Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iron requirement of the brown macroalgae Laminaria japonica, Undaria pinnatifida (Phaeophyta) and the crustose coralline alga Lithophyllum yessoense (Rhodophyta), and their competition in the northern Japan Sea

Abstract The iron uptake rates of the brown macroalga Laminaria japonica Areschoug and the coralline alga Lithophyllum yessoense Foslie were determined using 59Fe as a tracer. The uptake rates of Laminaria were saturated at a higher level of iron than Lithophyllum. Furthermore, the saturated uptake rate of Laminaria was approximately 50 times higher than that of Lithophyllum. The growth of Laminaria, the brown macroalga Undaria pinnatifidaHarvey (Suringar) and Lithophyllum was compared in iron-rich and iron-limited media. A medium enriched with iron promotes the growth of Laminaria and Undaria. In contrast, Lithophyllum grew even in an iron-limited medium <1 nM Fe). The iron concentration in coastal seawater collected from the Japan Sea, where rocks or rock beds are covered with coralline algae, is extremely low <2 nM Fe). This may explain why coralline algae (Lithophyllum) dominate, whereas growth of brown macroalgae is severely limited.
Efeitos de restos culturais de milho sobre o crescimento de plantas de cafeeiro (Coffea arabica L.)

Com esta pesquisa visou-se a testar o efeito de restos culturais da parte aerea de tres cultivares de milho sobre o crescimento de plântulas de cafeeiro, cv. Rubi, em condicoes de casa-de-vegetacao, na Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras - Minas Gerais. Os tratamentos foram constituidos de 0, 2, 4 e 8 t ha-1 de palhada de milho (cv. AG1051, C333 e C435), incorporada ou em cobertura, em vasos de 8 L de capacidade preenchidos com solo. Avaliaram-se a area foliar, altura e diâmetro de caule das plantas de cafe aos 60, 120 e 180 dias apos o plantio (DAP), o teor de clorofila aos 170 DAP e a biomassa seca de raizes aos 180 DAP. A palhada de milho incorporada ao solo causou reducao na area foliar, na altura e no diâmetro de caule ate os 60 DAP. A palhada da cultivar AG1051 ocasionou maiores efeitos negativos sobre o crescimento das plantas de cafeeiro, quando incorporada. O uso de palhada de milho em cobertura promoveu aumento de todas as caracteristicas estudadas, com excecao do teor de clorofila. A palhada da cultivar C435 em cobertura do solo foi a que mais estimulou o crescimento das plantas.
Two New Sesquiterpenoids from the Soft Coral Paralemnalia thyrsoides

Two new sesquiterpenoids, pathylactone A [1] and parathylone [2], were isolated from the soft coral Paralemnalia thyroides. Compound 1 is a rare norsesquiterpene with a γ-spitolactone moiety, and its absolute stereochemistry was assigned. Compound 2 is a nardosinane-type sesquiterpene with a unique C 8 -C 9 unsaturated functionality. Three previously reported sesquiterpenoids were also isolated from this source
Laboratory evaluation of plant-derived antifeedants against the pine weevil Hylobius abietis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

We assayed 12 plant-derived and 1 insect-produced allelochemicals-verbenone, borneol, bornyl acetate, carvone, cucurbitacin, myrcene, limonin, 4-allyanisole, α- pinene, β-pinene, limonene, and coumarin-for inhibition of feeding by the pine weevil Hylobius abietis L. Scots pine twigs were treated with these compounds dissolved in ethyl acetate solvent, and adult weevils were fed for 48 h on the twigs in both choice and no-choice assays. Coumarin, carvone, verbenone, and limonin were consistently inhibitory to feeding by both male and female H. abietis. Borneol and 4-allyanisole also demonstrated some activity as an antifeedant compound against H. abietis. The remainder of the compounds did not consistently inhibit weevil feeding. Sex of weevils or temperature in cold storage (10 or 5°C) did not consistently affect amount of bark feeding. A 48-h feeding period gave more distinct effects for active compounds than did a 24-h test.
Does political participation in adolescence promote knowledge acquisition and active citizenship?

