Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aspects of the Floral and Fruit Biology of Allanblackia stuhlmannii (Clusiaceae), an Endemic Tanzanian Tree

ABSTRACT Various economically important tropical tree species are not well known biologically. We studied the floral and fruit biology of Allariblackia stuhlmannii (Clusiaceae), a dioecious tree species endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya that has become the subject of recent interest by the food industry because of the edible oil that can be extracted from the seeds. We characterised qualitative and quantitative similarities and differences between male and female flowers, the flowering and fruiting phenology, and examined the relationship between fruit crop production and tree size, seeds per fruit, and seed number as a function of fruit mass. There was no significant difference in sugar concentration of nectar between male and female flowers, but male flowers contained significantly more nectar than female flowers. Male trees had larger flowering displays with a tendency for the population to mast profusely between January and March, which coincided with the peak fruiting period. The fruiting period was pronounced from January to March, which appeared to be preceded by a smaller peak in October. Fruit crop was strongly related to tree size, with mean seed number per fruit being 38. Seed quantity per fruit showed a trend to increase with fruit mass, but this relationship was not significant. General physical resemblance of female flowers to male flowers, the latter of which offer multiple floral cues to attract pollinators, suggests a pollination-by-deceit strategy. Our results provide important insights on the natural history of this tree species and carry implications for its future use.
Protection of cucumber against Pythium root rot by fluorescent pseudomonads: predominant role of induced resistance over siderophores and antibiosis.

Four Pseudomonas strains were evaluated for their intrinsic properties conferring their ability to protect long English cucumber against Pythium aphanidermatum in hydroponic culture. Two of the strains, BTP1 and its siderophore-negative mutant M3, increased plant yield as compared with the non-inoculated control plants. Strain BTP7 was intermediate in its biocontrol activity while strain ATCC 17400 failed to reduce disease development. The role of pyoverdines could not be confirmed since treatment with either BTP1 or its siderophore-negative mutant M3 provided similar suppression of Pythium disease. In addition, no siderophores were detected in the nutrient solution. BTP1 did not inhibit pathogen growth in vitro on several media, suggesting that antibiosis was not a mechanism of suppression. Quantification of root bacterial populations did not indicate differences among the strains. On the other hand, roots treated with either BTP1 or its sid− mutant M3 contained more antifungal phenolics than roots from any other treatments including controls. These results suggest that antifungal compounds induced by inoculation of cucumber roots with the fluorescent Pseudomonas strains BTP1 and M3 participate actively in the protection of cucumber plants against P. aphanidermatum
Catastrophic reduction of the oyster, Tiostrea chilensis (Bivalvia: Ostreidae), in Foveaux Strait, New Zealand, due to infestation by the protistan Bonamia sp.

Abstract Between 1985 and 1992, mortality due to infestation by the protistan Bonamia sp. severely reduced the numbers of the oyster, Tiostrea chilensis in Foveaux Strait, New Zealand. In 1990, two dredge surveys gave relative estimates, and a dive survey an absolute estimate, of the size of this oyster population; this allowed us to estimate dredge efficiency precisely. This estimate was used to re‐evaluate the dredge survey of 1975–76 and relate the size of the population in 1990 to that in 1975. By 1990 the population density had declined by 67% while a dredge survey in 1992 showed that the population density had declined by 91% from 1975. A dredge survey in 1993 showed that the population had increased slightly (but not significantly) over the 1992 level. By 1992 the population had probably been reduced below 10% of the virgin level. The fishery was closed in 1993 to allow the population to rebuild. The population surveys have followed stratified random and grid pattern sampling designs and the merits.
In- vitro regeneration of an important medicinal plant Centella asiatica L. Urban

