Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloning and expression of mycobacterial plasmid DNA in Escherichia coli

We examined a small, 5.0-kb plasmid from Mycobacterium fortuitum, designated pAL5000. A restriction map of this plasmid was established. The complete sequence of pAL5000 was cloned in 3 different sites (BamHI, EcoRI, and EcoRV) of pBR322, and in the 3 possible orientations relative to the vector-derived sequence. The pBR322:: pAL5000 hybrids were used to transform the Escherichia coli mutant (minA, minB). Two of the hybrid plasmids (pAL15 and pAL51) coded for the same protein in the minicells, indicating that a sequence of mycobacterial plasmid DNA may function as a promotor recognised by the transcription-translation apparatus of E. coli.
GENETIC STRUCTURE, DIVERSITY, AND HISTORICAL DEMOGRAPHY OF NEW ZEALAND’S DUSKY DOLPHIN (LAGENORHYNCHUS OBSCURUS)

Abstract Although generally limited to coastal waters of South America, South Africa, and New Zealand, dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) show high potential for dispersal over large distances. In New Zealand, photographic identification data indicate a seasonal shift in residency of dolphins between Kaikoura and the Marlborough Sounds as well as changes in group size and behavior. The effect of this seasonal variation on the genetic structure of New Zealand’s dusky dolphins was examined by sequencing a 473–base pair fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region for 169 individuals from 4 regions along the New Zealand coast. A neighbor-joining phylogeny and an analysis of molecular variance did not support genetic subdivision among regions (ϕsr = −0.041, P = 0.13). However, nested-clade analysis demonstrated significant evidence for contiguous range expansion and fragmentation along the New Zealand coast. Seasonal movement patterns from Kaikoura to either Otago or the Marlborough Sounds and West Coast are presented as an alternative explanation of nested clade results. New Zealand–wide diversity indices and rate of substitution among sites were used to estimate effective female population size. Lineages-through-time analysis was used to test hypotheses of population growth. Structure of the neighbor-joining phylogeny, the nested haplotype network, and results of the lineages-through-time analysis suggest that the New Zealand dusky dolphin population underwent at least 1, if not 2, historical population expansions.
Impact of Smoking Status on Hospital Outcome of Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Either Treated by Pharmacy-invasive Strategy or Primary  Percutaneous Coronary Intervention .

Background: Smoking is a common public problem with a high health burden. Many studies have shown that there are many hazardous actions of smoking on body systems especially haemostatic, respiratory and circulatory systems.Smoking may increase the thrombus burden in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The ‘smoker’s paradox’ has been described for more than 25 years. Its existence and its effect on patients’ outcome post myocardial infarction are debatable. So we conducted our study to assess the impact of smoking status on outcome of STEMI patients and efficacy of pharmaco-invasive strategy in treating STEMI patients compared to PPCI. Methods: We conducted our prospective observational study in the Cardiology department from-August 2018 to August 2019 on patients who are presented by STEMI with the duration from onset of symptoms to first medical contact were 12 hours or less we included 199 patients in our study.Patients are divided into 4 groups Group 1(Smokers treated by PPCI) Group 2 (Non-smokers treated by PPCI) Group 3 (Smoker treated by pharmaco-invasive strategy)Group 4 (Non-smoker treated by pharmaco-invasive strategy) TIMI flow before and after PCI, acute heart failure and death was assessed in each patient.Results:Smokers are younger than non-smokers and have fewer co-morbidities. Patients treated by primary PCI and pharmaco-invasive strategy either smokers and non-smokers there was no significant difference between the 4 groups in angiographic data and outcome except that smokers treated by pharmaco-invasive strategy had a lower incidence of TIMI flow III at diagnostic angiography before PCI with P value (0.047 ) Conclusion: There is no actual smokers paradox. Pharmaco-invasive strategy is a good option when a PPCI is not available. Finally, early transfer of smokers treated with a pharmaco-invasive strategy to a PCI capable hospital for early intervention may be recommended.
Osteologia comparada entre as espécies de peixes-rei Odontesthes Evermann & Kendall (Osteichthyes, Atherinopsidae) do sistema lagunar Patos-Mirim, no extremo sul do Brasil

