Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Productivity of Tifton 85 grass irrigated and overseeded with winter forages

Intercropping with cool season species has been used as an alternative to increase productivity off-season (fall/winter) of irrigated pastures. This study was conducted from May to October 2009 in Icaraima, Parana State, to evaluate the productivity and morphological composition of the Tifton 85 grass overseeded with winter forage in irrigated system. The experiment was a randomized block design with four replicates and repeated measures over time. The experimental plots consisted of five treatments, three as oats overseeding using the genotypes IAPAR 61, IPR 126, and FMS2 on Tifton 85 pasture and one as overseeding of oats combined with rye (IPR 126 + IPR 89) also on Tifton 85 grass and, finally, a control with only Tifton 85 without overseeding. The overseeding of IPR 126 oats achieved the highest cumulative productivity, 4102 kg DM ha-1, with leaf/stem ratio higher than that of exclusive Tifton 85 exclusive, 1.77 and 1.08, respectively. However, overseeding of winter forages did not increase the overall productivity of the pasture.
Genetic stability analysis of diapause‐induced multivoltine silkworm Bombyx mori germplasm using inter simple sequence repeat markers

Conservation of silkworm [Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)] germplasm aids in prevention of genetic erosion and race extinction. Multivoltine silkworm germplasm maintenance involves rearing five generations per year and this requires expenditure, manpower, and infrastructure, in addition to frequent exposure of the silkworms to diseases, pests, and predators. To minimize these problems, an alternative protocol was developed by way of induction of egg diapause in the multivoltine silkworms through rearing of the fourth and fifth instars at low temperature (18–20 °C) under regulated photoperiod (L6:D18). This method allowed induction of egg diapause in the selected races at levels ranging from 26 to 94% and the diapause‐induced eggs were maintained under cold preservation conditions. The stability of genotypic characters was confirmed in the diapause‐induced silkworm batches after the seventh generation, by comparison with control batches of silkworm using inter simple sequence repeat‐polymerase chain reaction (ISSR‐PCR). Analysis of Nei’s genetic distance for the different races indicated no significant variation between control and diapause‐induced races. This reveals that all the selected races maintained genetic stability even after the seventh generation at the phenotypic and molecular level. Hence, it can be concluded that induction of egg diapause is an appropriate alternative method to preserve multivoltine races for longer periods of time.
A Comprehensive Energy and Economic Assessment of Biofuels: When “Green” Is Not Enough

Referee: Dr. Charles A. S. Hall, Department of Environmental Studies, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210 Biofuel production systems are sometimes claimed to be able to fill in for future fossil fuel shortages as well as to decrease carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. As such, they are often promoted as a “green” alternative to fossil fuels. I present a comprehensive, system-based case study of biofuel production from maize or corn (Zea mays L.) and evaluate it critically in this review. The case study is taken as an example of the comprehensive approach that I suggest for any energy crop. I conclude that the biofuel option on a large scale is not a viable alternative based on economic, energy and eMergy (amount of available energy [exergy] of one form [usually solar] that is directly or indirectly required to provide a given flow or storage of exergy or matter) analyses of the case study data and estimated possible improvement of yield and efficiency. This is true for developed countries due to their huge energy demand compared with what biofuel options are able to supply as well as for developing countries due to the low yield of their agriculture and competition for land and water for food production. However, biofuels may contribute to optimizing the energy and resource balance of agricultural, livestock, or industrial production systems at an appropriate scale. I present a proposal to integrate ethanol production with industrial activities within a “zero emission framework” as a suggestion for optimization strategies capable of making the biofuel option more sustainable and profitable in those cases where it is appropriate.
Eco-Epidemiologic Impacts of HPAI on Avian and Human Health in Egypt

