Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Indigofera aspalathoides on complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

The effect of ethanol extract of stems of Indigofera aspalathoides Vahl (Papilionaceae) (EIA) was evaluated for anti-arthritic activity on complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced (CFA-induced) arthritis in rats. The EIA was administered orally at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg daily for 30 days. The paw volume was measured on days 7, 14, 21 and 30. At the end of day 30, the rats were sacrificed and various biochemical parameters such as serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol and triglycerides were estimated. Antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and lipid peroxide (LPO) in the liver and kidney of normal, arthritic control and EIA treated rats were studied. Oral administration of EIA effectively inhibits rat paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. EIA significantly (P <0.01) altered the biochemical parameters which were affected in arthritic rats. There was significant alteration in LPO, SOD, catalase, and GPx levels when compared to arthritic control rats. Our findings showed a significant anti-arthritic effect of EIA against CFA-induced arthritis in rats.
Cannibalism of nestling American kestrels by their parents and siblings

We examined the frequency of cannibalism of nestling American kestrels (Falco sparverius) in north-central Saskatchewan. We investigated human disturbance and food shortages as possible causes of it. Cannibalism of nestlings by their parents and siblings was confirmed by observation and by the presence of partially eaten carcasses, or inferred from the sudden disappearance of a nestling between frequent nest checks. Cannibalism occurred at 8% of 48 nests in 1988, and 18% of 92 nests in 1989. Not all nestlings that died were cannibalized. Where nestling mortality occurred, carcasses were eaten in at least 20% of nests in 1988, and 63% of nests in 1989. The chicks that were cannibalized died at a significantly younger age than those that died but were not cannibalized. The mass and age of the parent and the laying date were not associated with the occurrence of cannibalism. We found no strong evidence of a causal link between human disturbance and nestling mortality or cannibalism; however, the abundance of.
Book Review

Storytelling is an ancient method of instruction. Storytellers provide exemplars which give a people a history, a set of norms, and a cultural heritage. The value of these stories lies not solely in plot or character development, but in the social message represented by the storyteller's skill in weaving plot, characters, and moral lesson. Educators are a people in search of their own heritage, there own pro­ fessional identity. In the midst of the socio-economic thrust for educa­ tional reform, Lee Shulman (1986) suggested that the teaching profes­ sion might find a way of codifying teaching knowledge around cases. Although directed at pedagogical and content concerns for classroom teaching, Shulman's suggestion generated a re-discovery of the case method approach for the field of Educational Administration. Kowalski specifically cites Shulman as a justification for his contribution, Case Studies on Educational Administration. This book is one of several recently published books which have revived interest in the case method as an instructional approach for developing educational leaders. Although there is an innate appeal to stories from the real world, their utility in instruction for the field of educational adminis­ tration continues to be questioned. The largest question to be answered by Kowalski and other proponents of the case method is what legacy do cases offer to the field of Educational Administration?
Mecistocephalidae), with the description of a new species with unusually elongate denticles

As a contribution to investigate the interspecific diversity in the large genus Mecistocephalus Newport, 1843 with respect to these centipedes’ predatorial role in soil tropical communities, we compared the patterns of maxillipede denticles in 32 species of the genus, and studied all published relevant information. All Mecistocephalus species share a conservative pattern of six distinct denticles on the mesal side of the four articles of each maxillipede. Current views on centipede phylogeny suggest that the basic pattern in Mecistocephalus originated from an ancestral array of fewer denticles, by addition of other denticles on the first and fourth articles of the maxillipede. These patterns are not affected by sexual dimorphism, and intraspecific variation for denticle position, size and shape is negligible, but for minor allometry determining a relative increase of the size of some denticles with respect to the maxillipedes during growth. Species differ mainly in size, shape, and orientation of most denticles. Remarkably larger and unusually shaped denticles are found in a hitherto undescribed species from the Seychelles, which is described in this paper as M. megalodon n. sp.
Lying in Wait for Extinction: Ecological Correlates of Conservation Status among Australian Elapid Snakes

