Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DARK FIXATION OF C14-BICARBONATE BY MARINE ALGAE

The ability of several multicellular marine algae to remove NaHC14O3 from seawater in darkness has been compared. Members of the Phaeophyta removed approximately four to eight times more isotope than did members of the Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta examined. After 2 minutes of dark fixation, aspartic and glutamic acids were the main compounds identified in both Fucus vesiculosus and Polysiphonia lanosa. Radioactivity appeared largely in citric plus isocitric acids in Fucus, whereas radioactive organic acids were not detected in Polysiphonia even after 30 minutes. Fractionation of F. vesiculosus after 2 hours of dark fixation showed that 95% of the total radioactivity recovered occurred in the fraction soluble in 70% acetone.Twenty-four hours of darkness immediately prior to a 2-hour dark fixation period reduced the total radioactivity incorporated to almost one-half of the control values. Either artificial seawater (one-fifth natural salinity) or a medium in which NaCl was substituted by KCl had little effec.
Effects of CO2 enrichment on growth of Liquidambarstyraciflua and Pinustaeda seedlings under different irradiance levels

Mathematical growth analysis techniques were used to assess the effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide enrichment on growth and biomass partitioning of Liquidambarstyraciflua L. (sweetgum) and Pinustaeda L. (loblolly pine) seedlings. Plants were grown from seed under high (1000 μmol•m−2•s−1) and low (250 μmol•m−2•s−1) photosynthetic photon flux density at CO2 concentrations of 350, 675, and 1000 μL•L−1 for 84 or 112–113 days. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration significantly increased height, leaf area, basal stem diameter, and total dry weight of sweetgum seedlings grown under high irradiance and to a lesser extent under low irradiance. Increases in dry matter accumulation were associated with early CO2 enhancement of net assimilation rate, but increases in amount of leaf surface area contributed more towards maintenance of larger size as seedlings aged. For sweetgum seedlings in particular, reduction of growth by low irradiance under normal atmospheric CO2 was compensated for by growing plants with el.
Effects of Vermi-compost and Two Bacterial Bio-fertilizers on some Quality Parameters of Petunia

The present research was conducted to study the effect of vermi-compost and two bio-fertilizer applications on growth, yield and quality of petunia (Petunia hybrida). The experiment laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications and 9 treatment combinations composing of vermi-compost, bio-fertilizers and NPK fertilizer. The treatment receiving Azospirillum sp. + Phosphate solubilizing bacterium + Vermicompost + NPK (25% of recommended dose) recorded the highest plant height, number of branches, plant spread, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation and yield attributes such as number of flowers per plant, number of flowers per plot, flower yield/plant, flower yield/plot. The early flower bud initiation, 50 percent flowering and more flowering duration was achieved in the treatment receiving Azospirillum sp. + Phosphate solubilizing bacterium + Vermicompost + NPK (25% of recommended dose). Application of Azospirillum sp. + Phosphate solubilizing bacterium + Vermicompost + NPK (25% of recommended dose) registered significantly higher quality parameters such as flower diameter.
The Antimicrobial Potential and Phytochemical Composition of Aristolochia ringens Vahl.

Aristolochia ringens , a plant called Ako-igun in Yoruba, is widely distributed in southwestern Nigeria. Traditionally, it is used for the treatment of cancerous sore, lung inflammation, dysentery and dermatitis. The antimicrobial activity of A. ringens was tested on six pathogenic bacteria viz., Shigella sonnei, Salmonella typhii, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis and five fungi viz., Fusarium sp , Sporotrichum sp , Pichia sp, Penicillium camemberti and Aspergillus niger . Extracts from powdered stem and root barks of A. ringens were prepared using sterile water, ethanol, petroleum ether and acetone. The extracts were tested on each of the pathogens for their antimicrobial properties. The stem and the root barks were also screened for presence of secondary metabolites following standard procedures.The aqueous extracts of the stem and the root barks were not effective against all the bacteria and fungi tested except Shigella sonnei with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 40mg/ml. Petroleum ether extracts of the stem and root barks were equally not active against all the bacteria isolates used but the root bark extracts reacted effectively against the fungal isolates, showing good potency at 40mg/ml. Ethanol extract of the stem bark was very potent against all the bacteria isolates at MIC of 33.3mg/ml except Shigella sonnei while the root bark ethanol extract only showed little effectiveness against the fungi. A similar result was obtained when acetone was used as solvent of extraction. Comparatively, ethanol and acetone stem and root bark extracts were less potent on the fungi isolates than the petroleum ether extract. The plant parts studied showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides.Thus, the root and stem bark extracts from Aristolochia ringens may be broad based in their antimicrobial activities. The extracts, if purified and crystallized, may serve as alternatives to antimicrobial drugs. Keywords: Aristolochia ringens , Microorganisms, Ethnomedicine, Phytochemicals, Plant extracts
Size-Limited Predation, Winterkill, and the Organization of Umbra–Perca Fish Assemblages