In this article, trials for investigation and analysis were carried out to understand the ecological and the epidemiological aspects of AI problem in Egypt and its impacts on poultry and human health.135 different flock types (Broilers, Breeders, Layers, Ducks and Geese) as well as Roof-top and Back-yard raising birds from 18 different Governorates of Egypt were examined serologically for detection of Al antibodies during the period from Feb. 6th, 2005 to Feb. 6th, 2006. Farm and Governorate biosecurity measurers were analyzed and evaluated besides, the impacts of HPAI on human health. The results showed that Al virus antibodies were detected in roof-top and back-yard raising birds only (Fowls, Ducksand Geese) in percentages averaged 4%,10% and 2% in (EL Qualiobia, EL Dakahlia, Dimiatta, Cairo and Giza) (EL Qualiobia, EL Dakahlia, Dimiatta, Cairo, Giza EL Menia, Beni-Seuif and Kafer EL Sheikh) and (EL Qualiobia and EL Behaira) respectively. The association between the biosecurity of the farms and the occurrence of AI infection during the epidemic strike, revealed: 3.76 relative risk, 0.69 attributable risk, 2.66 The association between governorates farm density and the occurrence of AI infection revealed: 1.29 relative risk, 0.15 attributable risk, 1.55 Omega magnitude and Q was 1.88. The impact of AI on human health in Egypt was analyzed through a retrospective study and a zoonotic epidemiological map was drew.
Peering into the matrix: A look at biofilms and their inherent antibiotic resistance

Biofilms are increasingly being regarded as the predominant form of bacterial growth in natural settings. These structures consist of bacterial cells immobilized at a surface and encased in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. In clinical settings, biofilms are the cause of persistent infections that are difficult to clear through the action of the host immune system. Biofilm-encased cells are also associated with increased levels of antibiotic resistance compared to their planktonic counterparts. The result is increased morbidity and mortality when biofilms are associated with disease. In this review, the focus of discussion will be the various mechanisms of antibiotic resistance common to biofilms and the role these mechanisms play in the pathogenesis of major clinically-relevant microorganisms. Antibiotic penetration, altered microenvironments, phenotypic variation, and adaptive resistance mechanisms are all key players in the development of antibiotic resistance in bacterial biofilms. Though the relative significance of each individual mechanism varies, when combined they confer extensive protection to the biofilm’s cellular populations. Keywords: biofilms; antibiotic resistance (mechanisms of); clinical applications; disease; antibiotic penetration; altered microenvironments; phenotypic variation; adaptive resistance; review
Comparison of genetic differentiation at marker loci and quantitative traits

The comparison of the degree of differentiation in neutral marker loci and genes coding quantitative traits with standardized and equivalent measures of genetic differentiation (FST and QST, respectively) can provide insights into two important but seldom explored questions in evolutionary genetics: (i) what is the relative importance of random genetic drift and directional natural selection as causes of population differentiation in quantitative traits, and (ii) does the degree of divergence in neutral marker loci predict the degree of divergence in genes coding quantitative traits? Examination of data from 18 independent studies of plants and animals using both standard statistical and meta‐analytical methods revealed a number of interesting points. First, the degree of differentiation in quantitative traits (QST) typically exceeds that observed in neutral marker genes (FST), suggesting a prominent role for natural selection in accounting for patterns of quantitative trait differentiation among contemporary populations. Second, the FST – QST difference is more pronounced for allozyme markers and morphological traits, than for other kinds of molecular markers and life‐history traits. Third, very few studies reveal situations were QST < FST, suggesting that selection pressures, and hence optimal phenotypes, in different populations of the same species are unlikely to be often similar. Fourth, there is a strong correlation between QST and FST indices across the different studies for allozyme (r=0.81), microsatellite (r=0.87) and combined (r=0.75) marker data, suggesting that the degree of genetic differentiation in neutral marker loci is closely predictive of the degree of differentiation in loci coding quantitative traits. However, these interpretations are subject to a number of assumptions about the data and methods used to derive the estimates of population differentiation in the two sets of traits.
Persistence of nicotinic agonist RJR 2403‐induced working memory improvement in rats

