitor Enterobacter agglomerans 339 derivatives carrying a Tn5-Mob or an nptI-cassette in unsterile soil microcosms. The plate counts of the introduced bacteria decreased continuously in time until undetectable on selective media. In contrast, hybridization of the total DNA directly isolated from inoculated soil samples showed that the target sequences detected corresponded to a much higher number of bacteria than indicated by plating. By PCR-amplification and hybridization of the soil DNA we could show that asignificant number of target sequences still persisted in the soil microcosms, even when the inoculated bacteria were not able to make colonies on selective agar plates. The Tn5 marker caused instabilities in the genome of the bacteria studied. Some of the clones that grew in the soil samples had rearrangements in their genome. The detection of E. agglomerans 339 derivatives carrying the immobile nptI-cassette was also dependent on its location in the bacterial genome.
Characterization of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci for an evergreen tree, Myrica rubra

We developed 13 microsatellite markers from a genomic library enriched for dinucleotide (CT) repeats in a dioecious evergreen tree, Myrica rubra. We screened loci from 32 adult trees. The number of alleles ranged from two to 14, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.324 to 0.884. The total paternity exclusionary power where the mother was known equalled 0.99965. These loci are of clear value in studying mating system and parentage analysis of this species.
Cell-wall components in divergent germplasms of four perennial forage grass species.

Neutral-detergent fiber (NDF) is an estimate of total cell-wall (CW) components, which limit digestibility in forages. This study was conducted to determine whether concentration differences exist for NDF and CW components in four perennial grasses and to what extent these can account for reported variation in digestibility. ‘Napier’ and ‘Orion’ orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), ‘Barton’ and ‘Rebound’ smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), germplasm of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) selected for high or low specific leaf weight, and germplasm of tall fescue (Festuca arun-dinacea Schreb.) selected for high or low rate of leaf-area expansion were seeded in mid-August on a Webster silty clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Haplaquoll). At several spring harvests in 2 yr, total herbage and plant parts were assayed for NDF and CW components. Despite large differences in tiller size, NDF concentration of herbage and plant parts did not vary consistently between germplasms within reed canarygrass or tall fescue. Thus, selecting for fast growth rate and large tillers did not affect concentrations of NDF or CW components. In orchardgrass, NDF concentration was 3% greater and CW-lignin concentration was 24% greater in Napier than in Orion herbage. In smooth bromegrass, NDF concentration was 5% greater in herbage and stems of Barton than of Rebound; CW-lignin concentration was 5% greater in stems of Barton than of Rebound. In orchardgrass, cultivar variation for herbage digestibility was an inverse function of CW-lignin concentration; in smooth bromegrass, variation in NDF and CW-lignin concentrations had equal effect. Contribution of Iowa Cluster Program of the U.S. Dairy Forages Res. Ctr. and Iowa State Univ. Journal Paper no. J-13438 of the Iowa Agric. and Home Econ. Exp. Stn. , Ames; Project 2709.
Latent Forms of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ) Derived from Bone Cultures: Identification of a Naturally Occurring 100-kDa Complex with Similarity to Recombinant Latent TGFβ

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is produced by most tissues, including bone, as a complex that is biologically inert. Release of TGFβ homodimer from this latent complex is necessary for TGFβ to exert effects on target cells. Thus, the nature of the latent complex and the mechanisms responsible for TGFβ release are the key to understanding TGFβ actions. We have found that murine calvarial bone cultures secrete multiple latent forms of TGFβ. Using analytical chromatography and Western blot analysis, we have compared bone latent TGFβ with the previously characterized latent complex present in platelets and with simian TGFβ precursor, which is stably expressed in a latent form by Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells. A major component of the bone material appears to be a latent complex of 100 kDa, consisting of mature TGFβ (25-kDa homodimer) noncovalently associated with the remainder of the TGFβ precursor proregion (75-kDa homodimer). Like the recombinant TGFβ precursor, it elutes from a Mono-Q fast press.
The effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation treatment in combination with intraoperative nerve staining on sexual function after radical hysterectomy: a pilot study

