Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LARVAL AND OSTEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOTE SCULPIN (Normanichthys crockeri) (PISCES:NORMANICHTHYIDAE) FROM THE INDEPENDENCIA BIGHT, PISCO, PERU.

Development of larval Normanichthys crockeri from Bahia Independencia, Pisco, Peru is described and illustrated. 3124 specimens were collected with plankton nets in 2000; a developmental series of 66 individuals (1.9-20.5 mm) from recently hatched larvae through transformation was assembled using general morphological features and pigmentation patterns. Cleared und stained specimens were examined for meristic and osteological development, some osteological characters are detailed. Normanichthys crockeri hatches at approximately 1.8 mm. Notochord flexion begins at ca. 6.2mm and ends at ca. 9.0mm, and transformation occurs at ca. 20.0mm BL. The most important diagnostic features of the larvae include early development of large, lightly pigmented pectoral fins, and early dorsal midline pigment on the trunk and tail which decreases gradually with development until the beginning of the flexion stage and does not reappear until the end of postflexion stage. Ventral pigment occurs along the midlines of the abdominal and postanal regions. Preanal finfold pigment is present until late postflexion stage. Pigment always is present at the angular, on the caudal region, and usually at the cleithrum. Larvae are moderately slender with a preanal length roughly half of the body length (ca. 40-53% BL). They have I,5 pelvic-fin rays, 7+6 principal caudal-fin rays and 36-37 myomeres (11-13+24-26, usually 13+24). Cleithrum, bones of the jaws and operculum are among the first to ossify, vertebrate appear at ca. 5.0mm NL and sequence of development is from anterior to posterior. The pectoral fin appears first, followed sequentially by the caudal fin, second dorsal and anal fin which form concurrently, first dorsal fin and pelvic fin.
Evolution of patterns of differential gene expression: A comparison of the temporal and spatial patterns of lsozyme locus expression in two closely related fish species (northern largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides salmoides, and Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieui)

The timing of the onset of developmental expression of 33 loci encoding various enzymes and isozymes was determined for two closely related species of fish, the northern largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides salmoides, and the smallmouth bass, M. dolomieui. The patterns of gene expression among the different tissues in adults were also investigated. The tissue and developmental expressions of these enzymes and isozymes were visualized by histochemical staining after starch gel electrophoresis. The differential expression of homologous loci within and among the different adult tissues of these two related species is virtually identical. The ontogenetic times of expression during the embryogenesis of both species are also quite similar for these same homologous loci. The ontogenetic patterns of differential gene expression for these two species differ somewhat from those of a more distantly related species within the family Centrarchidae, the green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that there is an increase in divergence of gene expression in species which are progressively more distantly related.
Phylogeny of the Bifrenaria (Orchidaceae) Complex Based on Morphology and Sequence Data from Nuclear rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) and Chloroplast trnL‐trnF Region

We investigated the monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of the genera Adipe (=Stenocoryne), Bifrenaria, Cydoniorchis, and Rudolfiella, on the basis of morphology and DNA sequence data. Sixteen species from the Bifrenaria complex and six related genera were sampled. Matrices were analyzed using maximum parsimony. Separate analyses of data partitions resulted in slightly different nonconflicting topologies; therefore, we combined all the data sets. The results support the monophyly of Bifrenaria and of Rudolfiella. Within Bifrenaria, two clades are strongly supported: the Amazonian clade and the southern Brazilian clade. Adipe is a paraphyletic group. Although Cydoniorchis is monophyletic and has many morphological synapomorphies, the acceptance of this genus would demand many nomenclatural changes. We propose recognizing a broad Bifrenaria. The results also indicate an Amazonian origin for Bifrenaria.
Effect of heat ameliorative measures on the biochemical and hormonal responses of buffalo heifers