Nicotinic systems are involved in the neural basis of memory function and nicotinic agonists have shown promise for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction. Both acute and chronic nicotinic treatment has been shown to improve memory performance. There is some evidence for the persistence of nicotine‐induced memory improvements lasting longer than the pharmacokinetic presence of nicotine. Novel nicotinic agonists may produce the beneficial effects of nicotine on cognitive function with fewer side effects. RJR 2403 (metanicotine or (E)‐N‐methyl‐4‐(3‐pyridinyl)‐3‐butene‐1‐amine) a preferential α4β2 nicotinic agonist has been shown in previous studies to improve memory function. The present study examined the persistence of oral RJR 2403 on memory performance in young adult Sprague‐Dawley rats (3–5 months old) 30 min, 1 h, and 6 h post‐administration (PO). In the first experiment, the typical inverted U‐shaped dose response curve for cognitive enhancing drugs was seen with RJR 2403 30 min after administration. The lower dose of 1 mg/kg (3.6 μmol/kg), but not higher doses of 3 or 10 mg/kg (10.8 or 36 μmol/kg), of RJR 2403 significantly (P < 0.05) improved working memory on the radial‐arm maze relative to placebo‐treated controls. In the second experiment, young adult rats were administered RJR 2403 (0, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg) and tested 1 h or 6 h following administration in separate treatment groups. The 0.3 mg/kg RJR 2403 dose (1.08 μmol/kg) caused a significant (P < 0.05) memory improvement 1 h after oral administration. Interestingly, both the 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg RJR 2403 doses (1.08 and 3.6 μmol/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) improved memory six hours after administration. These data demonstrate the efficacy of oral RJR 2403 in improving cognitive performance and the long duration of action of RJR 2403 in young adult rats. In contrast, no significant memory improvement was seen in aged rats aged (24–26 months old) after RJR 2403 administration. The inability of RJR 2403 to enhanced cognitive functions in aged rats might be related to the decrease in the number of α4β2 nicotinic receptors, which occurs with age. A similar decreased responsiveness in aged rats has been seen with nicotine. The persistence of action of RJR 2403 provides additional promise for its potential as a treatment for cognitive dysfunction. However, the decreased responsiveness in subjects in populations with decreased nicotinic receptor number may limit the effectiveness of nicotinic therapies. Drug Dev. Res. 55:97–103, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new karyological variant of Oecomys (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) and its phylogenetic relationship based on molecular data.

A new karyological variant of the Sigmodontinae genus Oecomys was detected in specimens from Brazilian Pantanal. Karyologic analyses showed 2n = 72 and FN = 90, which differs from all known chromosomal complements of the genus. This new karyomorph showed distinctive morphological attributes and could not be attributed to any described Oecomys species. Molecular analysis using cytochrome-b sequence data suggested the monophyly of Oecomys. Maximum-likelihood analyses placed the Oecomys sp. haplotype clade as the sister branch to Oecomys bicolor, whereas maximum-parsimony analyses did not resolve its relationship with the other Oecomys species. Kimura's two parameters distance estimates between this and other Oecomys species are high, and active gene flow has been found not to coexist with these divergence estimates.Key words: Oecomys sp. , rodent, Sigmodontinae, karyotype, molecular phylogeny.
Predation by the ctenophoreMnemiopsis leidyi in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island

The impact ofMnemiopsis leidyi as a predator was studied quantitatively to determine their feeding rates on mixed natural zooplankton. These studies showed that feeding rate was independent of food concentration, but a function of both temperature and size of ctenophore. The feeding rate (liters cleared per mg dry weight per day) ranged from about 0.01 for larger ctenophores at lower temperatures (10–15°C) to about 0.1 for smaller ctenophores at higher temperatures (20–25°C). Combining these results with ctenophore biomass estimates from three years of sampling, numerical estimates were made of zooplankton mortality due to ctenophore predation. The maximum summer cropping byM. leidyi was calculated to be an average of 5–10% per day for the bay as a whole. Although substantial, this predation pressure alone does not account for the observed summer decline of zooplankton.
Fcγ Receptor IIB on Dendritic Cells Enforces Peripheral Tolerance by Inhibiting Effector T Cell Responses1

