Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of alien plant distribution at multiple spatial scales in a large national park: implications for ecology, management and monitoring

Aim Spatial scale is critical for understanding and managing biological invasions. In providing direction to managing alien plant invasions, much emphasis is placed on collecting spatially explicit data. However, insufficient thought is often given to how the data are to be used, frequently resulting in the incompatibility of the data for different uses. This paper explores the role of spatial scale in interpreting, managing and monitoring alien plant invasions in a large protected area.
Effects of various medium compositions and wounding treatments on in vitro growth and regeneration of bird of paradise(Strelitzia reginae)

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of antioxidants, wounding treatments and hormone concentrations in efforts to overcome phenolic oxidation and stimulate axillary bud proliferation. Significant results were achieved with 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentrations on explants discoloration and callus formation. The antioxidant treatments, activated charcoal (AC) and ascorbic acid (AA) significantly affected explant discoloration, the induction of callus and the length of roots developed. Wounding treatments resulted in a reduction of plant height, an increase in both explants discoloration and callus formation. The most effective treatment in reducing explants discoloration at the media contact point was achieved in interactive effects of higher NAA and BAP concentrations (0.1 mg.l-1 NAA; 3 mg.l-1 BAP and 0.5 mg.l-1NAA; 5 mg.l-1 BAP) without wounding. Interactions between antioxidants and wounding treatments resulted in the absolute absence of callus induction in all treatments involving ascorbic acid. Key words: Ascorbic acid, activated charcoal, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), callus formation, discoloration, 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA).
In Silico Analysis of Human Calreticulin and Its Re lationship with MHC Class I

Calreticulin is member of a family of endoplasmic r eticulum chaperones that fold newly synthesized pol ypeptides. This protein contains an N-terminal signal sequence and a C-terminal KDEL ER retrieval sequence responsible for targeting and retention of protein in the ER lumen. Computational analysis has become an indispensable bioinformatic approaches for the characterization o f proteins regarding the physicochemical properties , prediction of signal peptides, protein-protein interaction networ k, among other in silico predictions. The results o f the computational analysis revealed in this study corro borate those found in experimental studies previous ly conducted with human calreticulin, since the algorithms used in this work can be safely used to predetermine phy sicochemical and structural properties of protein analyzed in ou r study. The present work is aimed towards the theo retical basis of the physicochemical, structural and functional prop rieties of calreticulin, using online computational tools usually utilized in in silico analysis, mainly because to d ate we have not found any computational analysis evaluating such parameters in this protein. The physicochemical pro perties of the human calreticulin was analyzed by u sing ExPASy’s ProtParam tool and it was found that the molecular weight is 48,141.5 Da, its isoelectric poi nt (pI) was found to be acidic protein. The instability index i nfers that this protein is unstable. Secondary stru cture prediction showed that random coil dominated all the other con formations. To infer the interactions of calreticul in with other proteins, we used STRING database v9.1. Using the t ool STRING determined that the network of protein-protein interactions and could be found in human calreticul in interactions with various proteins, particularly those belonging to the class I MHC. From a scientific point of view , the results of protein-protein network analysis h ave clearly shown the interaction of human calreticulin with pr oteins involved in the later stages of class I asse mbly and antigen-presenting function of MHC Class I. Our stu dy, to the best of our knowledge, demonstrates for the first time a set of results measured using computational analy sis to assess structural and physicochemical nature of one the most important molecular chaperones of the endoplasmic reticulum envolved in a number of cellular proc esses and currently investigated its role in autoimmunity.
PRELIMINARY STUDY OF SETTLEMENT OF FLAT OYSTER SPAT (OSTREA EDULIS L.) ON OYSTER AND MUSSEL SHELL COLLECTORS

Oyster recruitment was monitored in Karantina Island near Izmir, Turkey, from May to October 1999. The aim of the study was to determine the recruitment pattern for six months and the most suitable time to collect oyster spat from nature. Oyster and mussel shells were used as substrates in spat collectors. Five groups of each type of collector were deployed from May to August. The recruitment levels were highest in the groups deployed on June 16, with 4069 and 1575 oyster spats collected on the oyster and mussel shell collectors, respectively. Spat recruitment varied considerably between collector types as well as between the outsides and insides of shells (p<0.05). Spats larger than 10 mm were found on the second or third sampling date in each group for both oyster and mussel shell collectors. Barnacles (Balanus sp.) settled on both collector types in high numbers throughout the study. Data suggest that maximum recruitment in this area is most likely to occur on both collector types between May and mid-June.
Traditional Animal Husbandry Practices in Tribal States of Eastern Himalaya, India: A Case Study