An osteological comparison of seven species of silversides that occur from the Patos-Mirim lagoons systems is presented and discussed. Five species inhabit freshwater environments, Odontesthes bonariensis (Valenciennes, 1835), O. humensis De Buen, 1953, O. retropinnis (De Buen, 1953), O. perugiae Evermann & Kendall, 1906, and O. mirinensis Bemvenuti, 1995. The other species, O. incisa (Jenyns, 1842) and O. argentinensis (Valenciennes, 1835), inhabit in coastal and brackish waters.
Presence of the amphibian chytrid pathogen confirmed in Cameroon

A fungal pathogen of amphibians, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), was detected in contemporary amphibian populations in the lowlands of the Congo Basin, Cameroon. The proportion of infection was low (1.4%; 1/70), and no clinical symptoms were observed. At a distant mountain site the survey failed to detect Bd. Given the likely origin of Bd on the African continent, the low prevalence and infection intensity could provide evidence for host-pathogen coevolution resulting in a partial resistance. Considering the suitable climate for Bd and the rich amphibian fauna, we suggest that the Cameroonian highlands should be further monitored.
Interaction of Light Intensity and Controlledrelease Fertilization Rate on Growth and Flowering of Two New Guinea Impatiens Cultivars

, respectively, with no further increases, while shoot dry weight of plants grown with 73% shade increased as CRF rate increased to 24 lb/yard 3 and then decreased. Flower number of PBR plants grown in full sun, 55% shade, and 73% shade increased as CRF rate increased to 24 lb/yard 3 and then decreased. Flower number of PO plants grown in full sun increased as CRF rate increased to 28 lb/yard 3 and then decreased, while fl ower number of plants grown in 55% and 73% shade increased as CRF rate increased to 24 lb/yard 3 and then decreased.
Chlorophyll fluorescence, protein and chlorophyll content of three nerica rainfed rice varieties under varying irrigation regimes

Water deficit affects growth and development of rainfed rice leading to a considerable yield reduction or crop failure. Although the rice crop is susceptible to water deficit, there is a marked genotypic variation in protein and chlorophyll content in response to water deficit. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of water deficit on chlorophyll fluorescence, protein and chlorophyll content of three recently developed rainfed rice varieties that is, New Rice for Africa (NERICA coded as N2, N4 and N11) with a view of determining their tolerance levels to water d deficit. This study was carried out in the University Botanic Garden, Maseno during 2005- 2006. Plants were subjected to water deficit treatments in the green house and in the field in a factorial set up. The seeds of the three NERICA cultivars of rice were planted in 20 Litre PVC pots in the greenhouse and in the experimental plots in the field, arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with four treatments and four replications. The treatments included watering a litre of water once a day (control), Watering every 2, 4 and 6 days. The parameters measured included chlorophyll fluorescence, protein and chlorophyll content. The Water deficit had no significant effect on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The total chlorophyll and protein content declined with increasing water deficit. Results indicate that under moisture deficit conditions, there is no significant damage to the photosynthetic apparatus of the three rice varieties. NERICA 2 exhibited superior qualities indicating that it may perform well under water deficit conditions.
The effect of fire-related germination cues on the germination of a declining forest understorey species

Fire is an important component of most Australian terrestrial ecosystems and exerts a major influence on plant recruitment in these systems. Seeds of species from Australian heath, woodland and grassland systems have a diverse response to fire-related germination cues. Australian forests are also subject to fire events. However, for species of these forests, the diversity of germination responses to fire-related germination cues is poorly known. This study reports on the germination response of seed of Prostanthera askania Conn (Lamiaceae), a species restricted to eucalypt forests and eucalypt forest–rainforest boundaries. Smoke and heat shock negatively interact in relation to the germination level of P. askania seed. Thus, in this study, smoke elevated the germination level of P. askania seed only in the absence of applied heat treatments. P. askania seed also displayed high levels of dormancy, but unlike some related species, smoke effected a partial dormancy break. These results suggest that low-intensity fire may be optimal for the germination of this species. This is supported by an observed germination response of this species to a low-intensity fire and low-intensity fire may be a common feature of species of rainforest–eucalypt forest boundaries. However, other species in these systems have germination levels maximised by cues associated with high-intensity fire. Shifts in rainforest boundaries, reported effects of weed invasion on fire intensity in rainforests and the reported decline of species as a result of increased fire intensity suggest that P. askania may have been disadvantaged by a range of habitat changes associated with fire regimes since European settlement.
EFFECT OF LIGNOSULFONATE ON RUMEN MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF SOYBEAN MEAL PROTEIN IN CONTINUOUS CULTURE

