Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mortality from Lung Cancer in Asbestos Workers

Sixty-one cases of lung cancer have been recorded in persons with asbestosis (Boernke, 1953 ; Hueper, 1952) since Lynch and Smith (1935) reported the first case. In view of the infrequency of asbestosis, this large number of cases suggests? but does not prove? that lung cancer is an occupational hazard of asbestos workers. The strongest evidence that it may be a hazard has been produced by Mere wether and by Gloyne. Merewether (1949) found that lung cancer was reported at necropsy in 13-2% of cases of asbestosis (31 out of 235) but in only 1-3% of cases of silicosis (91 out of 6,884) and Gloyne (1951), on personal examination, found lung cancer in 14-1% of necropsies on subjects with asbestosis (17 out of 121) against 6-9% in silicotics (55 out of 796). Neither author gave full details of the sex compo sition of the groups examined, but since women form a higher proportion of asbestos workers than of persons employed in occupations liable to give rise to silicosis (coal-miners, stonemasons, pottery workers, foundrymen, metal grinders) and since lung cancer is less common among women, the differences in the proportions of cancer cases cannot be accounted for by differences in sex distribution. In fact the proportions which are more properly com parable with the findings in silicotic subjects are the proportions of lung cancer found among men with asbestosis, 17-2% in Merewether's series and 19-6% in Gloyne's. Animal experiments are inconclusive. A positive result was reported by Nordmann and Sorge (1941) who found that of 10 mice which had been exposed to asbestos dust and survived for 240 days, two developed lung carcinoma. Smith (1952), however, considers that one of the " carcinomas " was, in fact, an example of squamous metaplasia and that the other, an adenocarcinoma, may have developed spontaneously from the common mouse adenoma. A negative result has been reported by Vorwald and Karr (1938). The majority of workers (cited by Hueper, 1952) consider that a causal relationship between asbestosis and lung cancer is either proved or is highly probable and the reality of the relation ship was agreed at the recent International Sym posium on the Endemiology of Lung Cancer (Council of the International Organizations of Medical Sciences, 1953). A minority, however, remains sceptical (Cartier, 1952 ; Warren, 1948), and, according to Hueper (1952), Lanza and Vorwald, so that it was thought desirable to undertake a fresh investigation.
Evaluation of wolf density estimation from radiotelemetry data

Abstract Density estimation of wolves (Canis lupus) requires a count of individuals and an estimate of the area those individuals inhabit. With radiomarked wolves, the count is straightforward but estimation of the area is more difficult and often given inadequate attention. The population area, based on the mosaic of pack territories, is influenced by sampling intensity similar to the estimation of individual home ranges. If sampling intensity is low, population area will be underestimated and wolf density will be inflated. Using data from studies in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, we investigated these relationships using Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate effects of radiolocation effort and number of marked packs on density estimation. As the number of adjoining pack home ranges increased, fewer relocations were necessary to define a given percentage of population area. We present recommendations for monitoring wolves via radiotelemetry.
DNA polymorphism of butyrophilin gene by PCR-RFLP technique

Butyrophilin plays an important role in secretion of milk lipid. The present study describes polymorphism of butyrophilin gene. This is the first study of butyrophilin gene polymorphism in Najdi cattle of Iran. We used the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP) technique to screen for DNA polymorphism in 109 cattle. In all cattle, we amplified an 863 fragment consisting of part of exon 8. The amplified fragment digested with HaeIII restriction endonuclease and subjected to electrophoretic separation in ethidium bromid-strained 3% agarose gel. Two alleles were observed, A and B. Five HaeIII restriction site were found in the A allele as 371, 231, 185, 83 and 32 bp fragments. In the B allele, 371 bp were replaced with 338 bp. Three genotypes were observed, Frequencies were 73.4, 25.68 and 0.92% for AA, AB and BB, respectively. This gives frequencies of 0.86 and 0.14 for A and B alleles.
Nesting Biology and Conservation of the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, 1988–1989 to 2003–2004