Abstract: Why do some species decline rapidly with anthropogenic disturbance, whereas others readily exploit disturbed habitats? It is possible that the ecological characteristics of some species render them especially vulnerable to extinction. Previous analyses of a diverse array of taxa have identified a number of intrinsic ecological predictors of vulnerability, but snakes have not been studied in this respect. We collated ecological data on Australian venomous snake species in the family Elapidae, based primarily on examination of preserved specimens in museums, to investigate possible differences between threatened and nonthreatened taxa. We also used comparative ( phylogenetically based) analyses to identify functional associations with endangerment. Correlates of conservation vulnerability identified in previous studies did not discriminate successfully between threatened and nonthreatened elapid species. However, threatened and nonthreatened elapids differed significantly in two main respects. First, threatened species tended to rely on ambush foraging rather than actively searching for prey. Sit‐and‐wait foragers may be vulnerable because (1) they rely on sites with specific types of ground cover, and anthropogenic activities disrupt these habitat features, and (2) ambush foraging is associated with a suite of life‐history traits that involve low rates of feeding, growth, and reproduction. The second major correlate of endangerment involves the mating system. Endangered species typically lacked male‐male combat: In such taxa, females grow larger than males and are more vulnerable to human predation (as judged by the composition of museum collections). Our analysis also identified taxa that, although not currently listed as threatened, share many of the ecological traits of the endangered group. Our results may facilitate future attempts to prioritize conservation actions for Australian snakes.
Seasonal Variations in Blood Constituents and Milk Composition of One-Humped Camel

The present study has been conducted in order to investigate the seasonal variation as well as the effect of age and sex on certain blood constituents in the one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius). Furthermore, the seasonal variation in the milk composition and the botanical and chemical composition of plant parts consumed by camels were investigated. The study has been conducted on 210 indigenous Arabian camel of different age (1-18 years) and sex, and kept under natural range in Southern Darfur. The data analysis revealed that the season had significant effects on some of the haematological indices, metabolites and mineral concentrations. These parameters showed slight variations related to age and sex. The red blood cells count, lymphocytes and basophils percentages increased significantly during the dry season, while the osmotic resistance, MCV, MCH and neutrophils percentage increased significantly during the green season. The serum levels of total protein, globulins and triglycerides increased significantly during the dry season, while the levels of plasma glucose, serum urea, creatinine, phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) increased significantly during the green season. The PCV, neutrophils percentage, serum total protein and serum Ca concentration increased significantly with age, while the lymphocytes percentage, serum P and serum sodium (Na) concentration decreased significantly with age. The red blood cells count and PCV level were the only investigated parameters that showed significant intersex differences. The levels of red blood cells count and PCV were significantly higher in males.
Survival of Juvenile Giant Kelp: The Effects of Demographic Factors, Competitors, and Grazers

Patterns of survival of juvenile giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) were examined in relation to grazing by sea urchins, shading by adult kelp, density of recruits, densities of other algal species, and substrate distribution. Survival was poorer in areas where white sea urchins (Lytechinus anamesus) were abundant or where there was an overlying canopy of adults. At other sites, the density of recruits explained the greatest proportion of variability in survival, and the proportion of juveniles that survived was negatively correlated with the number of recruits. Potential algal competitors (Pterygophora californica and Cystoseira osmundacea), red sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus), and substrate distributions had no significant effect on survival. The mechanisms of density—dependent survival were similar to "dominance and suppression" models that explain self—thinning in many terrestrial plant populations. In stands where densities of recruits were high, skewed size distributions developed, probably as the result of competition for light. High—density stands had proportionally more small plants than low—density stands, and, during subsequent storms, only the larger plants survived. This led to a more equitable distribution of survivors than would be expected based on the number of recruits. Intraspecific interactions, both between adults and juveniles and among juveniles of the same cohort, appear to be important structuring forces in most giant kelp populations. The parallels in many terrestrial populations. However, in other algal populations, there is little evidence for density—dependent mortality or for the dominance—suppression hypothesis. These differences may relate to competition for light, which is intense in Macrocystis forests and many terrestrial populations, but less so in assemblages of other benthic algae.
Estimation of marine exploitation rates on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stocks in Newfoundland, Canada

Marine exploitation rates were estimated for nine Newfoundland Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) populations, separately for small and large salmon size components. Estimates were derived using counts of salmon returning to fish counting facilities rather than from tagging studies and thus adjustments were not required to account for tag loss, handling or tagging mortality, or tag reporting rates. For all stocks combined, the overall marine exploitation rate during the period 1984-1991 averaged 45.3% (29.6-57.1%) on small salmon and 74.2% (57.7-83.7%) on large salmon. These estimates are considered minimum values. Concerns related to declining salmon abundance resulted in the closure of the Newfoundland commercial salmon fishery in 1992. Results are discussed in relation to previous estimates derived from tagging, and highlight the importance of accounting for marine exploitation when examining trends in salmon survival and return data even when commercial fisheries have been closed.
Chlorogenic acids from coffee are absorbed and excreted in human digested fluids.