We compared population densities and size structures of central mudminnows (Umbra limi) occurring with and without yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in six small lakes in northern Wisconsin over a 6-yr period. Our observations suggested that a size-dependent predator–prey interaction was a major mechanism organizing these assemblages. Densities of mudminnows cooccurring with perch averaged 12% of populations in mudminnow-only lakes. Large mudminnows (≥76 mm total length) predominated in populations with perch whereas smaller fish predominated in single-species assemblages. Following severe winterkills of adult perch in two lakes, mudminnow densities increased significantly due to high survival and recruitment of yearlings. Increases in small mudminnows lasted only a year: densities and size distributions returned to prewinterkill patterns when perch that had survived winterkill attained lengths >13 cm. To examine the role of size-limited predation, we performed an experiment in 2000-L tanks, varying the ini.
Host tissue identification for cryptic hymenopteran parasitoids associated with Sirex noctilio

Establishing host–parasitoid relationships is challenging for cryptic insects feeding deep in the xylem tissue of trees. Sirex noctilio is a xylophagous feeder and recent invader of North America that co‐occurs in pines (Pinus) with a native siricid (Sirex nigricornis) and a suite of shared hymenopteran parasitoids. This insect has a long history as a destructive pest in Southern Hemisphere pine plantations. To establish explicit trophic linkages between native hymenopteran parasitoids and two species of woodwasp (Sirex) in North America, a polymerase chain reaction assay was developed to amplify mitochondrial DNA that was restriction digested with the aim of identifying species. The assay was used to identify species of Sirex from cadavers and gut contents from different parasitoid stages with the aim of establishing host–parasitoid relationships. The host woodwasp species was identified successfully from parasitoid gut contents collected from larvae, pupae and adults. Across all parasitoid life stages, woodwasp host was identified in 52.9% of ibaliid parasitoids and 78.5% of rhyssine parasitoids. Host was successfully identified from 88.1% of associated siricid cadavers. These results demonstrate the utility of molecular techniques to verify host–parasitoid associations that previously had only been inferred. Development of molecular tools is a rapid and crucial tool for establishing trophic linkages and is particularly useful in situations involving non‐native species with cryptic lifestyles.
Analysis of the interactions between two molecules that are required for the expression of Ly-2 suppressor cell activity. Three different types of focusing events may be needed to deliver the suppressive signal

We described a T suppressor factor made by an I-J- Ly-2 T cell (Ly-2 TsF) that expresses biological activity only when its acceptor cell shares H-2-linked polymorphic genes with the cells that made the Ly-2 TsF (or when the producer cell had differentiated in a thymic environment where the gene products of the acceptor cell were expressed). The Ly-2 TsF requires the presence of I-J+ Ly-1 cells in the assay culture to express its suppressive activity, although removal of the I-J+ Ly-1 cells in the assay cultures with an I-J+ soluble factor derived from them. This I-J+ molecule not only fails to bind antigen but is also antigen nonspecific in that it can come from Ly-1 cells making factors of irrelevant specificities. For the I-J+ molecule to replace the activity of the I-J+ Ly-1 cell in the assay population, in restoring suppressive function in cultures depleted of I-J+ Ly-1 cells, it must share genetic polymorphisms linked to the I-J subregion with the Ly-2 TsF and genetic polymorphisms linked to Igh-V with the target cell. These results indicate that an I-J+ antigen-nonspecific molecule combines with an antigen-specific Ly-2 TsF via an I-J- anti-I- J "type" of interaction. The resultant molecular complex is focused on a cell surface receptor of the acceptor cell. This focusing event is controlled by the antigen-nonspecific I-J+ molecule, and the precise interaction with the receptor on the acceptor cell is controlled by Igh- V-linked polymorphic gene products. The antigenic specificity of the interaction is controlled by a receptor for antigen on the I-J- component of the complex. Thus, three focusing events are required for Ly-2 TsF to express biologic activity: (a) the Ly-2 TsF must be focused on an acceptor cell that has the same antigenic specificity (most likely via an antigen bridge); (b) it must also be focused onto an I-J+ antigen-nonspecific molecule that we refer to as a "schlepper" molecule (most likely via an I-J anti-I-J bridge); and (c) the schlepper molecule must focus the molecular complex on an Igh-V-controlled receptor on the antigen-specific target cell.
FACTORS AFFECTING LIPASE PRODUCTION BY PENICILLIUM CHRYSOGENUM