Traditional pig production system in the economically most backward district of Nagaland in North Eastern Himalayan region of India was investigated. Pigs are reared under low input production system where non-conventional feed resources contribute majority of feed stuffs offered to the animal. Important seasonally available plant species, predominant in the region includes Bidens pilosa L. , Borreria hispida L.K. Schumann, Colocasia esculenta L. Schott, Ficus hispida L.f. , Manihot esculenta Crantz, Musa paradisiaca L. , Osbeckia sp. , Saurauia nepaulensis D.C., Spilanthes acmella L. Murray and Vernonia anthelmintica L. Willd are fed with paddy husk to the pigs. Significant (P < 0.05) variations in the proximate composition were recorded in different nonconventional feed resources. Among the several plant species, the highest and lowest DM content was recorded in Osbeckia sp. and C. esculenta, respectively and CP content was highest in S. acmella and lowest in M. esculenta. Average daily weight gain was 104.18 g during the study period. The feed conversion efficiency was highest in August and lowest in February. Net annual monetary return was 9471 (input: output ratio 1:2.518) per pig. It was concluded that feeding of NCFR is economical for sustainable pig husbandry. However, detail metabolic study with each NCFR component is indicated for their incorporation in commercial feed in future.
Immunohistochemical Detection and Distribution of Cornifin α and Vitamin D Receptor Expression in Vaginal Epithelium Treated With Vitamin D3

Objective: In growth and differentation of keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium, 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has an important role. Cornifin α as a marker of vaginal epithelial differentiation distribution has not been studied in the vaginal epithelium. We examined distribution of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and cornifin α in vagina epithelium in ovariectomized and vitamin D treated rats. Materials and Methods: Bilateral ovariectomies were performed in 20 mature non-pregnant Wistar female rats. All the animals were divided into 2 groups; control group I untreated and group II i.m. 0.025 µg 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 injected for three days of a week for 2 weeks. In 15 days after the last injection, vaginas were removed and processed for immunohistochemistry. Results: Epithelial differentiation, 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 receptor and cornifin α expression in vaginal epithelium of control and vitamin D3 treated rats were recorded. In treated animals, vaginal epithelium changed into highly-stratified keratinizing layers. Cornifin α and 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 receptor as a marker of squamous differentiation is present in ovariectomized rats treated with 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. In contrast, cornifin α and 1.25dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor were absent in all layers of vaginal epithelium in control group. Discussion: The results indicate that 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 induced proliferation of vaginal epithelium which was consistent with the cornifin α expression. We demonstrated for the first time that 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 up-regulated 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor expression in vaginal epithelium.
Analysis of compatibility relationships among some almond genotypes using fruit set and fluorescence microscopy.

Most of the Iranian almond cultivars are self-incompatible followed by pollination, fertilization, fruit set and lower yield problems. Therefore, selecting suitable cross-compatible cultivars for orchard establishment is necessary especially by new cultivars/genotypes obtained from breeding programs. In this study fruit set and pollen tube growth of ten late-bloom almond genotypes, obtained from a breeding program (D, E, F, I, G, L, K, O, P and Q) were investigated under filed and lab controlled pollination conditions. In order to study self-and cross-(in) compatibility they were pollinated by the pollens of overlap blooming-time genotypes in both conditions. Initial and final fruit set, fruit drop and some of the kernel traits were measured under filed condition. Measurements of pollen tubes at the style and in ovary were scored using fluorescence microscopy in lab, Results showed significant differences in some of the studied characters among crosses in both methods and Results confirmed each other in both methods. Fruit set percentage and pollen tube number in the ovary demonstrated that, all of the genotypes were self-incompatible but cross-(in) compatibility was not observed among them. In conclusion all of the genotypes could be used as a suitable polinizers for each others, regarding overlapping blooming-time of genotypes. Key words: Almond, self-incompatibility, cross-incompatibility, fruit set, fluorescence microscopy.
From acaveate to caveate: evolution of pollen types in the Rhaponticum group (Asteraceae, Centaureinae) related to extreme conditions

A survey of pollen morphology and ultrastructure within the Rhaponticum group, using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, revealed two pollen types. Most representatives of the Rhaponticum group exhibited Serratula-type pollen. The exceptions were the genus Oligochaeta, with Centaurea jacea-type pollen, and the genus Myopordon, with both types of pollen. Phylogenetic inference within the group indicated that Jacea-type pollen is derived from Serratula-type pollen. The fact that Myopordon exhibited a series of pollen types, from Serratula type to Jacea type, suggests that a transition from one form to another has occurred in the genus. Therefore, the factor which has produced this evolutionary tendency should be sought within Myopordon. Jacea-type pollen is characterized by a decrease in size, ornamentation, the absence of a columellar infratectum and the presence of a cavea. A comparative survey of similar tendencies in other groups, and their correlation with potential functional implications, prompted the hypothesis that the critical factor involved in such evolution of pollen could be habitats with extreme conditions. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158, 499–510.
Lysine Levels in Starter and Grower-Finisher Diets Affect Broiler Performance and Carcass Traits