An in vitro multiple shoot regeneration protocol has been developed for Centella asiatica L. Urban from the nodal and shoot tips explants using MS medium with different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators. Multiple shoot regeneration was observed from both the explants on MS containing either BAP alone or in combination with IAA, NAA and Kn. Of the two explants, nodal segment showed comparatively better response towards multiple shoot regeneration. Maximum multiple shoots were found on MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.4 mg/L NAA. For root induction, well-developed shoots were excised and cultured on both MS and half strength of MS with various concentrations of IBA, IAA and NAA. Profuse healthy rooting was obtained on MS medium containing 0.2 mg/L IBA. The well rooted plantlets were successfully transplanted to the garden soil and their survival rate under natural condition was 90-95 %. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3. 13058 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3) , 269-272, 2012
Social Comparison and Women's Body Satisfaction

Exposure to pictures of thin-ideal female members of the media has been shown to reduce body satisfaction in women, which in turn has been implicated in various eating disorders. This experiment was designed principally to determine how social comparisons with peers affect general self-esteem, body satisfaction, confidence, and anxiety. In a "dating game" scenario, female undergraduates (N = 67) were randomly assigned to a thin-peer, oversize-peer, or control (no-photo) condition. Through computer manipulation, photos depicted the same woman's face with either a thin or oversize body shape. Results indicated comparison condition did not affect general self-esteem. However, exposure to the thin peer did reduce body satisfaction and confidence and, for those without a boyfriend, raised anxiety. Exposure to an oversize peer produced no compensatory, elevating effects on body satisfaction and confidence. Such an asymmetric comparison effect may contribute to the high prevalence of body dissatisfaction reported among women.
A comparative study of Ondansetron and Palonosetron in the control of cisplatin induced emesis

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most undesirable treatment-related side effects among cancer patients. The antiemetic class of drugs which are very effective for the prevention and treatment of CINV is Selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptor antagonists. This randomized study compared the efficacy and safety of a single, intravenous dose of Palonosetron with daily intravenous doses of Ondansetron in the prevention of acute and delayed CINV in patients receiving highly emetogenic multiple-day cisplatin therapy in the Department of Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tertiary care hospital, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. Patients treated with Palonosetron exhibited higher complete response rates, better control and prolonged protection of nausea and emetic episodes, less use of rescue medications and less impact on patients’ quality of life. Thus, Single fixed dose of Palonosetron is more effective than multiple doses of Ondansetron.
Range fragmentation in the spectacled bear Tremarctos ornatus in the northern Andes

This paper addresses the conservation status of the spectacled bear Tremarctos ornatus in the northern Andes (Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador) by analysing the degree of range fragmentation and estimating habitat availability. From satellite images we constructed maps of remnant habitat blocks, consisting of Andean forest and páramo (high elevation shrublands and grassland) ecosystems. This information was overlain with a road map to determine potential isolation of populations, and a human accessibility model was used to estimate the core area of each block. This analysis revealed that the species' range is fragmented by landscape transformation and roads into 113 blocks >100 km2, representing 42% of the original extent of the bear's distribution. Forty percent of the blocks are <500 km2, and only nine are >5,000 km2. However, taking into account only core area, 56% of the blocks are <500 km2 and only six are >5,000 km2. In addition, many blocks have internal patches of colonization, further reducing habitat quality. This effect is more severe in smaller fragments, where internal disturbances constitute a high proportion of the block area. We used a high population density estimate of 0.25, a medium density of 0.11 and a low density of 0.04 bears per km2 to estimate population sizes. Twenty-nine populations are likely to have >500 individuals with the high estimate, but only nine with the medium and one with the low estimate (largest estimated population was 9,048 bears). These estimates are much lower if only the core area of blocks is used. Hunting has been identified as a major threat for many bear populations. Our analyses indicate that a regional conservation strategy for spectacled bear should focus on maintaining or increasing habitat availability in larger blocks, and reducing human-induced mortality across the region.
Assessment of extracts from some tropical plants in the management of termite (Termitidae: Isoptera) in Ogun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the efficacy of extracts from four plants, namely: Azadirachta indica, Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina and Nicotiana tabaccum at managing the population of termites in the laboratory and in the field. The synthetic insecticide (Chlorpyrifos 0.1%) and water were included in the study as controls. In the laboratory, contact toxicity was conducted by topical application of the treatments to the thorax of soldier termite Macrotermes bellicossus and mortality noted. The repellent action of the treatments was tested by releasing 10 of the termites into the center of Petri dishes lined with treated filter paper. The number of insects present on the control and treatment halves was recorded and the percentage repellence values were computed. The residual effects of the treatments was studied by placing five termites in Petri dishes lined with filter paper that have been treated with the treatments 24 hours prior to its placement and insect mortality was noted. The studies were conducted using complete randomised design with four replicates. Field trial of the treatments was conducted on termitaria that were demolished and disinfested with five liters of the treatments. The results showed that all the treatments caused 95–100% mean insect mortality 10 hours after insect exposure and have repellence values of between 40 and 65%. The residual effects of the treatments caused termite mean mortality of 100% in Chlorpyrifos and N. tabacum-treated surfaces and between 50 and 65% in others. In the field, only A. indica and Chlopyrifos were effective at curtailing termite upsurge and rebuild of termitaria.
Composição Corporal e Requisitos Energéticos e Protéicos de Bovinos Nelore, Não-Castrados, Alimentados com Rações Contendo Diferentes Níveis de Concentrado e Proteína