ABSTRACT In Brazil, the only area where regular leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting is known to occur is located on the northern coast of the state of Espírito Santo, around latitude 19°S. In this study, we present the field methods used by Projeto TAMAR-IBAMA (the Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Program) in the state of Espírito Santo and analyze data on leatherback nesting from 1988–1989 to 2003–2004. In that period, 527 nests were observed in the study area. The annual number of nests varied between 6 (in 1993–1994) and 92 (in 2002–2003). Between 1995–1996 and 2003–2004, the annual number of nests increased at about 20.4% per year on average. Among the 527 clutches observed, 358 (67.9%) were left in situ, 50 (9.5%) were relocated to another spot on the beach, 88 (16.7%) were relocated to open-air beach hatcheries, and 31 clutches (5.9%) did not have their management decision recorded. Curved carapace length of nesting females was in the range of 139–182 cm (mean = 159.8 cm). At present, there is no significant alteration of the nesting habitat in Espírito Santo, egg poaching has been reduced to very low levels, and there is no subsistence hunting for sea turtles of any species. The main challenges to leatherback conservation currently are the incidental capture in artisanal fisheries operating close to nesting beaches and in high seas fisheries operating in the South Atlantic, as well as activities related to the oil industry. An overview of Projeto TAMAR's actions addressing current sea turtle conservation issues in the State of Espírito Santo is presented.
Changes in size structure of macroinvertebrate assemblages with habitat modification by aggregations of caddisfly cases

Abstract We conducted a field experiment to evaluate the effects of habitat modification by aggregations of the case-building caddisfly Goera japonica Banks (Trichoptera:Goeridae) on the size structure and composition of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in a Japanese stream. We compared macroinvertebrate assemblages between cobbles with (intact treatment) and without (removal treatment) case aggregations of G. japonica. The total biomass of macroinvertebrates and Margalef's index did not differ between the treatments, but total abundance and taxon richness were higher in the intact treatment than in the removal treatment. Mean body length of macroinvertebrates was significantly smaller in the intact than in the removal treatment. Abundance of individuals in small (<1.55 mm body length) and medium (1.55–3.00 mm) size classes was higher in the intact treatment than in the removal treatment, but abundance of individuals in the large (>3.00 mm) size class did not differ between treatments. For 5 of the 9 dominant macroinvertebrate species, case aggregations facilitated colonization of individuals in small and medium size classes, but not of individuals in the large size class. Assemblage composition changed with habitat modification by the case aggregations. The interstitial spaces created by case aggregations of G. japonica would be at a spatial scale suitable for smaller individuals. Our results suggest that case aggregations of G. japonica cases facilitate colonization by smaller individuals of certain species. This size-dependent and species-dependent facilitation indicates that the aggregation of case-building caddisflies can change the size structure and composition of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages.
The Potential of NO3-N Utilization by a Woody Shrub Species Lindera triloba: A Cultivation Test to Estimate the Saturation Point of Soil NO3-N for Plants

Responses of seedlings of a shrub species, Lindera triloba, grown in perlite culture medium, to nitrate (NO3-N) supply were investigated to estimate the saturating point of available NO3-N for plant utilization. NO3-N concentration and nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in leaves and roots were used as indicators of NO3-N uptake and assimilation by L. triloba. Root NRA increased with NO3-N supply when concentrations were low and reached a plateau at high NO3-N concentrations. On the other hand, root NO3-N concentration increased linearly with NO3-N supply; therefore, it is suggested that NO3-N uptake did not limit NO3-N assimilation by L. triloba. In contrast, leaf NRA and leaf NO3-N concentration were low and were not influenced by NO3-N supply. This may be caused by the lack of transport of NO3-N from roots to leaves. The NO3-N retained in perlite was compared with NO3-N pool sizes in soils from a forest where L. triloba occurs naturally to estimate the level of NO3-N availability to plants in the forest soil. The maximum NO3-N pool size in the forest soil was comparable to concentrations at which root NRA reached a plateau in perlite cultures. These results indicate that soil NO3-N availability is below the saturation point for NO3-N uptake by L. triloba, and it is the limiting factor of NO3-N utilization by L. trilobaunder field conditions in which this species naturally occurs.
PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Plants produce a great variety of secondary products of which the most important group is called phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds, which are synthesized primarily from products of the shikimic acid pathway, have several important roles in plants. Tannins, lignin, flavonoids and some simple phenolic compounds serve as defenses against herbivores and pathogens. Lignin also mechanically strengthens cell walls and many flavonoid pigments are important attractants for pollinators and seed disperser. Some simple phenolic compounds affect the growth of neighbouring plants and thus have allelopathic activity.
Foliar Response of Ipomea pes-tigridis L. to Coal-Smoke Pollution