Factors affecting growth and lipase production by Penicillium chrysogenum were studied. The optimum conditions for lipase production by the mold were 30°C at pH 6.0. In shake cultures, lipase production was enhanced by 70%. Amongst several carbohydrates that were examined, maximum lipase production occurred in medium containing glucose, followed by maltose, mannitol, galactose, sucrose, lactose and fructose in the decreasing order. Out of different nitrogen sources peptone proved most stimulatory.
Sexual selection on locomotor performance in the calanoid copepod Tigriopus californicus

Background: A close association between locomotor performance, sexual selection, and fitness has been shown in many species, indicating that reproductive success depends on a complex interaction between locomotor efficiency and mating. Frequently, this interaction produces trade-offs between traits or sexes. Aims: First, determine whether fitness (fecundity) maximization is traded off with locomotor performance in the context of mating and morphology in Tigriopus californicus, a small swimming crustacean. Second, identify if differences occur using different fitness surrogates (egg and offspring production). Methods: In 110 males and females, we measured egg and offspring production per female, and a suite of attributes: swimming speed, body size (total length), and body elongation (body length/width). We computed trait repeatability of swimming speed and fitness surfaces using cubic splines and selected the best model using stepwise and AIC criteria. Results: We found contrasting results using egg production versus offspring production as a fitness surrogate. Using egg production, the only target of selection was female size and subtle effects such as stabilizing and correlated selection were detected later, after measuring offspring production. Directional selection suggested that larger and faster males are more efficient in capturing females. Correlational selection between morphological attributes suggested that selection promotes opposite values of elongation and body size in females, and synergic combinations of elongation and body size in males. Conclusions: Egg fecundity as a fitness surrogate could be misleading, as many effects could appear in a later life stage. Sexual selection on locomotor (swimming) performance appears to be important in copepods, because the criterion of fitness maximization differs in males and females. Correlational selection on morphological attributes also differed between sexes and between attributes (within sexes), suggesting several trade-offs.
Index for mastitis resistance and use of BHBA for evaluation of health traits in Canadian Holsteins.

A routine genetic evaluation for mastitis resistance will be officially implemented in Canada in August 2014 for Holstein, Ayrshire and Jersey breeds. The model is a multiple-trait linear animal model including mastitis, average SCS in early lactation, standard deviation of SCS, excessive test-day SCC, fore udder attachment, udder depth and body condition score. Genetic evaluations for clinical mastitis in first lactation as well as in second and later lactations are calculated and expressed as relative breeding values with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 5, where higher values are desirable. An index for Mastitis Resistance was developed that includes both the two clinical mastitis traits and the official SCS evaluation, with equal weights. Hyperketonemia or ketosis is one of the most frequent diseases in dairy cattle and the level of milk s-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) is an indicator of subclinical ketosis. Heritability estimates for milk BHBA in Canadian Holstein cows were between 0.13 and 0.29. Higher milk BHBA in early lactation was genetically associated with a higher frequency of clinical ketosis and displaced abomasum. Milk BHBA can be routinely analyzed in milk samples at test-days, and, therefore, provides a potential alternative for breeding cows with a lower susceptibility to hyperketonemia.
Relationships among population levels of Pseudomonas syringae, amount of ice nuclei, and incidence of blast of dormant flower buds in commercial pear orchards in Catalunya, Spain

Flower bud necrosis of commercial pear trees during winter dormancy is the most destructive phase of bacterial blast of pear caused by Pseudomonas syringae in the fruit tree-growing area of Catalunya, Spain. Forty percent of strains of P. syringae isolated from buds were ice nucleation active (INA) and 70% were phytopathogenic to pear. Thirty-nine percent were both INA and phytopathogenic. They were capable of developing blast of dormant buds in the absence of cold depending on the inoculum dose. However, cold temperatures increased disease incidence in inoculated flower buds from cut branches forced to bloom (.)
Chloroplast DNA phylogeography of Primula ovalifolia in central and adjacent southwestern China: Past gradual expansion and geographical isolation

Abstract To investigate the mechanisms responsible for the high diversity in central and adjacent southwestern China, we inferred the phylogeographic history of Primula ovalifolia from chloroplast DNA data. One hundred and thirty five individuals from 13 natural populations (including one Primula tardiflora population) were analyzed. A total of 23 haplotypes were identified. Most of them were exclusive to a single population. Strong phylogeography structure was detected, with NST (0.936) significantly higher than GST (0.784). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all haplotypes were clustered into three lineages (clades I, II, and III). High genetic diversity was revealed, possibly due to the interglacial contraction and glacial expansion. The three identified lineages may have undergone different historical processes after the mid‐Pleistocene, due to their early divergent time. Multiple refugia were inferred for the three lineages. Pleistocene climatic oscillations, combined with the complex local topography, were responsible for the strong phylogeographic pattern of P. ovalifolia. Our analysis supports the hypothesis that the central and adjacent southwestern region of China was an important refugium for the survival, persistence, and further speciation of most East Asia flora, which has led to high species diversity in this region.
Factors Influencing Wheat, Flour, and Bread Waste in Iran