Objective: Cervical cancer treatment by radical hysterctomy is usually associated with sexual dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation treatment in combination with intraoperative nerve staining on sexual function after radical surgery. Methods: Eligible patients (n = 88) who had undergone laparoscopic nerve sparing radical hysterectomy (Type C1, nerve sparing radical hysterectomy, NSRH), pelvic lymphedenectomy, vaginal extension and ovarian transposition were recruited in the study and allocated (no random assignment) to four groups. Group 1 (biofeedback) received a short-term bio-feedback transcutaneous electrical stimulation treatment after surgery. Group 2 (NSRH) received NSRH with intraoperative nerve staining. Group 3 (electrical) received transcutaneous electrical stimulation after surgery combined with intraoperative nerve staining. Group 4 (placebo) did not receive either transcutaneous electrical stimulation after the surgery or intraoperative nerve staining. Sexual function of the patients and their partners were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) 3 months after completion of treatment. Six domains were assessed: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain, while the visual analog score (VAS) was used to evaluate partner satisfaction. Results: On average, overall sexual function reduced from baseline to 3-month follow-up for Groups 1 (biofeedback), 2 (NSRH) and 4 (placebo) . In Group 1, all domain scores reduced from baseline to 3-month follow-up. In Group 2, reductions were observed in desire, arousal and orgasm domains. In Group 3 (electrical) there were no reductions observed in any domains, while in Group 4 reductions were observed in desire, arousal, orgasm and pain. The results revealed that there was no statistical difference between group 2, 3 and 4 in lubrication and satisfaction domains. And there were no statistical difference between group 2 and 3 in pain domain. For the patient partner satisfaction, the difference between baseline and 3 months after treatments of group 3 was significantly lower than the other three groups. And the differences of group 2 and 4 were significantly lower than group 1 respectively. Conclusions: The use of transcutaneous electrical stimulation treatment combined with intraoperative nerve staining could improve the sexual function for the patients and the enhance sexual satisfaction for their partners after radical hysterectomy.
Extinctions of Threatened Frogs may Impact Ecosystems in a Global Hotspot of Anuran Diversity

Abstract Human activity is accelerating rates of extinction around the world, and there is therefore an urgent need to understand the potential consequences of species loss on functional diversity and ecosystem functioning. It is frequently assumed that the extinction of threatened species, which are usually rare species, may have limited effects on ecosystem functioning, especially within highly diverse regions, given the low abundance of individuals of each species and the potentially high functional redundancy among them. However, these rare species may contribute unique and irreplaceable functional roles, and therefore their extinction could have disproportionate impacts on ecosystems. We assess the functional importance of highly threatened anurans (frogs and toads) and then explore how the loss of these threatened species would impact spatial patterns of β-diversity in Ecuador, a hotspot of anuran biodiversity and endemism. We found that highly threatened species are, on average, more functionally distinct at an assemblage level than are less threatened anurans. We then show that the potential extinction of these highly endangered species would drive the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and, especially, functional homogenization of anuran assemblages across the Ecuadorian Andes. We suggest this could lead to profound alterations in the stability of local ecosystem functioning. Finally, we highlight the limited scope of the existing network of protected areas in Ecuador to effectively cover anuran assemblages predicted to become increasingly functionally homogenous. Our study underscores the potential losses of functional diversity that accompany species extinctions and the importance of considering the many facets of biodiversity in conservation decision-making.
Effects of exposure to short‐term heat stress on fitness components in Drosophila melanogaster

Effects of thermal stress on survival and reproductive success in ten recently collected isofemale lines of Drosophila melanogaster were compared for flies treated as follows: always held at 25° C, placed in an incubator set at 37° C for 120 min, or exposed to 40° C in an incubator for 90 min, with or without previous exposure to 37° C. Short‐term exposure to the higher temperature greatly reduced adult survival, the mating frequency of males and females, and female fecundity, which was measured as offspring produced over ten days. Male fertility, measured as the progeny produced by a female mated once, differed little among treatments. Previous exposure to a high, but non‐lethal, temperature before exposure to the higher one, improved survival of males and females, and improved offspring production of females. Genetic variation was present among lines for offspring production, but genetic variation for survival was not significant, and genotype by environment interactions for fitness components of females were small. These results indicated low genetic variation in thermal resistance in the studied population, such that a threshold for temperature stress probably exists, above which local extinction is more likely than the evolution of resistance.
Automatic Optimal Synthesis of Aircraft Electric Power Distribution System

Reliability is one of the most critical design features in Aircraft Electric Power Distribution system (EPDS). In an EPDS, the power is distributed from generators to loads, sensors and actuators through AC and DC distribution buses using control switches. Because of the increasing demands of loads and their power requirements, EPDS design must be optimized in order to have maximum efficiency. In this paper, we propose a synthesis tool based on a need-based design method to obtain the optimal topology of EPDS considering maximum reliability, continuous connectivity, power requirements, and minimum cost. We treat the EPDS as an optimization problem by using Integer Linear Programming (ILP) to achieve minimum cost and maximum reliability while satisfying a set of constraints.