Degradation of protein by rumen microbes maintained in continuous culture was reduced when soybean meal was pelleted with calcium lignosulfonate. Ammonia nitrogen concentration in fermenter effluent decreased with lignosulfonate treatment which was consistent with an observed decrease in true organic matter digestion, volatile fatty acid production and cellulose digestion. The use of protected protein in diets fed to cattle with high protein requirements improves the amino acid supply to the animal and concurrently decreases excessive ammonia production, thereby reducing stress on liver metabolism. Since soybean meal (SBM) is a high-quality protein which is extensively degraded in the rumen (Santos et al. 1984), various methods have been studied for achieving decreased ruminal degradation of SBM protein. These include physical or chemical processes such as heat treatment or formaldehyde treatment. The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of pelleting SBM with calcium lignosulfonate (CL) on rumen microbial degradation of protein, bacterial protein synthesis, volatile fatty acid production and fiber digestion. The continuous culture system used in this experiment was a modification of the apparatus described by Hoover et al. (1976). This system has a dual effluent removal system designed to simulate the differential flows for liquid and solids found in the rumen. Liquid dilution rate and solids dilution rate were maintained at 0.10 h ' and 0.05 h ', respectively, while culture pH was 6.3 -f 0.05. The infusion buffer was that of Weller and Pilgrim (1974), with urea omitted. Eight fermenter flasks (1030-mL capacity) were used to determine the effects of calcium lignosulfonate on nitrogen utilization by rumen microbes . The ingredient composition of the four experimental diets is presented in Table 1. Diets were fed at a rate of 100 g DM/day and contained 18 . 87o crude protein (DM basis), with SBM supplying approximately 58Va of the total. Soybean
Lauterer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), Oenopia conglobata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Psyllaephagus pistaciae Ferrière (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

The common pistachio psyllid Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is one of the most important pests of pistachio trees. The effect of three concentrations of Palizin (eucalyptus © 50 Mospilan, had more mortality than Palizin on all stages of the two above natural enemies. Howvere, Palizin had low mortality on above stage of PW and CP. The results have shown that Palizin had a slightly harmful effect on the adult of PW while having a harmless effect on other stages, which is cconsistent with IOBC categories, the standard for the effects of pesticides on natural enemies.
New chromosome counts in New Zealand species of Plantago (Plantaginaceae)

Abstract Polyploidy is common in the widespread genus Plantago, and might be especially important in the evolutionary history of native New Zealand species of the genus. To further understanding of native New Zealand Plantago, mitotic and meiotic chromosome counts are reported from 58 individuals representing most native species and subspecies, and one introduced species, complementing previous studies by extending the number of individuals and the geographic range of taxa counted. Previous counts were confirmed for most Plantago lanigera (2n = 2x = 12), all P. raoulii, P. spathulata subsp. spathulata, P. spathulata subsp. picta, P. triandra subsp. triandra and P. triandra subsp. masoniae (2n=8x=48), most P. unibracteata (2n=10x=60), and all P. sp. ‘Sylvester’ (2n=16x=96). Novel counts include 2n=12x=72 for four individuals identified as P. unibracteata, and 2n=48 for four individuals from Sugarloaf Pass, South Island, referred to here as P. aff. spathulata. One of the eight naturalized species, P. major, was diploid with 2n=12. These results, together with other studies, suggest that all native New Zealand Plantago have a base chromosome number of x=6 and most polyploids are allopolyploids.
Effect of citric acid as feed additive in swine starter diet