The uptake of immune complexes by FcRs on APCs augments humoral and cellular responses to exogenous Ag. In this study, CD11c+ dendritic cells are shown to be responsible in vivo for immune complex-triggered priming of T cells. We examine the consequence of Ab-mediated uptake of self Ag by dendritic cells in the rat insulin promoter-membrane OVA model and identify a role for the inhibitory FcγRIIB in the maintenance of peripheral CD8 T cell tolerance. Effector differentiation of diabetogenic OT-I CD8+ T cells is enhanced in rat insulin promoter-membrane OVA mice lacking FcγRIIB, resulting in a high incidence of diabetes. FcγRIIB-mediated inhibition of CD8 T cell priming results from suppression of both DC activation and cross-presentation through activating FcγRs. Further FcγRIIB on DCs inhibited the induction of OVA-specific Th1 effectors, limiting Th1-type differentiation and memory T cell accumulation. In these MHC II-restricted responses, the presence of FcγRIIB only modestly affected initial CD4 T cell proliferative responses, suggesting that FcγRIIB limited effector cell differentiation primarily by inhibiting DC activation. Thus, FcγRIIB can contribute to peripheral tolerance maintenance by inhibiting DC activation alone or by also limiting processing of exogenously acquired Ag.
Lisotrigona in Thailand, and the Male of the Genus (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)1

Abstract Differences between the two species of Lisotrigona [L. cacciae (Nurse) and L. furva Engel] known from Thailand are enumerated. The only consistent difference is size. The male of L. furva, hitherto unknown for the genus, is described and parts illustrated; the male genitalia are very unusual, clearly supporting generic rank for Lisotrigona.
Superparamagnetic folate-immobilized dye labeled microspheres for oral cancer screening

of Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy SUPERPARAMAGNETIC FOLATE-IMMOBILIZED DYE LABELED MICROSPHERES FOR ORAL CANCER SCREENING By Bernd Liesenfeld May 2004 Chair: Christopher D. Batich Major Department: Materials Science and Enginering A design concept is presented and developed for a screening test for oral cancer. The application is based on generating specific binding between microspheres and receptors known to be expressed specifically on malignant cells. Quantification of the test is derived from a ratiometric determination of test microspheres immobilized with folate against control microspheres. Microspheres were suspension copolymerized polymethyl methacrylate and aminoethyl methacrylate, and were doped with superparamagnetic iron oxide to permit magnetic separation of microspheres from testing suspension. Magnetic separation was demonstrated. Specific binding was provided by folic acid that was immobilized on the microsphere surface by carbodiimide chemistry. Microsphere labeling was performed by covalent bonding of fluorophores to monomers prior to polymerization, permitting spatial imaging of microspheres by fluorescence microscopy.
Growing stock estimation for alpine forests in Austria: a robust lidar-based approach

The overall goal of this study was to describe a novel area-based semiempirical model for estimating growing stock from small-footprint light detection and ranging (lidar) data. The model assumes a linear relationship between growing stock and lidar-derived canopy volume that is stratified according to several canopy height classes to account for height dependent differences in canopy structure and nonlinear tree size-shape relationships. It was applied over a 128 km2 alpine area in Austria where operational forest inventory data and lidar data acquired in winter and summer were available. The analysis showed that the semiempirical model was quite robust against changes in laser point density and acquisition time. Further, it was found that the model performed as well as a widely used iterative regression method based on a multiplicative model. Both models reached a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.76–0.86) and a standard deviation of the residuals in the order of 20.4%–29.1%. Although it is less.
Effects of temperature, multiple allelochemicals and larval age on the performance of a specialist caterpillar

To understand the mechanisms underlying plant‐insect herbivore interactions, it is necessary to examine the simultaneous effects of temperature, food quality and larval age. We examined the simultaneous effects of three allelochemicals (tomatine, rutin and chlorogenic acid) on the performance of first and second instar Manduca sexta larvae under two representative thermal regimes 21: 10°C and 26: 15°C for spring and summer, respectively. Thermal regime and allelochemicals interacted to influence the time from egg hatch to ecdysis to the third instar. On average, it took about half as much time to reach the third instar at 26: 15°C as it did at 21: 10°C. Separately, tomatine and rutin had a negative effect on developmental time from egg hatch to the third instar, but their simultaneous effects were not additive. Chlorogenic acid significantly reduced the negative effect of tomatine. The magnitude of the allelochemical effect was larger at the cooler thermal regime compared to the warmer regime. For instance, chlorogenic acid by itself had no effect at the 26: 15°C regime, but at the 21: 10°C regime it significantly shortened total developmental time. The effect of chlorogenic acid on stadium duration was distinctly different for the two instars. Chlorogenic acid shortened stadium duration of first instar larvae. However, depending on thermal regime and the presence of tomatine, chlorogenic acid had a negative, positive or neutral effect on stadium duration of second instar larvae. Molting duration of second instar larvae was shortened by a half day at the warmer thermal regime but was not affected by the allelochemicals. Final larval weight was influenced by rutin and chlorogenic acid. Caterpillars fed diets containing 20 μmoles of rutin were on average 10% lighter than those fed plain diet, whereas those fed diets containing 20 μmoles of chlorogenic adic were on average 7% heavier. However, the effect of chlorogenic acid depended on thermal regime. Overall, our results indicated that: 1) temperature and food quality can interact to influence insect performance and 2) these effects are influenced by larval age.
Growth and photosynthetic rates of Chlamydomonas plethora and Nitzschia frustula cultures isolated from Kuwait Bay, Arabian Gulf, and their potential as live algal food for tropical mariculture