In the present study, we investigated the effects of long-term (seed germination – seed-set stage) exposure of leaves of Ipomea pes-tigridis L. to coal-smoke pollutants. The chosen determinants were leaf epidermal features, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic aspects of the test plant growing in the vicinity of a thermal power plant complex located at Badarpur, New Delhi. The herb is used in the treatment of boils, carbuncles, pimples and sores, and as an antidote to dog bites (CSIR, 1959).
The rare deer of Cedros Island, Mexico

The mule deer endemic to Cedros Island, off Baja California, was believed to be endangered until a survey in 1980 revealed that around 300 still remained. The authors carried out a follow-up survey in 1985 in order to discover whether the status of the deer had changed and to devise a method for the long-term monitoring of its population.
Aflatoxin reduction by screening farmers stock peanuts.

Samples from 17 loads of farmers stock peanuts suspected of containing aflatoxin were screened over a belt cleaner, shelled, and sorted into grade components. Tests showed that removal of loose shelled kernels (LSK) and small pods by belt screening reduced aflatoxin levels by an average of 35%. Belt screening removed 97% by weight of the LSK, but only 4% of the sound mature kernels and sound splits (SMK+SS). Further removal of other edibles (OE), oil stock (OS), LSK, and damaged kernels (DK) from the peanuts riding over (OVERS) the belt screen reduced aflatoxin levels from an average of 110.7 ppb in the unscreened load to 3.8 ppb in SMK+SS. The OE, OS, LSK and DK were removed from the OVERS through the use of slotted screens and by sorting.
Timing and Temperature of Physiological Decline for Creeping Bentgrass

Knowledge of the level of soil temperatures that is detrimental for shoot and root growth for cool-season grasses may help develop heat-tolerant plants and effective management practices to improve summer performance. The objectives of this study were to determine the level and duration of high temperatures in the root zone that will induce decline for various growth and physiological parameters and to compare the responses of different physiological parameters and cultivars to high root-zone temperatures. Nine creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. ) cultivars were subjected to eight root-zone temperatures (20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 31, 35 °C) in water baths while exposed to a constant air temperature of 20 °C for 54 days. Root number, dry weight, and depth, active root biomass, turf quality, leaf cytokinin content, and canopy net photosynthetic rate (Pn), decreased in all nine cultivars as root-zone temperature increased from 20 to 35 °C, but the time and temperature at which the decline occurred varied for each parameter measured. Pn, cytokinin content, root number, and turf quality declined at 23, 27, 27, and 35 °C, respectively, after 28 days of exposure. Active root biomass, root number, root dry weight, turf quality, and rooting depth declined at 23, 25, 25, 25, and 35 °C, respectively, at 54 days. At a 31 °C root-zone temperature the decline in root number, cytokinin content, and turf quality occurred at 19, 37, and 47 days, respectively. The results suggest that root- zone temperatures of 23 °C or above this level were detrimental to root activities, Pn, and overall turf growth. Root and Pn decline at lower temperatures and earlier in the study than turf quality suggest that the disturbance of physiological activities of roots and leaves could lead to turfgrass quality decline at high root-zone temperatures.
Germinação e sanidade de sementes de nabo forrageiro conservadas em diferentes embalagens