Forty Nellore bulls, with average initial live weight (LW) of 240 kg, were used. Four reference bulls and four bulls fed for maintenance were used, and the remaining was assigned to eight treatments, with four different concentrate levels in the diets (20, 40, 60 and 80%) and two (15 and 18%) levels of crude protein (CP). The protein, fat and energy contents retained in the body were estimated by regression equations of the logarithm of protein, fat or energy body content, as a function of the logarithm of empty body weight (EBW). By deriving the prediction equations of body content of protein, fat, or energy, as a function of the EBW logarithm, the net requirements of protein and energy, for gains of 1 kg EBW, were determined. The deriving equation was Y = b. 10a. Xb-1, being a and b intercept and regression coefficient, respectively, of the prediction equations of protein or energy body contents. Net energy requirement for maintenance (NEm) was estimated as the intercept anti-log of the equation obtained by linear regression among the logarithm of heat production and the metabolizable energy intake. The net energy requirement for weight gain of zebu bulls can be obtained by the equation: NEg = 0.0413 x EBW0.75 x gain of EBW0.978. The NEm for these animals was 83.70 kcal/EBW0.75. The following equation was obtained to estimate the retained protein (RP), as a function of EBW gain and retained energy (RE): RP = - 39.0169 + 200.638 gain of EBW + 0.4166 RE. The net protein requirement of Nellore bulls decreased as the LW increased, being 183.22 and 173.72 g/kg of EBW gain for animals with 200 and 400 kg of LW, respectively.
Genetic diversity of chloroplast DNA in Zoysia and other warm-season turfgrasses

Although information on chloroplast genomes has been available and used for phylogenetic analysis in some Poaceae species, they are limited in warm-season turfgrass species including Zoysia. Twenty-four chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions of Zoysia japonica cultivar Asagake were amplified using primer pairs designed from the complete chloroplast genome sequences of Oryza sativa and Zea mays. The nucleotide sequences of each fragment ranged 330-1230 bp in length, with a total of 16 780 bp. Of the 24 cpDNA regions, six amplified regions -trnK intron (matK), intergenic region of trnD-psbM, atpA-rps14, petE-psaJ, atpB-rbcL and rps3-rps12 - were polymorphic among seven turfgrass species. The nucleotide sequences of these regions were used for the phylogenetic clustering of seven turfgrasses and two cereal crops. The phylogenetic tree showed that these nine genera segregated into three major groups corresponding to the four grass subfamilies, suggesting that the diversity of nucleotide sequences in these six cpDNA regions could be useful for assessing the phylogenetic relationships among turfgrass species. Chloroplast microsatellite markers were developed using nucleotide sequences of the amplification products with the 24 primer pairs from Z. japonica cultivar Asagake. Based on this 16 780-bp nucleotide sequence, 21 chloroplast microsatellites were developed from 18 regions. Ten of the 21 primer pairs exhibited polymorphisms among three species of Zoysia. These informative markers should be valuable tools in the study of genetic relationships across Zoysia species.
Effects of pistachio by-products in replacement of alfalfa hay on ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, and milk fatty acid composition in Saanen dairy goats fed a diet containing fish oil