Political education in school is aimed at preparing adolescents for their role as citizens, which comprises political participation as well as political knowledge. While it is generally agreed that basic knowledge about politics is a prerequisite to participation, the specific link between knowledge and participation is left unclear in normative theories of democracy and didactic approaches of political education. A study with 1324 German ninth graders tries to clarify the relationship between the two constructs. The findings show a positive effect from knowledge to the expressed willingness to participate in politics in the future. But against the expectations, already performed political participation does not increase knowledge about politics. Furthermore, girls and pupils with migration background show less knowledge and express less willingness to participate.
Combined effect of temperature and bleaching herbicides on photosynthesis, pigment and fatty acid composition of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Norflurazon (Nf) and fluridone (Fd) are phytoene desaturase inhibitor herbicides that are widely used for the control of grasses and invasive aquatic weeds, respectively. These herbicides enter aquatic environments where they can negatively affect non-target plant species (e.g. algae). Their toxicity towards algae may be modified by abiotic factors such as light intensity, temperature, pH and nutrients. Investigating the effect of low temperature on the toxicity of Nf and Fd is particularly important because both temperature and herbicides affect some of the same physiological process (e.g. carotenoid biosynthesis). Here we demonstrate that Nf reduced photosynthesis in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii more strongly at 15 than at 25ºC, while Fd showed stronger effects at 25 than at 15ºC. Neither herbicide significantly inhibited photosynthesis at 8ºC. Although the overall pigment content decreased with lower temperature, there was an increase in photo-protective carotenoids relative to chlorophylls at both 15 and 8ºC in the absence of herbicides. Moreover, most of the measured pigments decreased markedly in the presence of Nf and Fd at 15 and 25ºC, including β-carotene which fell to below detection limits. The fatty acid composition was modified by temperature and the level of unsaturation noticeably increased at 15 compared with 25ºC. At 8ºC, however, despite a 2.4 times decrease in fatty acid content, the unsaturation level was similar to 25ºC acclimated cells. Monounsaturated fatty acids increased concomitant with a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acid in the 2.5 µM Nf treatment at 25ºC. Differences in the effect of Nf and Fd on photosynthesis at 15 and 25ºC can be attributed to the marked decrease in carotenoids, which play an important role in photoprotection. At 8ºC, the apparent lack of inhibitory effects compared with control cultures could be due to enhanced photoprotection and/or decreased uptake of herbicides by the alga.
Variation in weight of migratory Dippers Cinclus cinclus in their Finnish winter quarters

Weight variation in the Dipper was studied during 9 winters in southwest Finland, where the species is a winter visitor. Males were heavier than females and adults heavier than first-year birds, while weight was independently correlated with wing length. Weights increased during the day, varied during the course of each winter, and differed between winters. The extra fat deposits apparently available at dawn in mid-winter were sufficient for 4–6 hour's survival, assuming normal diurnal activity, as is typical of passerines living in predictable environments in the temperate zone. These reserves would be sufficient for the search of a new wintering site within a range of c. 200 km if the place where the bird was living became unsuitable through freezing. In late February and early March expected survival times are at their shortest, especially in first-winter birds. Prior to spring migration, Dippers gain weight considerably. All sexes and ages, but particularly adult males, are potentially able to fly non.
Analysis of Market Outlet Choice by Smallholder Beef Cattle Farmers in Eswatini

Beef cattle marketing assumes a central position in the rural development discussion and economic growth in Eswatini. However, scantiness in empirical assessment on market outlet choice undercuts the establishment of pro-poor market systems for improved livelihoods. Therefore, this study sought to determine the drivers of beef cattle market outlet choice. The Snowball-purposive sampling technique was conducted to collect data, through personal interviews guided by a structured questionnaire, from a sample of 328 farmers. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression were used for data analysis. The results indicate that 51.83%, 42.38% and 5.79% of the farmers marketed through the processor-butcher, direct and feedlotter outlets, respectively. Education and exotic breeds were associated with the feedlotter outlet. Vectors of marketing and production-related factors are the main drivers of market outlet choice. Pasture availability revealed statistical significance at p < 0.01 , while off-farm employment and cooperative membership were significant at p < 0.05 . The proportions of cows and oxen in the herd were significant at p < 0.1 . The study recommends farmer-training and protection of pastures to advance selection of formal outlets. Cooperativism is a suggested mechanism for creating farmers’ bargaining power. A conducive market framework is required for the promotion of formal market outlets. Keywords: market outlet choice, beef cattle, multinomial logit model, Eswatini DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-8-03 Publication date: April 30 th 2020
Polyphyly of the Genus Dentaria (Brassicaceae): Evidence from trnL Intron and ndhF Sequence Data