Abstract Currently, 841 million people in the world remain hungry and malnourished and 700 million people live in 42 so called Highly Indebted Countries. Millions of tons of farm products go to waste during the cultivation, harvesting, processing, and consumption processes around the world, and still too much pressure is put on resources to produce more agricultural products. This study was designed and conducted in 2003–2004 to identify and describe factors affecting the basic 4 million tons of wheat and wheat products wasted per year in Iran. Although the research has centered on Iran, the issues can also be applied to most of the developing countries. Qualitative descriptive research was used to investigate the literature in wheat, flour, and bread waste and identify factors that influenced these wastes. A quasi-experimental research design was also utilized to determine the relationship between the impacting factors as the independent variable and waste as the dependent variable. The sample population of the study included wheat growers, millers, bakers, and consumers in four major provinces in Iran. In reviewing the related research and literature, it was found that technologically, there are factors influencing waste in wheat, flour, and bread. These factors are classified in three different technological categories: hard, semi-soft, and soft technology. Interestingly, personal characteristics of the respondents including their educational needs, especially among wheat producers, were the major factors influencing wheat, flour, and bread waste in this study. By applying the recommendations in this study, Iran can manage its waste in wheat, flour, and bread considerably and ensure self-sufficiency, save resources, reduce the unemployment rate, and most importantly, guarantee food safety, and security for the whole nation.
Increases in Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] Tissue Pigments during Post-application Recovery from Mesotrione

Mesotrione {2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-2-nitrobensoyl]-1,3-cyclohexanedione} is a herbicide that indirectly inhibits phytoene desaturase in plant tissues, the first step in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. The predominant symptom of mesotrione activity is tissue whitening with subsequent plant necrosis. In the current study, 'Riviera' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ] was treated with mesotrione at 0.28 kg·ha ―1 or untreated and sampled for tissue pigment concentrations at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after treatment (DAT). Visual tissue whitening in mesotrione-treated plants reached a maximum of 38% by 14 DAT; however, regreening of discolored tissue was observed by 21 DAT. Phytoene was only detected in mesotrione-treated plants at 3, 7, and 14 DAT. Pigments in treated plants decreased with initial tissue whitening; however, most recovered to untreated levels by 21 DAT. At 35 DAT, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, lutein, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin in mesotrione-treated plants had accumulated to levels exceeding untreated control plants. Results demonstrate that although mesotrione initially decreases bermudagrass pigment concentrations, treatment with this herbicide eventually results in higher concentrations of chlorophylls and carotenoids.
Laboratory hybridization between the two clades of Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

We conducted mating experiments between two clades of the pea leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis, i.e., California Clade (CC) and South America Clade (SC). Development times from egg to pupa and egg to adult at 25°C of the two clades and the hybrid progeny were compared. In the interclade mating cross, adult hybrid progenies were obtained only from matings between CC females and SC males. The number of hybrid progeny was quite smaller than those from combinations of the same clade. Furthermore, no F2 progeny was obtained from matings between Fl hybrid progenies. CC progeny required more development times from egg to pupa and egg to adult at 25°C than SC and hybrid progeny. Our biological data indicated that the two clades of L. huidobrensis were different species, as indicated by their molecular characters in previous studies.
Enhanced Virulence Gene Activity of Agrobacterium in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) cv. ‘Birdie’

Muskmelon ( Cucumis melo L.) cultivar ‘Birdie’, was evaluated for its response to the tumorigenic Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the oncogenic A. rhizogenes strains. Stem and petiole of three week-old in vitro -grown muskmelon plants were inoculated with five strains of A. tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes each and observed phenotypic expressions i.e. induction of crown galls and hairy roots. This phenotypic expression was efficaciously increased when virulence gene activity of different strains of two Agrobacterium species was enhanced. Intensive studies on enhancement of virulence gene activity of Agrobacterium found to be correlated to the appropriate light intensity (39.3 μmol m -2 s -1 ) with a specific concentration of monocyclic phenolic compound, acetosyringone (20 μM). The gene activity was also influenced by several other physical factors e.g. plant tissue type, Agrobacterium species and their strains, and plant tissue- Agrobacterium interaction. Among the different A. tumefaciens strains, LBA4404 showed the best virulence gene activity in both stem and petiole through the formation of higher rate of crown galls. On the other hand, strain 15834 of A. rhizogenes showed better gene activity in stem and 8196 in petiole through the formation of higher rate of hairy roots as well as higher average number of hairy roots. Among the two different types of explants, petiole was more susceptible to both Agrobacterium species. Thus it was concluded that future muskmelon transformation study can efficiently be carried out with LBA4404, 15834 and 8196 strains using petiole explants by adding 20 μM of acetosyringone in the medium.