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pistachio by-products (PBP) in replacement of alfalfa hay (AH) on ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, and milk fatty acid composition in Saanen dairy goats fed a diet containing fish oil. For this purpose, 15 multiparous lactating Saanen goats (on day 25 postpartum, 38.15±1.2 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment diets in a completely randomized design with five goats per treatment. The treatment consisted of feeding the following diets: (1) control (AH), (2) 30% PBP, and (3) 30% PBP + polyethylene glycol (PEG, 1 g/Kg of dry matter [DM]). The experiment lasted 21 days, including 16 days of adaptation to the experimental diets followed by a five-day sampling period for determining milk yield and composition, dry matter intake (DMI), and blood metabolites. The results showed that DMI was affected (P<0.05) by using PBP in the diets. The goats fed PBP had a lower (P<0.05) DMI than those in other treatments. No differences were observed in milk yield and composition among the dietary treatments. The goats fed PBP (with and without PEG) had higher (P<0.05) amounts of C16:0 and trans-C18:1 isomer in their milk fat than those fed AH. C24:0 was detected at higher (P<0.05) concentrations in goats fed AH than those in other treatments. Overall, different treatments had no significant effects on the concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in milk fat. Trans fatty acids (TFA) in milk fat exhibited higher (P<0.05) concentrations in PBP and PBP-PEG treatments than in AH. However, no differences were detected in the concentrations of short, medium, and long chain fatty acids among the treatments. No differences were observed in rumen pH among the treatments, while rumen ammonia-N concentrations were lower (P<0.01) in goats fed PBP than those in the other treatments. Treatments showed no differences with regard to blood metabolites (i.e., cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin, and glucose). These findings indicate that the inclusion of PBP in replacement of AH in the diet of dairy Saanen goats have no adverse effects on ruminal fermentation and blood metabolites. Moreover, PBP is capable of modifying the fatty acid profile of milk in dairy goat.
Ada Protein-RNA Polymerase ς Subunit Interaction and α Subunit-Promoter DNA Interaction Are Necessary at Different Steps in Transcription Initiation at the Escherichia coli ada andaidB Promoters*

The methylated form of the Ada protein (meAda) binds the ada andaidB promoters between 60 and 40 base pairs upstream from the transcription start and activates transcription of theEscherichia coli ada and aidB genes. This region is also a binding site for the α subunit of RNA polymerase and resembles the rrnB P1 UP element in A/T content and location relative to the core promoter. In this report, we show that deletion of the C-terminal domain of the α subunit severely decreasesmeAda-independent binding of RNA polymerase toada and aidB, affecting transcription initiation at these promoters. We provide evidence thatmeAda activates transcription by direct interaction with the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase ς70 subunit (amino acids 574–613). Several negatively charged residues in the ς70 C-terminal domain are important for transcription activation by meAda; in particular, a glutamic acid to valine substitution at position 575 has a dramatic effect onmeAda-dependent transcription. Based on these observations, we propose that the role of the α subunit atada and aidB is to allow initial binding of RNA polymerase to the promoters. However, transcription initiation is dependent on meAda-ς70 interaction.
Relação entre acidez e outros atributos químicos em solos com teores elevados de matéria orgânica