Foi avaliada a conservacao de sementes de nabo forrageiro Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiferus Metzg), acondicionadas em tres tipos de embalagem e armazenadas nas condicoes climaticas de Ponta Grossa, PR, por um periodo de 24 meses. A cada tres meses foram determinados o grau de umidade das sementes, o poder germinativo e a sanidade. Sementes com grau de umidade inicial ao redor de 7% acondicionadas em sacos de aniagem, papel multifoliado ou polipropileno trancado e armazenadas ate 24 meses nas condicoes naturais de Ponta Grossa nao apresentaram reducao acentuada do seu poder germinativo. A incidencia de Alternaria raphani foi reduzida significativamente no decorrer do periodo estudado.
ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION WITH MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE IMPREGNATED SPONGES IN GOATS (CAPRA HIRCUS)

An experiment was performed to synchronize estrus in goats by locally prepared progesteroneimpregnated sponges and to determine the time of onset and duration of estrus alongwith subsequent fertility rate. The study was conducted from May to December, 2007 at NIAB (Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology), Faisalabad. Polyurethane sponges were prepared with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP: 60 mg) and inserted intra-vaginally in a lot of 8 female postpartum goats (Beetal x Dwarf). Two goats were kept as control and were treated with sponges without MAP. Sponges were removed on 17 th day of insertion and goats were examined for the signs of estrus at 6 h intervals. A buck was introduced in the herd for breeding, one day after removal of sponges. Estrus was further confirmed by determining serum estradiol levels using radioimmunoassay (RIA). All the experimental goats exhibited estrus within 21-100 h of removal of sponges, whereas one control animal also showed estrus. The average time from sponge withdrawal to the onset of estrus was 65.4 ± 24.0 h and duration of estrus was 29.8 ± 6.7 hours in experimental group. The control animal showed estrus after 22.0 h of sponge removal with estrus duration of 36 h. Estradiol concentrations in experimental lot were in the range of 2.2-15.0 pg/ml during estrus. Animals were observed for reversal towards estrus after 21 days. Only one experimental animal exhibited 2 nd estrus. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound after 60 days of sponge removal. The gestation period of 150.4 ± 3.4 days, a litter size of 1.3 ± 0.5 and a fertility rate of 87.5% were observed in the experimental lot. The control doe produced a male kid after 150.0 days of gestation. It is evident from this experiment that estrus can be synchronized in goats (Beetal x Dwarf) by locally prepared progesterone sponges with good fertility rate.
Different DNA repair pathways are required following excision and integration of the DNA cut & paste transposon piggyBat in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The movement of transposable elements from place to place in a genome requires both element-encoded and host-encoded factors. In DNA cut & paste transposition, the element-encoded transposase performs the DNA breakage and joining reactions that excise the element from the donor site and integrate it into the new insertion site. Host factors can influence many aspects of transposition. Notably, host DNA repair factors mediate the regeneration of intact duplex DNA necessary after transposase action by repairing the double strand break in the broken donor backbone, from which the transposon has excised, and repairing the single strand gaps that flank the newly inserted transposon. We have exploited the ability of the mammalian transposon piggyBat, a member of the piggyBac superfamily, to transpose in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and used the yeast single gene deletion collection to screen for genes encoding host factors involved in piggyBat transposition. piggyBac transposition is distinguished by the fact that piggyBac elements insert into TTAA target sites and also that the donor backbone is restored to its pre-transposon sequence after transposon excision, that is, excision is precise. We have found that repair of the broken donor backbone requires the non-homologous end-joining repair pathway (NHEJ). By contrast, NHEJ is not required for DNA repair at the new insertion site. Thus multiple DNA repair pathways are required for piggyBac transposition.
Hydroxycinnamate esters of Vitis vinifera: Changes during white vinification, and effects of exogenous enzymic hydrolysis