A study was conducted from June to September 2004 to evaluate the effect of sprinkling and fan on the biochemical and hormonal responses of buffalo heifers. Eighteen Murrah buffalo heifers between 15 and 30 months of age were divided into three equal groups on the basis of body weight viz. T1 – Control without fan and sprinkling, T2 – provided with only fan and T3 – provided with fan and sprinkling. Among haematological parameters, only haemoglobin differed significantly (P<0.01) among treatment groups. All the biochemical parameters viz. blood glucose, protein, albumin, globulin, sodium and potassium differed significantly (P<0.05) among the groups. Among the enzymatic and hormonal parameters, only cortisol differed significantly (P<0.05) between treatment groups and was higher in T1 than T2 and T3. It was concluded that provision of sprinkling and fan provided comfortable environment to the buffalo heifers which was evident through the biochemical and hormonal responses.
HORDEIN POLYPEPTIDE PATTERN IN RELATION TO MALTING QUALITY AND THE VARIETAL IDENTIFICATION OF MALTED BARLEY GRAIN

A procedure is described for the extraction of hordein fractions from single seeds of barley and determination of their polypeptide composition by SDS-PAGE. Varietal differences in the hordein polypeptide pattern occur, and on the basis of this character the 28 varieties which are most widely grown in the U.K. can be divided into 11 groups. Whereas several of these groups contain varieties with similar malting quality, other groups contain both good and poor quality varieties. Examination of pilot scale malts and germinating seeds showed little change in the hordein polypeptide pattern during malting or the early stages of germination. Thus the procedure is suitable for use in the identification of malted grain as well as dry seed.
Brahman and Brahman crossbred cattle grown on pasture and in feedlots in subtropical and temperate Australia. 3. Feed efficiency and feeding behaviour of feedlot-finished animals

The objective of this experiment was to quantify differences in feed efficiency and feeding behaviour of 470 heifers and steers by Brahman, Belmont Red, Santa Gertrudis, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Charolais and Limousin sires mated to Brahman dams. Animals were bred in subtropical Queensland and finished in a temperate New South Wales feedlot. Animals averaged 598 days of age and 425.8 kg at the start of the feed intake test period. Sire breeds did not differ for eating rate, feed conversion ratio or relative growth rate. Generally, higher daily feed intakes (DFI) corresponded with higher average daily gains (ADG). Straightbred Brahmans fed the most frequently (16.6 ± 0.8 sessions/day; P < 0.05) but spent the least time eating of all breeds (67.4 ± 2.7 min/day; P < 0.001). Least squares means for Brahman, Belmont Red, Santa Gertrudis, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Charolais and Limousin sired progeny, respectively, for residual feed intake (RFI; P < 0.05) were 0.02 ± 0.16, 0.14 ± 0.13, –0.10 ± 0.23, 0.54 ± 0.17, –0.27 ± 0.18, 0.29 ± 0.18, –0.46 ± 0.16 and –0.21 ± 0.13 kg/day, and for ADG (P < 0.001) were 1.06 ± 0.05, 1.17 ± 0.04, 1.52 ± 0.08, 1.47 ± 0.06, 1.46 ± 0.06, 1.46 ± 0.06, 1.35 ± 0.06 and 1.38 ± 0.05 kg/day. While straightbred Brahmans did not differ from all other sire breeds for RFI, their lower appetite relative to crossbred contemporaries resulted in the lowest DFI (P < 0.001) and lowest ADG (P < 0.001) overall. Angus sired crosses were the least efficient feeders and spent the most time eating, consumed the most feed and had the highest RFI, but were not significantly different to Santa Gertrudis and Shorthorn crosses for these traits. Angus sired crosses spent 24.1 and 15.4 min/day more time eating (P < 0.001) than straightbred Brahmans and Charolais crosses, and consumed 35 and 13% more feed (P < 0.001) respectively. Charolais sired crosses were the most feed efficient with the lowest RFI and intermediate DFI, and did not differ significantly from the highest ranking sire breeds for ADG or Kleiber ratio. While Belmont Red crosses did not differ from all breeds for RFI, they had significantly lower DFI than British and Santa Gertrudis crosses resulting in lower ADG (P < 0.001) relative to these sire breeds. Therefore, selection of Charolais, Hereford, Limousin and Santa Gertrudis sire breeds would result in the most feed efficient (low RFI) crosses with Brahman without any sacrifice in ADG.
Effects of Particulate Matter on Cytokine Production In Vitro: A Comparative Analysis of Published Studies