Abstract Providing adequate dietary lysine (Lys) to broilers is critical if the amount of saleable white meat is the economic objective. However, the period when Lys is most critical for breast development remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine if dietary Lys in the starter and grower-finisher diets interact to affect live performance, mortality, and breast meat in commercial broilers. This study records two levels of Lys in the starter diets (95 and 115% of 1994 NRC) and three levels of Lys in the grower-finisher diets (85, 105, and 125% of 1994 NRC) fed to male broilers in diets composed of corn, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, poultry meal, and poultry oil. Increasing Lys in the starter or grower-finisher diet increased both performance and mortality. Breast meat weight and yield increased when broilers received the highest Lys levels in the starter and grower-finisher diets. Feeding broilers inadequate dietary Lys in the starter period decreased finishing live performance and breast meat responses, irrespective of grower-finisher Lys levels. Dietary Lys levels above that considered adequate (125% of 1994NRC) in the grower-finisher diets compensated for loss of breast meat due to Lys inadequacy in the starter diet, but compensatory breast meat accretion was not complete.
Evolutionary patterns in neotropical Helieae (Gentianaceae): evidence from morphology, chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences

Parsimony-based phylogenetic analyses of the neotropical tribe Helieae (Gentianaceae) are presented, including 22 of the 23 genera and 60 species. This study is based on data from morphology, palynology, and seed micromorphology (127 structural characters), and DNA sequences (matK, trnL intron, ITS). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on ITS and morphology provided the greatest resolution, morphological data further helping to tentatively place several taxa for which DNA was not available (Celiantha, Lagenanthus, Rogersonanthus, Roraimaea, Senaea, Sipapoantha, Zonanthus). Celiantha, Prepusa and Senaea together appear as the sister clade to the rest of Helieae. The remainder of Helieae is largely divided into two large subclades, the Macrocarpaea subclade and the Symbolanthus subclade. The first subclade includes Macrocarpaea, sister to Chorisepalum, Tachia, and Zonanthus. Irlbachia and Neblinantha are placed as sisters to the Symbolanthus subclade, which includes Aripuana, Calolisianthus, Chelonanthus, Helia, Lagenanthus, Lehmanniella, Purdieanthus, Rogersonanthus, Roraimaea, Sipapoantha, and Symbolanthus. Generic-level polyphyly is detected in Chelonanthus and Irlbachia. Evolution of morphological characters is discussed, and new pollen and seed characters are evaluated for the first time in a combined morphological-molecular phylogenetic analysis.
Reliable Characterization of Organic & Pharmaceutical Compounds with High Resolution Monochromated EEL Spectroscopy

Organic and biological compounds (especially those related to the pharmaceutical industry) have always been of great interest for researchers due to their importance for the development of new drugs to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. As many new API (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and their polymorphs are in nanocrystalline or in amorphous form blended with amorphous polymeric matrix (known as amorphous solid dispersion—ASD), their structural identification and characterization at nm scale with conventional X-Ray/Raman/IR techniques becomes difficult. During any API synthesis/production or in the formulated drug product, impurities must be identified and characterized. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) at high energy resolution by transmission electron microscope (TEM) is expected to be a promising technique to screen and identify the different (organic) compounds used in a typical pharmaceutical or biological system and to detect any impurities present, if any, during the synthesis or formulation process. In this work, we propose the use of monochromated TEM-EELS, to analyze selected peptides and organic compounds and their polymorphs. In order to validate EELS for fingerprinting (in low loss/optical region) and by further correlation with advanced DFT, simulations were utilized.
Polioencefalomalacia em bovinos nos estados de Mato Grosso do Sul e São Paulo

Thirty outbreaks of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) were diagnosed from August 1993 to October 1997. Twenty nine occurred in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and one in Sao Paulo. The disease affected cattle from 4 months to 7 years of age. Morbidity rates ranged from 0.02% to 14.28% and case fatalities from 42.5 % to 100%. The disease was not seasonal. All outbreaks occurred in cattle grazing Brachiaria spp, except one affecting feedlot cattle. Only neurologic signs were observed, and the course of the disease varied from 12 hours to 4 days in untreated cattle. Most animals treated with thiamine and dexamethazone recovered. Moderate cerebral edema was observed at necropsy. Cell changes were characterized by laminar necrosis and gitter cells. In two cases moderate cortical and submeningeal hemorrhages were observed. Nine cases had perivascular and submeningeal infiltrations by eosinophils. Sodium ion concentration of the cerebrospinal fluid was elevated in one case. The cause of PEM in the region was not determined, but the results suggest that in some cases sodium chloride intoxication/water deprivation could play a role in the etiology of the disease. PEM represents 4.78% of cattle disease diagnosed at the Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Long‐term changes in Zambezi riparian woodlands, as revealed by photopanoramas