With a view to utilize local algae as food organisms in mariculture, the green alga Chlamydomonas plethora and the diatom Nitzschia frustula were isolated and studied from the unique coastal waters arid zone off Kuwait. Batch cultures of C. plethora and N. frustula had maximum division rates (lmax) of 2.5 and 3.4 day )1 , respectively. Cultures grown for 36 h yielded comparable growth rates. Photosynthesis-irradiance relationships in cultures harvested at various phases of growth showed that cultures attained log phase after 1-day growth and yielded the highest assimilation numbers (P B: l gC [lg Chl a] )1 h )1 ): 22.8 for C. plethora and 18.1 for N. frustula. Their initial slopes (a B :n g C [lg Chl a] )1 h )1 [lmol m )2 s )1 ] )1 were also the highest observed so far: 79.5 for C. plethora and 39.6 for N. frustula. Photoinhibition was low. Compared with these, assimilation numbers in senescent cultures of 20-day growth were <8% of the maximum for both species, and the initial slope decreased to 17 and 13% in C. plethora and N. frustula, respectively. Two polyunsaturated fatty acids (20:5n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid and 22:6n-3 docosahexaenoic acid) that are essential in many marine animal diets constituted up to 24% and 1.9% of the total fatty acids, respectively. Of the two algae, N. frustula contained higher levels of 16:1n-7, 20:5n-3 and comparatively low levels of 22:6n-3 fatty acids. Due to its rapid growth, high photosynthetic rate and presence of the amino acids leucine, lysine, glutamic acid and arginine N. frustula has good potential as a feed organism in mariculture applications. The capacity of these algae to produce a wide range of size groups (nano and net plankton) is an additional bonus for mariculture operations.
Quality Characteristics of Doenjang Meju Fermented with Aspergillus Species and Bacillus subtilis during Fermentation

To industrialize meju, four kinds of meju (Korean-style soybean koji) were made with humidity-controlled fermentation for 12 days at after they were inoculated with selected strains such as Aspergillus otyzae (AO meju), Aspergillus sojae (AS meju), combined Aspergillus sojae and Bacillus subtilis (ASBS meju), and combined Aspergillus oryzae and Bacillus subtilis (AOBS meju) as starter microorganisms. The changes in the quality characteristics in the four kinds of meju were investigated during fermentation. Their enzyme activities were compared with those of the traditional meju that is made in Sunchang Folk Village according to the traditional method. In the meju that were inoculated with selective strains, the aerobic bacteria counts and mold counts exceeded 8 log cfu/g and 6 log cfu/g respectively, which were the highest fermentation values after 2 days. The aerobic bacteria counts were maintained from 2-day to the 12-day fermentation. The mold counts tended to decreased gradually after the 2-day fermentation. The amino-type nitrogen contents reached 430.5-577.5 mg%, which were the highest values after 2-day fermentation. The neutral protease activities of these mejus had the highest levels in the following order: traditional meju, ; AS meju, ; AO meju. ; ASBS meju, ; and AOBS meju, unit/g. The acidic protease activities of these meju had the highest levels in the following order: AO meju, , traditional meju, ; AS meju, ; AOBS meju, ; and ASBS meju, unit/g.