Abstract Members of the traditional genus Dentaria (Brassicaceae) comprise about twenty species disjunctly distributed in three biogeographical areas: eastern North America, western North America, and Eurasia. The group has variously been treated as a distinct genus, as a subgenus of Cardamine, or as several sections within Cardamine. Using chloroplast DNA sequence data from the trnL intron and ndhF gene we examine the evolutionary relationships of traditional Dentaria species to Cardamine sensu stricto and the validity of Schulz's sectional treatment of Cardamine (including Dentaria). Sequence data were obtained from nine Dentaria species, representing all three disjunct biogeographical groups and two of Schulz's sections, and six other Cardamine species representing a range of morphological variation within the genus and three of Schulz's sections. Results from maximum parsimony analysis show multiple origins for Dentaria within Cardamine and do not correspond well to Schulz's sectional classification. Cardamine including Dentaria appears to form a monophyletic group with Nasturtium as its sister-group. We also find strong support for monophyly of the eastern North American species group previously placed in the genus Dentaria. Further, we find that C. clematitis and C. flagellifera, considered by some to be conspecific, are distinct and not closely related. Communicating Editor: James R. Manhart
Selection for Canalization of the Scute Phenotype. II.

This experiment was designed to show whether selection for progeny groups with low phenotypic variance could breed a population in which a variable character was converted into one with a very constant phenotype. The original population chosen was a homozygous scute stock of Drosophila melanogaster. Before selection the mean scutellar bristle number was approximately 2 in females and 1 in males with a standard deviation of 1 bristle. Fifty generations of selection for progeny groups with low variance of scutellar bristle number and a mean of 2 bristles resulted in a population approximately 95% of which had 2 bristles. Selection for progeny groups of low variance and selection for a mean of 2 bristles both contributed. Both forms of selection pressure reduced sensitivity of scutellar bristle number to temperature change. The distinction between the two selection pressures is discussed. If the phenotype, x, is related to the sum, m, of all influences working on a developmental process so that x = f(m), then selection for progeny groups with a low variance operates mostly through f and selection for a mean of 2 bristles mostly through the standard deviation of m. f and m are under multigenic control which responds to selection.
The Implications of Titanium Alloys Applied in Maxillofacial Osteosynthesis

Titanium alloys are known for their biological, mechanical and chemical properties, which have successfully expanded their use in the maxillofacial field. The internal fixation using titanium miniplates and screws offer a new perspective for the treatment of trauma and in orthognathic surgery and maxillofacial oncology. Although, titanium is highly recommended for its excellent biocompatibility, recent research has focused on identifying the potential local and general implications of the interactions between the human tissue and the metallic particles. This present review aims to outline the existing tissue changes, cellular alterations and future perspectives regarding the use of titanium-based alloys as osteosynthesis materials, taking into consideration the existing present debate whether the routinely removal of these materials should be an indication.
Amino acid sequence of phospholipase A2 from the pyloric ceca of starfish Asterina pectinifera