O elevado teor de materia orgânica dos Organossolos confere-lhes caracteristicas edaficas proprias, que podem ser contrastantes em relacao ao observado em solos minerais. Devido a forte interacao entre a materia orgânica e os elementos a ela adsorvidos, os metodos de rotina em fertilidade do solo podem nao avaliar de forma adequada a acidez nos Organossolos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram caracterizar e estabelecer relacoes entre atributos do complexo sortivo e a acidez em solos com alto teor de carbono. Foram avaliados doze perfis, onze Organossolos e um Cambissolo, de diferentes Estados brasileiros, coletados de 2000 a 2002. Os perfis foram separados em ambientes de varzeas e planicies litorâneas e solos de ambiente altimontano e planalto. Alem da caracterizacao dos perfis, segundo metodos da Embrapa, o pH foi analisado por diferentes metodos e foram determinados os teores de C, usando um analisador elementar (C_CHN), e a materia orgânica pelo metodo da mufla (MO_mufla). Pelos resultados, verificase que os metodos de determinacao de pH em agua, em KCl e o pH SMP podem ser usados para expressar a acidez desses solos. Observou-se alta correlacao entre o pH SMP e a acidez potencial. Os teores de C_CHN e de MO_mufla tiveram correlacao significativa, porem negativa, com o pH em agua e positiva com os valores T e H. O comportamento diferenciado da acidez dos solos, em funcao do ambiente de formacao, indica ser importante esta separacao no manejo da acidez e na avaliacao da fertilidade em Organossolos.
Comportamento alimentar do camarão de agua doce, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man) (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) durante a fase larval: análise qualitativa

Feeding behavior of the larvae's prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii De Man, 1879, in each stage of development was studied face alArtemia Linnaeus, 1758 nauplii, dry and wet diets. Groups of ten larvae in each stage were placed in 500 ml beakers at 29oC in filtered brackish water. After the fasting period of acclimatization, the three types of food were offered separately to the larvae and the feeding behavior was observed during 30 min. Feeding perception, capture, grasp and ingestion of food were used to determine feeding pattern. Stage I lawac do not eat. The feeding behavior of larvae was similar on the stages II - XI. The perception in distance does not occur in most individuais; the feeding process generally started with the physrcal contact of food with the animal. Food is captured by thoracic appendages (maxillipeds until stage III, and maxillipeds + pereopods in stages IV - XI) and particles are grasped and handled by maxillipeds. Inopposition at the capture, the ingestion is a seletive process. Selective responses decrease in later stages and larvae become omnivorous in greater degree.
Title

Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) is one of the most costly and difficult animal health challenges in Northern Ireland. A TB Strategic Partnership Group (TBSPG) was established in autumn 2014 as an independent expert advisory group to develop a long-term strategy to eradicate bTB from the cattle population in Northern Ireland. The TBSPG published its bTB Eradication Strategy and Implementation Action Plan in December 2016. The TBSPG’s report contained 38 recommendations across a number of different themes. Following its publication, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) considered the report and is seeking views on its response to the report. A copy of the full package consultation papers can be found at https://www.daera-ni.gov. uk/consultations.
Diversity and abundance of phytoseiid mites on Magnolia hypoleuca Siebold et Zuccarini, a candidate source of natural enemies in natural vegetation

The species composition and seasonal dynamics of predatory phytoseiid mites on magnolia, Magnolia hypoleuca, were investigated for 4 y to determine whether M. hypoleuca may act as a source of natural enemies for tetranychid and eriophyid mites on apples. Euseius finlandicus was the most dominant species and formed more than 70% of the mite specimens collected during each year. Amblyseius orientalis was also found consistently as the second dominant species. E. finlandicus was found in low numbers in spring, and its density increased gradually to more than 10 adult females per leaf in autumn. Although the seasonal dynamics of A. orientalis showed some variation depending on the survey years and sites, A. orientalis showed a good predatory ability on Panonychus ulmi, and it developed and reproduced well on this prey in the laboratory.
A Relationship between the Length of Storage and Incubation Periods in Broad Breasted Bronze Eggs

Abstract ACCORDING to Olsen (1942), 1–16 day storage of turkey eggs before setting bears no relationship to the length of the subsequent incubation period. His findings, based on “small type white turkeys” (presumably the early version of the present-day Beltsville Small Whites), were at variance with the observations of Byerly (1933), and Funk (1934), who found in the chicken a correlation between the two factors. In view of this, it was considered advisable to reinvestigate this aspect of hatchability in turkeys. Accordingly, a study was conducted in May 1949, based on nine pens of single-tom mated Broad Breasted Bronze hens. On the average there were twelve hens per pen. The storage periods of hatching eggs were 24, 48, 96, and 192 hours. The eggs were collected daily at hourly intervals between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and then once at 8 p.m. All eggs were placed in storage within 4 .