In recent years evidence has accumulated indicating that airborne particles cause adverse health effects. To understand the underlying mechanisms, a multitude of in vitro studies have been performed focusing on inflammatory responses, especially cytokine production. However, the diversity of studies renders it difficult to determine which results are consistent and which exposures most effective. The present review thus aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the available data. Forty-nine studies dealing with in vitro effects of particles on cytokine production in bronchial epithelial or related cells and monocytes/macrophages were included. Twenty-eight studies investigated epithelial cells and could be categorized according to specific combinations of exposure level and time, and 27 dealt with monocytes/macrophages. Eight studies provided further data using non-compatible exposure modes. The most common finding was that particles significantly induced cytokine production in both epithelial cells and monocytes/macrophages at concentrations of 50–100 μg/mL and exposure times of 9–24 h. The effects did not appear to be significantly different between cell or particle types. There were virtually no effects reported below 10 μ g/mL, but these levels were used in only a few studies. Thus, the available data demonstrate that cytokine measurements are sensitive enough to assess cell activation after particle exposure in vitro, yielding relatively consistent results across cell types. However, since the majority of data refers to high particle load compared to in vivo conditions, future studies should consider more sensitive assays, multivariate panels describing the cell's regulatory state, interactions between cell types, and second-line outcome measures that are close to clinically observed effects.
Antihypertensive Effect of an Enzymatic Hydrolysate of Chicken Essence Residues

Enzymatic hydrolysates with antihypertensive activity were obtained from the leftover residues of a chicken essence factory. Among many proteases tested, Alcalase was found to be the best to produce high angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in vitro. The in vivo experiment revealed that a 3% supplement of the Alcalase-treated hydrolysate of chicken essence residues added to the control diet fed to spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) lowered the systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the rats after 16 weeks of treatment and at 1 week post-treatment. Repression of ACE activity of the aorta was suggested to be the reason for the antihypertensive effect of the Alcalase-treated hydrolysate of chicken essence residues.
Atmospheric and hydraulic limitations on transpiration in Brazilian cerrado woody species

1. Seasonal regulation of transpiration was studied in four evergreen woody species growing in a Brazilian cerrado (savanna) site with a 5 month dry season. 2. Both seasonal and interspecifc variation in leaf water potential (ΨL) were relatively small. Predawn ΨL was about 0·1–0·25 MPa more negative in the dry season than in the wet season. 3. The dependence of maximum whole-plant sap flow rates on sapwood area was similar among all four species during both the wet and dry seasons. When total daily sap flow on a leaf area basis was normalized by the daily average air saturation deficit (ASD), only one of the four species showed significantly greater water use during the wet season. 4. Although seasonal differences in regulation of transpiration were not pronounced, strong stomatal limitation of both maximum daily transpiration rates and total daily transpiration was evident during both the wet and dry seasons. Sap flow typically increased sharply in the morning, briefly attained a maximum value by about 09.30–10.30 h, then decreased sharply, despite steadily increasing solar radiation and atmospheric evaporative demand. 5. The total leaf area-specific apparent hydraulic conductance of the soil/leaf pathway (Gt) varied among plants and diurnally. The identical linear dependence of transpiration and stomatal conductance (gs) on Gt among the four study species suggested that stomatal adjustment to variation in Gt limited transpiration over the entire range of Gt observed. 6. When gs was normalized for daily variation in Gt, about 80% of the remaining variation in gs was associated with variation in ASD. The results suggested that transpiration in these species was not limited by soil water availability per se, but by high atmospheric evaporative demand and hydraulic constraints possibly arising from their deep rooting habit.
Impacts of conventional logging and portable sawmill logging operations on tree diversity in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea

Summary Portable sawmill logging in Papua New Guinea is widely advocated by ecoforestry organisations as an ecologically improved method of rainforest exploitation because of its reduced impact on biodiversity. Here the impacts of conventional high impact/intensity conventional logging, and low impact/intensity portable sawmill logging on tree diversity six years after harvest are compared based on current operational practices. Tree diversity was significantly lower after high impact/intensity logging in comparison to low impact/intensity logging and unlogged forest. Low impact logging resulted in a reduction in tree diversity of 5 % and 25 % for the Shannon Wiener index (H') and Simpson's index (D) of diversity, respectively, in comparison to unlogged forest. Conventional logging resulted in a reduction in diversity of 25 % (H') and 48 % (D) in comparison to unlogged forest. Based on comparisons with other studies high reductions in tree diversity after conventional high impact logging are attributed to initial losses from high harvesting intensities, high post harvest mortality, and low diversity of new recruitment. The implications of these results for sustainable forest management and forest conservation in Papua New Guinea are discussed.
Cretaceous Phytogeography and Climate Signals [and Discussion]