SUMMARY: The complete amino acid sequence of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from the pyloric ceca of the starfish Asterina pectinifera was determined by automated Edman degradation. The A. pectinifera PLA2 (APLA2) consists of 137 amino acids with an unblocked N-terminus and its molecular weight is calculated to be 15 300.1. The enzyme contains 14 cysteine (Cys) residues at the corresponding positions of the same residues which have been shown to be involved in intramolecular disulfide bonds in mammalian pancreatic PLA2. The region involving an active site and a Ca2+-binding loop shows fairly high sequence homology (75%) between the APLA2 and porcine pancreatic PLA2. The APLA2 conserved the amino acid sequence of the loop portion of the porcine pancreatic PLA2 except for the deletion of two amino acids. These features indicate that the APLA2 can be classified into the group 1 type PLA2. In contrast, the homology between the APLA2 and porcine pancreatic PLA2 was calculated to be 47% in the whole region. Further, the insertion of sixteen residues and the deletion of three residues were required in the sequence of the APLA2 to align the corresponding region to the β-wing of porcine pancreatic PLA2. These differences in amino acid sequence of the APLA2 may account for its specific properties such as the higher activity and the characteristic substrate specificity.
Cockroach (Periplaneta americana): Nutritional Value as Food and Feed For Man and Livestock

Aim: To ascertain scientifically by proximate analysis, the nutrient composition and mineral contents of the American cockroach Periplaneta americana. Study Design: Completely randomized sample design (CRD) was engaged in the study with 15 parameters replicated five (5) times, totaling seventy five experimental samples. The whole experiments were repeated in three trials. Place and Duration of Study: Postgraduate laboratory, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria between September 2019 and February 2020. Methodology: The nutrient composition and mineral profile of the cockroaches were ascertained using randomly selected cockroach sample while adopting standard procedures of AOAC, (1990, 2005). Statistical analysis and significant difference tested at alpha level p≤ 0.05 was done using Turkey HSD test for difference between mean while results were presented in tables. The software used was SPSS version 20. Results: The results for proximate analysis of nutrients found in P. americana are given as follows: moisture content: 12.42±1.6%, Crude ash: 3.52±0.8%, crude protein: 8.72±1.3%, crude fat: 17.64±1.9%, fibre: 21.28±2.1%, Carbohydrate (dry method): 87.56±4.2% and Carbohydrate (free nitrogen extract): 48.76±3.1%. Furthermore, P. americana was proven rich in both micro and Original Research Article Boate and Suotonye; AFSJ, 15(2): 37-46, 2020; Article no.AFSJ. 56507 38 macro minerals in very high to low concentrations such as:calcium (468.00±9.7mg/100g), magnesium (362.00±8.5mg/100g), iron (274.60±7.4mg/100g), potassium (242.5±7.0 mg/100g), phosphorus (128.76±5.1mg/100g), sodium (110.68±4.7mg/100g), manganese (12.63±1.6mg/ 100g), copper (7.54±1.2mg/100g) and zinc (4.74±1.0mg/100g). All results were calculated as mean percentages of five experimental evaluations. Conclusion: Cockroaches are omnivores and feed on rotten vegetables, waste products from industries such as brewer’s yeast, leftover bread, brewer’s spent grains and several other food materials, hence they are very well efficient at turning plant based feed into animal protein. This makes them efficient projectors for addressing the problem of shortage of animal proteins thereby fulfilling the food security goal of sustainable development.
Production of medium-chain-length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) from crude fatty acids mixture by Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract Microbial production of medium-chain-length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates), PHAMCL from crude fatty acids mixture was investigated. With ammonium as the growth limiting substrate, fatty acids mixture from saponified palm kernel oil (SPKO) supports good growth and PHAMCL production of Pseudomonas putida PGA1. Growth of this microorganism on ammonium exhibited substrate inhibition kinetics which can be described using Andrews model with the substrate inhibition constant, Ki = 1.2 g L−1. Concentration of SPKO in the aqueous medium should be at 10 g L−1 or less, as higher concentrations can significantly reduced the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa), biomass growth and PHAMCL production. Uptake of SPKO by the organism follows a zero-order kinetics, indicating a mass transfer limitation of the free fatty acids by the P. putida PGA1 cells. In batch and fed-batch fermentations, PHAMCL accumulation is encouraged under ammonium-limited condition with SPKO as the sole carbon and energy source. The amount of PHAMCL accumulated and its specific production rate, qPHA were influenced by the residual ammonium concentration level in the culture medium. It was observed that in both fermentation modes, when the residual ammonium becomes exhausted (
Modelling of Red Blood Cell Morphological and Deformability Changes during In-Vitro Storage