The composition of total hydroxycinnamates, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (h.p.l.c), changes progressively during vinification, with little alteration in the ultraviolet spectrum. Enzymic activity during crushing and juice preparation leads to variable concentration of a glutathione derivative of the major component, caffeoyl tartaric acid. After fermentation begins, there is then partial hydrolysis of tartaric acid esters to free hydroxycinnamic acids, and formation of ethyl esters. Ten hydroxycinnamate and hydroxycinnamic acid components, all having tram-configuration, were identified in a young Riesling wine. The course of phenolic change during commercial vinification of Chardonnay grapes was also examined. All components were quantitated as mg litre−1 ‘caffeic acid equivalents’ (CAE). Spectral estimates at 320 nm of total hydroxycinnamates as mg litre−1 CAE were 10-15% higher than integrated h.p.l.c. measures of individual components. Six months after vintage, total hydroxycinnamates were 80% of amounts originally present. Use of a specific enzyme, hydroxycinnamic acid ester hydrolase, gives rapid alteration of phenolic composition in white wines. Sensory assessment of the effect of such treatment is reported for treatment of the Chardonnay wine.
Mechanisms of polyamine action during senescence responses induced by osmotic stress

The peeled Avena sativa L. leaf-system has been used as a simple and rapid model, which allows the study of the mechanisms of polyamine action during senescence responses induced by osmotic stress. The use of guazatine, an inhibitor of polyamine oxidase activity, has demonstrated the existence of a positive correlation between high levels of spermidine and spermine and delay of senescence in oat leaves and mesophyll protoplasts. The availability of antibodies specific for key polypeptides of thylakoid membranes in combination with ultrastructural studies have led to the discovery that spermine stabilizes the molecular composition and preserves the integrity of thylakoid membranes. The analyses of malondialdehyde and lipoxygenase levels has revealed that polyamines and guazatine treatments may prevent membrane destabilization, at least in part, by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Finally, the availability of a cDNA coding for oat arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and the generation of «sitedirected» antibodies specific for ADC have led to the establishment of the basis for a model of regulation of ADC gene expression in oat leaves
Identifying Priority Species and Conservation Opportunities Under Future Climate Scenarios: Amphibians in a Biodiversity Hotspot

Abstract Climate change is driving shifts in the distribution of plants and animals, and prioritizing management actions for such shifts is a necessary but technically difficult challenge. We worked with state agencies in the southeastern United States to identify high-priority amphibian species, to model the vulnerabilities of those species to regional climate change, and to identify long-term climatic refugia within the context of existing conservation lands. Directly interfacing with state natural resource experts ensured that 1) species prioritization schemes extend beyond political boundaries and 2) our models resulted in conservation-relevant applications. We used a correlative model to project midcentury distributions of suitable climate for priority species and to evaluate each species' vulnerability to climate change. Using spatially explicit projected climate distributions, we ranked existing protected areas relative to their ability to provide climatic refugia for priority species in 2050. We i.
New Species and Notes on Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Middle America, I

Abstract. Four new species for the Begoniaceae, Begonia campanensis Burt-Utley & Utley and B. fortunensis Burt-Utley & Utley from Panama; B. matudae Burt-Utley & Utley from Chiapas, Mexico; and B. makrinii Burt-Utley & Utley from Oaxaca, Mexico, are described and illustrated. Begonia mucronistipula C. DC. from Panama is evaluated and synonymized with B. davidsoniae Standl. ex L. B. Sm. & B. G. Schub. and B. brevicyma C. DC. Resumen. Begonia campanensis Burt-Utley & Utley y B. fortunensis Burt-Utley & Utley de Panamá, así como B. matudae Burt-Utley & Utley de Chiapas y B. makrinii Burt-Utley & Utley de Oaxaca, México se describen como nuevo. Se ilustran y evalúa B. mucronistipula C. DC. de Panamá, lo que resulta en la sinonimia de B. davidsoniae Standl. ex L. B. Sm. & B. G. Schub. y B. brevicyma C. DC. con ella.
Induced breeding of Capaz (Pimelodus grosskopfii) with carp pituitary extract: preliminary report

In order to evaluate a protocol for induced breeding of Capaz Pimelodus grosskopfii, male and female in advanced stated of maturity were selected, it was evaluated in males by semen emission faced with a slight pressure in the coelomic cavity, and in females by the position of nucleus and oocyte diameter obtained through ovarian biopsy. As a final maturation inducer was used carp pituitary extract (CPE), with a single dose of 4 mg kg for males and 5.75 mg.kg(three doses) for females. Since the last dose of the female until ovulation, the water temperature