This study aimed at investigating human fluids as bioavailability and excretion markers of chlorogenic acids from coffee. Three caffeoylquinic acids and other non-esterified cinnamic acid derivatives were identified in human digestive fluids and plasma. In addition, three dicaffeoylquinic acids were identified in plasma. Our results show, for the first time, that chlorogenic acids from coffee are absorbed in humans, circulate in their blood stream and are partially excreted via saliva and gastro-intestinal fluids.
Patterns of bird species abundance in relation to granular insecticide use in the Canadian prairies

ABSTRACT We examined the possibility that granular insecticides, used intensively in the Canadian prairies to control flea beetles (Phyllotreta sp.) in canola (Brassica napus and B. napa), could contribute to bird population declines. A retrospective analysis (1971–96) was done to investigate relationships between counts of 29 bird species made on Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) routes with a spatially explicit granular use index (derived from surveys made in 1980–85) and an index of land use change (derived from Principal Components Analysis of agricultural statistics) for 30 Census Agricultural Regions (CARs). Controlling for spatial location and the land use change index, abundance of American robin (Turdus migratorius), horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was negatively correlated with insecticide use; only two species showed evidence of a positive correlation. At a shorter time scale, for which we had direct estimates of pesticide use (1980–85), we also found evidence that the black-billed magpie (Pica pica), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) were less abundant in areas where granular insecticide use was high. Population trends (% annual change between 1971–96) were negatively correlated with the granular index for horned lark, house sparrow, and western meadowlark. Although correlational only, our results suggest that granular insecticides may be an important factor influencing population changes in some bird species in prairie farmland.
Dimensions of Price as a Marketing Universal: A Comparison of Japanese and U.S. Consumers

Consumer behaviors within a segment and regarding a product category that do not vary across cultures are defined as market universale (Dawar and Parker 1994). Japanese and U.S. students (N = 267) participated in this study of price cues. The psychometric properties of three different price scales—price/quality schema, prestige sensitivity, and value consciousness—are assessed, and equality constraints are introduced to compare the measurement models from the two groups. Results suggest that the scales are reliable measures across the two countries and that market-universal behaviors may exist for a similar segment of Japanese and U.S. consumers.
Observation of watercore dissipation in ‘Braebum’ apple by magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Following unusually high temperatures during the 1997/98 growing season, a significant incidence of watercore was observed in the New Zealand ‘Braeburn’ crop (Mains domestica) for the first time. Serial proton magnetic resonance imaging was subsequently used to monitor the characteristics of disorder amelioration in individual fruit during 3‐week and 15‐week storage trials (0–0.5°C). Symptoms (water‐soaked appearance of flesh around the locule area and extending into the cortex) in “slightly” affected fruit (>0.5 cm2 affected or 25% of the equatorial cross‐section area affected) also dispersed completely, but over a longer time—6–8 weeks. However, the internal appearance of some severely affected fruit was unacceptable after 15 weeks of coolstorage. It is not clear whether the presence of cavities and.
Asymmetrical signal content of egg shape as predictor of egg rejection by great reed warblers, hosts of the common cuckoo

The size, patterning and coloration of bird eggs may signal different information content to nest owners, mates, predators, hosts, or brood parasites. Recent studies suggested that the pigmentation at one pole of the typically asymmetrical avian egg plays a critical role in the discrimination of own and foreign eggs by several host species parasitized by the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). Typically, both eggshell maculation and background colour are more consistent on the blunt pole, and hosts react more strongly to experimental changes in coloration of the blunt pole compared to the sharp pole. However, it remains unclear whether the asymmetrical shape of natural eggs per se enhances the behavioural responses of hosts to foreign eggs. To evaluate the salience of asymmetrical egg shape, we studied reactions of a rejecter cuckoo host, the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), to artificial shapes of model eggs painted a non-mimetic blue colour. Artificial eggs with two blunt poles were rejected significantly more often than those with a single blunt pole or two sharp poles. These results corroborate the hypothesis that the different egg poles have different signal salience and may have implications for the evolution of diversity of not only egg coloration but also of egg shape in the arms race between hosts and brood parasitic birds.
The Effectiveness of Metronidazole, Praziquantel and Co- Trimoxazole on Blastocystis hoMinis

Abstract : Objective: To investigate the pathogenicity of Blastocystis hominis in man and its proper chemotherapy. Methods: Patients who had only Blastocystis hominis and no other parasites or enteric bacteria were allocated into one of three groups. The first group (30 patients) was given metronidazole at a dose of 400 mg three times aday for 5 days. The second group (20 patients) was given praziquantel 40 mg/kg body weight. The third group (60 patients) was given co-trimoxazole at a dose of 320 mg trimethoprim and 1600 mg sulphamethoxazole daily in two equal doses for 5 days. Stool samples of all patients were re- examined for the occurrence of B.hominis at the end of the treatment. Results: The curative rates among the metronidazole, praziquantel and co-trimoxazole treated groups were 30% (9 out of 30), 0% (0 out of 20) and 90% (54 out of 60) respectively. Of these 54 cases (co-trimoxazole treated group), clinical symptoms disappeared in 45, decreased in 8 and no change was noticed in one patient at the end of treatment. Symptoms persisted in all uncured patients.
Various Production Characteristics of White Layer Breeders Developed in the Poultry Research Institute