Storage lesion is a critical issue facing transfusion treatments, and it adversely affects the quality and viability of stored red blood cells (RBCs). RBC deformability is a key indicator of cell health. Deformability measurements of each RBC unit are a key challenge in transfusion medicine research and clinical haematology. In this paper, a numerical study, inspired from the previous research for RBC deformability and morphology predictions, is conducted for the first time, to investigate the deformability and morphology characteristics of RBCs undergoing storage lesion. This study investigates the evolution of the cell shape factor, elongation index and membrane spicule details, where applicable, of discocyte, echinocyte I, echinocyte II, echinocyte III and sphero-echinocyte morphologies during 42 days of in-vitro storage at 4 °C in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM). Computer simulations were performed to investigate the influence of storage lesion-induced membrane structural defects on cell deformability and its recoverability during optical tweezers stretching deformations. The predicted morphology and deformability indicate decreasing quality and viability of stored RBCs undergoing storage lesion. The loss of membrane structural integrity due to the storage lesion further degrades the cell deformability and recoverability during mechanical deformations. This numerical approach provides a potential framework to study the RBC deformation characteristics under varying pathophysiological conditions for better diagnostics and treatments.
Macrophyte diversity and composition in relation to substratum characteristics in regulated and unregulated Danish streams

1. The objective of the present study was to examine how the physical stream environment in regulated and unregulated lowland streams affects the diversity and distribution of macrophyte communities. We analysed the abundance, distribution and composition of macrophytes, together with physical parameters, in seven regulated and seven unregulated unshaded Danish stream reaches. 2. Total macrophyte coverage was similar in the regulated and unregulated streams, but species richness and Shannon diversity were higher in the unregulated streams. Overall, we found fifty-two different species in the regulated stream reaches and sixty-two in the unregulated stream reaches. The spatial distribution of macrophytes on the stream bottom was more heterogeneous in the unregulated streams. 3. We found positive correlations between the coverage and diversity of macrophytes and the coverage of coarse-textured substratum types on the stream bottom, as well as between macrophyte coverage and diversity and substratum heterogeneity. We also found that the macrophytes were more heterogeneously distributed where substratum heterogeneity was greater. 4. The species growing both submerged and emergent were more abundant in the regulated streams, whereas species growing only submerged were more abundant in the unregulated streams. Species growing submerged, species growing both submerged and emergent, and species only growing emergent segregated differently in a canonical correspondence analysis ordination. The submerged species were primarily associated with coarser-textured substrata, whereas species growing both submerged and emergent, and species growing only emergent were associated with finer-textured substrata. 5. The most abundant species in the regulated streams, Sparganium emersum, accounting for almost one-third of the total macrophyte coverage, was primarily associated with clay and sandy bottom substrata, whereas the most abundant species in the unregulated streams, Batrachium peltatum, was primarily associated with gravel and stony substrata.
Physiological performance of largemouth bass related to local adaptation and interstock hybridization: implications for conservation and management

Four genetically distinct stocks of age 2+ years largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides were produced using adults collected from two regions in the upper midwest (central Illinois, IL and south-eastern Wisconsin, WI, U.S.A.). Two pure stocks (IL x IL and WI x WI), as well as both of their reciprocal F 1 interstock hybrids (IL x WI and WI × IL) were produced in research ponds in Champaign, IL. In general, swimming performance, routine oxygen consumption and activity were highest at 18° C, intermediate at 12° C, and lowest at 6° C for all stocks. However, performance indicators varied among stocks at each of the temperatures. The pure Illinois stock (IL x IL) had the lowest activity: cost ratio at 18° C and the highest at 6° C (based upon swimming strength, routine activity rates and routine metabolic rates). The opposite pattern was observed for the other pure stock (WI × WI). Although differences were less distinct at lower temperatures, the two pure stocks (IL x IL and WI × WI) outperformed both interstock hybrids. These results indicate that not only do non-native stocks appear to have reduced performance relative to locally adapted stocks, but also that interstock hybrids exhibit performance impairments, not hybrid vigour.