We address two aspects of Cretaceous plants and climate. Firstly, we briefly characterize Cretaceous global phytogeography and review some quantitative temperature estimates derived from plants. Secondly, by adopting a multivariate statistical approach to palaeophytogeographic mapping, we examine the effect of the rise in diversity and ecological radiation of angiosperms on the climate signal offered by non-angiosperms. In the Cretaceous, plant productivity was concentrated at middle and high latitudes. Polar cool temperate rain forests in coastal areas, where winter temperatures were ameliorated by the proximity of the ocean, were conifer-dominated and deciduous. In more continental high latitudes, winter temperatures probably fell well below freezing, thermally depressing metabolic rates and allowing some plants to retain their leaves year round. However, this `evergreenness' necessitated desiccation resistance in the form of reduced leaf size and thick cuticles. At mid latitudes, open canopy woodlands and forests were dominated by a mixture of microphyllous conifers, moderately xeromorphic ferns, cycadophytes, pteridosperms and sphenophytes. Late Cretaceous broadleaved coriaceous angiosperms were mostly subordinate shrubs and small trees. Large angiosperm trees were comparatively rare. Although the evidence is meagre, low latitude vegetation tended to be xeromorphic and only patchily forested. Tropical everwet vegetation was, if present at all, highly restricted and consequently not understood. Non-angiosperms exhibit a weak, poorly differentiated phytogeographic pattern linked most strongly to the evaporation:precipitation ratio. This relationship is reflected in foliar physiognomy, and was established long before the Cretaceous. As the advent of the angiosperms did not significantly alter this relationship, it may be possible to calibrate the non-angiosperms of the Mesozoic using the physiognomic techniques developed for woody dicots. Taxonomy independent of political and stratigraphic boundaries is essential in order to satisfactorily reconstruct palaeophytogeography and derivative climatic signals, as are non-selective reporting of floral composition and detailed descriptions of plant physiognomy. Without this basic information the full potential of the plant fossil record to reveal past climate and environmental change cannot be exploited.
Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2, 3, and 4 gene polymorphisms in critically ill patients

Considering that TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 play very important roles in inflammatory processes, the question arises whether the presence of polymorphisms in these genes is associated with susceptibility to sepsis. The aim of this study was to examine the association of TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 polymorphisms with clinical characteristics and outcome of critically ill patients. A follow-up study was conducted on 121 critically ill Caucasian Serbian patients. Five polymor- phisms in TLRs, TLR2 (rs5743708), TLR3 (rs3775291, rs5743312) and TLR4 (rs4986790, rs4986791) were genotyped by real-time PCR. Investigated polymorphisms in TLR2 and TLR4 were not associated with the clinical characteristics and outcome of critically ill patients. TLR3 rs3775291 polymorphism was associated with patient's outcome (p=0.018). Pa- tients with sepsis and a TLR3 rs3775291-mutated genotype had a four-fold higher mortality rate compared to wild type and heterozygous carriers. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age, sex and TLR3 rs3775291 polymorphism are independent variables of the outcome of critically ill patients. For the first time, our preliminary findings indicate the role of TLR3 with MyD88 independent signaling and its polymorphism (TLR3 rs3775291) in sepsis and survival in critically ill Serbian patients.
Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho na presença de bioestimulantes