Swine producers use feed additives because of most of the studies demonstrated their ability to increase growth rate, improve feed utilization, and reduce mortality and morbidity in weaned pigs. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of organic acid (Citric acid) as feed additive in swine starter diet. One group of Large White Yorkshire piglets were fed with swine starter feed supplemented with 2% citric acid and the other group was kept as control. The E. coli count was found to reduce from 88×1010±4.301 cfu/ml during first week to 4.78×106±0.575 cfu/ml by 28 days of weaning in the citric acid fed group with nomortality due to piglet scour. Hence it was concluded that citric acid supplementation to starter diet in piglets before weaning had a positive effect in reducing the E.colicount with improved weight gain and reduced mortality.
Effects of Depth of Fertilizer Placement on Wheat Grown under Three Water Regimes

Wheat was grown in reconstructed profiles of a sandy red-brown earth in pots 120 cm deep. Ammonium sulphate (40 mg nitrogen per pot) and/or monocalcium phosphate (75 mg phosphorus per pot) were placed either in the topsoil at 5 cm depth or in the subsoil at 25 cm. When the wheat reached ear emergence, water treatments were introduced to provide (a) dry topsoil and water shortage; (b) dry topsoil but ample water supply in the subsoil; or (c) an ample water supply with both topsoil and subsoil wet. The yield and concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wheat and the distribution of roots in the soil were measured at maturity. Water use by the plants was calculated. Drying of the topsoil decreased grain yield and uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus by the wheat, but the effects were small compared with those of water shortage per se. Placement of nitrogen and phosphorus at 25 cm produced higher grain yields than placement at 5 cm. There was no interaction between placement depth and the water treatments: this indicated that reduced availability of nutrients because of dry topsoil after ear emergence was not a major factor limiting yield. The fertilizer treatments affected the distribution of roots more than total root length. Root growth increased at the site of placement where nitrogen and phosphorus, and to a lesser extent nitrogen alone, were applied in the subsoil; there was little effect in other parts of the profile. Efficiency of water use was increased by the application of nitrogen.
A THERMOGRADIENT BAR APPARATUS FOR THE STUDY OF THE GERMINATION REQUIREMENTS OF BURIED SEEDS IN SITU

Summary An apparatus is described which enables a layer of soil, containing naturally-buried seeds, to be subjected to controlled temperature fluctuations over the range 5 to 30 °C, in the presence or absence of light. Results obtained from the use of this apparatus are presented for 14 species, all common constituents of the buried seed bank and nearly all weeds of arable land or pasture. At least partial inhibition of germination by darkness was found in all 14 species and stimulation of germination by temperature fluctuations in all but one. In some cases germination was inhibited by very large fluctuations. There was some evidence that a requirement for temperature fluctuations may be induced by burial. The ecological significance of the results and the limitations of the thermogradient apparatus are discussed and some further applications of the apparatus are suggested.
INFLUENCE OF ENZYMES ON THE TEXTURE OF BROWN PAN BREAD

Enzymes are commonly used to improve the textural quality of bread and to extend its shelf life. To study the effect of enzymes on the texture of brown pan bread, four types of bread were industrially manufactured using amylase, xylanase, a mixture of amylase : xylanase (1:1) and control (no enzyme). After baking, the bread samples were stored for 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 15 and 17 days. At each storage time, bread texture was evaluated by sensory and instrumental methods, and the overall acceptability was determined. Instrumental and sensory texture data showed that the addition of amylase or amylase : xylanase decreased the staling rate of breads. Furthermore, the use of a mixture of amylase and xylanase provided better results than the addition of amylase alone. Therefore, the results suggest that the addition of a mixture of amylase and xylanase is recommended to extend the shelf life of brown pan bread. On the other hand, the addition of xylanase resulted in an increase of the staling rate. The results suggest that when xylanase is used to improve dough machinability, the addition of amylase along with it should be considered in order to prevent an increase of staling rate.
Grain yield reductions in spring barley due to barley yellow dwarf virus and aphid feeding