By taking 400 each hens from each of 4 parent genotypes Blue Line, Maroon Line, Blue Line x Maroon Line ve Maroon Line x Blue Line that were derived from pure-line breeders existing in Poultry Research Institute by hybridization of them in various combination their various production characteristics up to end of 64 weeks of age have been determined. In parent genotypes; average daily feed consumption, 105.81, 105.97, 109.17, 106.91 gram; age of sexual maturity 141.5, 146.1, 142.3, 142.7 day; body weight at sexual maturity 1364.2, 1405.8, 1389.2, 1375.6 gram; egg production, 258.4, 252.9, 261.3 , 254.7 egg/per capita; egg weight, 57.6, 58.3, 59.1, 59.4 gram; egg shape index , 76.3, 75.6, 76.1, 75.7, and the rate of eggs for breeding purpose, (%) 81.66, 84.99, 85.05, 86.2 have been found, respectively. Among the parent genotypes Blue Line, Maroon Line, Blue Line x Maroon Line ve Maroon Line x Blue Line of it has been determined that there have been significant level of differences in terms of the whole traits asserted. Survival rates, (%) 91.84, 93.86, 96.32, 90.66, 91.34, 87.67, 96.49, 94.92 have been found, respectively. In terms of the rate of eggs for survival rates, no significant difference has been found among parent genotypes.
Tick-borne Pathogens in Northwestern California, USA

To the Editor: In northwestern California, USA, the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus, is a known vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes Lyme disease. B. miyamotoi, which is more closely related to spirochetes that cause relapsing fever, has also been detected in 2 locations in California (1,2) and has recently been implicated as a human pathogen in the northeastern United States (3,4). Other studies may have unintentionally included B. miyamotoi infections among measures of B. burgdorferi if the diagnostics were for spirochetes (e.g., direct fluorescent antibody tests or dark-field microscopy) or genetically targeted for Borrelia spp. (5). To investigate Borrelia spp. ecology in California, we collected adult I. pacificus ticks by dragging a 1-m2 white flannel blanket along vegetation and/or leaf litter in 12 recreational areas in the San Francisco Bay area during January–May 2012 (Table). Habitat varied from chaparral and grassland to coastal live oak woodland. Ticks were pooled for examination by quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the presence of Borrelia spp. We interpreted the prevalence of Borrelia spp. from positive pools as the minimum infection prevalence (i.e., assuming 1 positive tick/positive pool). DNA was extracted from ticks by using the DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit (QIAGEN, Valencia, CA, USA) according to the manufacturer’s protocols and then stored at –20°C until use. DNA was analyzed by qPCR, with use of primer and fluorescent hybridization probes previously developed to differentiate Borrelia spp. spirochetes (5). To identify the Borrelia spp. genotype, we attempted to sequence the 16S–23S (rrsrrlA) intergenic spacer of each sample positive by qPCR (8). The nested PCR product was further purified by using the QIAquick Kit (QIAGEN) and then sequenced (Environmental Genetics and Genomics Laboratory, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA; www.enggen.nau.edu/dna.html) by using capillary Sanger sequencing on an ABI 3730 sequencer (Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY, USA). BLAST (http://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Blast.cgi) was used to compare each sequence to other Borrelia spp. sequences available from GenBank. From a total of 1,180 adult ticks, we found 43 samples positive for Borrelia spp. , resulting in a minimum infection prevalence of 3.6% (Table). We obtained intergenic spacer sequence data for 27 of the positive samples; 6 samples were B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, 7 were B. burgdorferi sensu lato (both on the basis of alignments of 816 bp), and 14 were B. miyamotoi (on the basis of alignments of 503 bp). The B. miyamotoi sequences for our samples from California and those for isolates from the eastern United States (9) and Japan (8) formed a monophyletic clade that was oriented as a sister clade to the 3 Borrelia spp. that cause tick-borne relapsing fever in the United States (B. hermsii, B. turicatae, and B. parkeri). We found borreliae-infected adult I. pacificus ticks at all 12 sites from which tick sample sizes exceeded 30. When the presence of B. burgdorferi