Os reguladores de crescimento podem influenciar na qualidade fisiologica das sementes assim como na atividade de enzimas envolvidas na germinacao. Podem ainda apresentar em suas formulacoes micronutrientes que atuam principalmente como catalisadores de enzimas. Nesta pesquisa sementes de milho hibrido da cultivar GNZ 2004, e da linhagem Le 57 foram tratadas com os seguintes bioestimulantes e dosagens: 1.Stimulate® 12,5mL/kg de sementes, 2.Cellerate® 10,0mL/kg, 3.mistura de Cellerate®+ Stimulate® (10,0mL/kg + 12,5 mL/kg), 4.Booster® 100 mL/20kg e 5.testemunha. Logo apos o tratamento, as sementes foram submetidas aos testes de germinacao, envelhecimento acelerado, teste de frio e emergencia de plântulas. Foram avaliadas ainda a massa de materia seca de plântulas, parte aerea e raiz e as atividades das enzimas a-amilase, catalase, esterase e peroxidase. Nas sementes tratadas com os bioestimulantes nao houve melhoria na qualidade de sementes e sob condicoes de estresses a utilizacao dos bioestimulantes Stimulate®+Cellerate® e Cellerate® reduziu a qualidade fisiologica de sementes de milho. Menor atividade da enzima peroxidase foi observada em sementes tratadas com Stimulate®, Cellerate® e Stimulate®+Cellerate® . Maior atividade da enzima esterase foi observada em sementes tratadas com Stimulate®+ Cellerate® indicando fitotoxidez dos mesmos.
Fish Catches in Baited and Unbaited Hoop Nets in the Upper Mississippi River

Abstract Catch rates for all species combined were higher in hoop nets baited with soybean cake than in unbaited hoop nets. However, baited and unbaited nets differed in the fish species for which they were most selective. Significantly more common carp (Cyprinus carpio), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), smallmouth buffaloes (Ictiobus bubalus), and bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) were caught in hoop nets baited with soybean cake than in unbaited nets, but unbaited nets caught more flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), black crappies (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), and freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens). Abundance of these species may influence the choice of baited or unbaited hoop nets and mesh size. All of our nets were set parallel with the current with the mouth facing downstream.
A Review on Food Values of Selected Tropical Fruits’ Seeds

Fruit seeds are usually thrown out as waste during processing or after human consumption. Over the years, researchers have dedicated their effort to assess the food and nutritional values of many different fruit seeds. In this review, the research findings releated to the food values of ten different fruit seeds namely, guava, pumpkin, papaya, honeydew, mangosteen, rambutan, watermelon, mango, and durian were discussed. For several fruit seeds, the macro nutrient components such as oil, protein, and carbohydrate of are found to vary due to either varietal defferences or geographical variations. Among the seeds discussed, the range of oil content was from 1.8 to 49.0% while the range of protein content was from 6 to 40.0%. While the high oil bearing fruit seeds are potential new sources of oil, those with high protein content can be used for recovery of protein. As some of fruit seeds are edible and found to possess a host of phytonutrients, they can be harnessed for medicinal purposes. This review concludes that utilization of fruit seeds could not only bring health and wealth but also help to minimize the waste disposal problem of agro-based industries.
Nanobacteria from blood: the smallest culturable autonomously replicating agent on Earth

Nanobacteria are the first mineral forming bacteria isolated from blood and blood products. They are coccoid cell-walled organisms with a size of 0.08 - 0.5 micrometers in EM, occure in clusters, produce a biofilm containing carbonate or hydroxyl apatite, and are highly resistant to heat, gamma-irradiation and antibiotics. Their growth rate is about one hundredth that of ordinary bacteria and they divide via several mechanisms. Taq polymerase was able to use their nontraditional nucleic acid as a template. 16S rRNA gene sequence results positioned them into the alpha-2 subgroup of Proteobacteria. Nanobacteria are smallest cell-walled bacteria since they can pass through 0.07 micrometers pores. In low-serum cultures, they form even smaller elementary particles or tubular units. How can blood be infected with such slow growing, heat and radio-resistant bacteria? The answer may lie in their phylogeny: alpha-2 subgroup has organisms from soil exposed to radiation and heat, that can penetrate into eukaryotic cells. Nanobacteria grow so slowly that they require a niche `cleaned' with heat, radiation or immunodefence. For survival they cloak themselves in apatite, a normal constituent of mammalian body. This may link nanobacteria to nannobacteria discovered from sedimentary rocks by Dr. Folk. Both have similar size, size variation, clustering and mineral deposits. They may resemble the probable ancient bacterial fossils in the Martian meteorite ALH84001.