The occurrence and control of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in spring barley was investigated, at Oak Park, in the periods 1990 to 1993 and 1996 to 2001. Barley was sown in March and April and treated with either organophosphorous or pyrethroid aphicide at various plant growth stages. The most common aphid encountered was Sitobion avenae and MAV the most common strain of BYDV. In untreated plots of March- and April-sown barley, 0.85% and 5.9%, respectively, of tillers had virus symptoms. Best control of symptoms, from a single aphicide in March- and April-sown crops, was a treatment at growth stage (g.s.) 14. This treatment contributed 77% of the reduction in symptoms recorded for multiple treatments in April-sown plots. The reduction in grain yield due to high, moderate and low BYDV infection in April-sown barley was 1.1 t/ha (20%), 0.65 t/ha (10%) and 0.36 t/ha (7%), respectively. In Marchsown barley, pyrethroid aphicide applied at g.s. 14 significantly improved grain yield by 0.26 t/ha (4%). In the season having the most severe BYDV outbreak, a pyrethroid aphicide at g.s. 14 was best in controlling yield loss. Pyrethroid aphicide gave better control of symptoms and better yields than organophosphorous aphicide. The estimated yield reductions in untreated April-sown barley due to feeding damage by Sitobion avenae was 0.71 t/ha and 0.83 t/ha (10.6% and 11.3%) in the two seasons in which this aphid was plentiful. In the three seasons in which Metopolophium dirhodum was recorded the estimated yield reductions were 0.32 t/ha, 0.48 t/ha and 0.43 t/ha (5.2%, 5.6% and 5.7%).
Mechanism of Inhibition of Human Cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1 by Piceatannol

Abstract − The resveratrol analogue piceatannol (3,5,3',4'-tetrahydroxy- trans-stilbene ) is a polyphenol present ingrapes and wine and reported to have anti-carcinogenic activities. To investigate the mechanism of anticarcino-genic activities of piceatannol, the effects on CYP 1 enzymes were determined in Escherichia coli membranes co-expressing recombinant human CYP1A1, CYP1A2 or CYP1B1 with human NADPH-P450 reductase. Piceatan-nol showed a strong inhibition of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in a concentration-dependent manner, and IC 50 of humanCYP1A1 and CYP1B1 was 5.8 µM and 16.6 µM, respectively. However, piceatannol did not inhibit CYP1A2 activ-ity in the concentration of up to 100 µM. Piceatannol exhibited 3-fold selectivity for CYP1B1 over CYP1A1. Themode of inhibition of piceatannol was non-competitive for CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. The result that piceatannol didnot inhibit CYP1B1-mediated α-naphthoflavone (α-NF) metabolism suggests piceatannol may act as a non-com-petitive inhibitor as well. In human prostate carcinoma PC-3 cells, piceatannol induces apoptosis and prevents Akt-mediated signal pathway. Taken together, abilities of piceatannol to induce apoptotic cell death as well as CYP1enzyme inhibition make this compound a useful tool for cancer chemoprevention.
Dry season diets and habitat use of sympatric Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ) and greater one-horned rhinoceros ( Rhinocerus unicornis ) in Nepal

Dry season diets and habitat use of increasing populations of Asian elephants Elephas maximus and greater onehorned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in the Babai Valley of Royal Bardia National Park, Nepal, are described, and an assessment is made of the potential for competition between them. The diets, analysed by microhistology, were different, with a similarity index of 37.5%, and with different grass/browse proportions: the rhino diet consisted of 63% grass and 28% browse; that of elephants was 24% grass and 65% browse. A tallgrass floodplain grass, Saccharum spontaneum, was the plant most eaten by rhinos, whereas elephants consumed a large proportion of bark of Bombax ceiba and Acacia catechu, as well as several browse species not eaten by rhino. The habitat use of elephants was determined by dung-counts within 30 km of 20-m wide belt transects, while that of rhino was taken from an earlier study. Elephants used a wider range of habitats than rhino, but two types, the tallgrass floodplain and khair–sissoo forest, were preferred by both species simultaneously. While elephants used the abundant sal forest extensively, rhino strongly avoided this habitat. Densities of both species were low at the time of study (< 0.5 animals/km 2 ), but their numbers are expected to increase markedly in coming years. Because available habitats for expansion are limited, this may lead to competition. Rhino might then become the weaker species, as elephants are more flexible in their ranging and foraging activities. The tallgrass floodplain habitat and its important forage grass S. spontaneum may then become the critical resources.