SUMMARY Photopanoramas were used to study changes in Acacia albida Del. woodlands in Mana Pools N.P., Zimbabwe, between 1961 and 1987. In 1958, the fire regime of the area altered when local people left and the flooding regime changed with the closure of Kariba Dam. The tree population declined, due to low recruitment and the loss of canopy trees at a mean rate of 0–9% y -1. Absolute mortality rate of trees was density-dependent; mortality did not vary in relation to temporal changes in elephant density. At the end of the 1961 dry season, there was almost continuous ground cover of dead grass, but by the 1980s, dry season ground cover was much lower, often negligible. Before 1958, fire and large mammals were the principal consumers of the herbaceous layer, but, after 1958, Macrotermes sp. mound density increased; termites and large mammals are now the main consumers. Resume On a employe des photopanoramas pour etudier les changements des peuplements d';Acacia albida Del. au Mana pools National Park, au Zimbabwe, entre 1961 et 1987. En 1958, le regime des feux de la region changea quand la population locale partit et le debit des eaux fut modifye avec la fermeture du barrage de Kariba. La population arboree declina en raison ? une faible repousse; la perte du couvert arbore avait un taux annuel moyende0-9%. Le taux absolu demortalite des arbres dependait de leur densite et ne variait pas en fonction des changements temporaires de la densite des elephants. A la fin de la saison seche de 1961, il y avait un ouvert vegetal presque continu ? herbes seches mais dans les annees 80, la couverture du sol en, saison seche etait beaucoup plus basse, souvent negligeable. Avant 1958, les feux et les grands mammiferes etaient les principaux consommateurs de la couche herbacee, mais apres 1958, la densite des termitieres de Macrotermes sp. a augmente; les termites et les grands mammiferes sont devenus les principaux consommateurs.
The germling growth of Enteromorpha intestinalis (Chlorophyta) in laboratory culture under different combinations of irradiance and salinity and temperature and salinity

Abstract The effects of environmental factors on germling growth in Enteromorpha intestinalis (L.) Link (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) from the eastern coast of Korea (35°29′N, 129°27′E) were examined in laboratory culture at different combinations of irradiance, salinity, and temperature. Maximum growth rate was at 250 μmol m−2 s−1 and 24‰ in combinations of irradiance and salinity and at 15°C and 24‰ in combinations of temperature and salinity. The germlings survived over a wide range of irradiance, but showed a rather low irradiance optimum. The growth responses of germlings grown under a wide range of temperature and salinity were compared with seasonal occurrence and vertical distribution patterns in the survey area. The results suggest that E. intestinalis follows an annual growth cycle with high growth rate of germlings during spring and autumn. A broad environmental tolerance and rapid growth rate provide the germlings with a means of survival throughout the intertidal.
Relationship Between Production and Stayability in Holstein Cattle

Abstract Records from 97,555 first daughters of 1,487 Holstein sires in artificial insemination were used to estimate components of variance and covariance of first lactation milk and fat production and stayability to 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 mo of age. Henderson's Method 3 was used with a model including fixed herd-year-season and genetic group effects and random sire within group and residual effects. Heritabilities for milk and fat production and 36-, 48-, 60-, 72-, and 84-mo stayability were . 31, . 30, . 02, . 04, . 05, . 05, and . 05. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between milk production and stayability ranged from . 47 to . 65 and from . 17 to . 27. Adjusting components of variance of stayability to account for the correlation with milk reduced heritability of stayability by 35%. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between stay-abilities to different ages ranged from . 71 to 1.00 and from . 18 to . 73.
The Role and Types of Job Search Strategies as Career Growth Tool for Mid-Career Professionals

This study examines whether and how job search strategies mediate the relationship between core self-evaluations (CSE) and career growth for mid-career professionals. Using a path analysis approach to analyze a national sample of mid-career professionals (N = 269), results revealed that CSE was positively related to the direct job search strategy (i.e., contacting employers directly) and negatively to the networking job search strategy (i.e., contacting friends/relatives). Interestingly, the direct job search strategy was positively related to both a recent promotion and salary increase (i.e., objective career growth), while the networking job search strategy was positively related to increased job satisfaction (i.e., subjective career growth). Findings also indicated that CSE was positively related to salary increase and a recent promotion. These findings suggest that job search strategies are one mechanism through which individual differences, such as CSE, can influence mid-career professionals’ career growth.