Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a novel abiotic stress responsive OsTHIC gene from rice

ABSTRACT To better understand the mechanisms of plant abiotic stress responses and identify novel stress-related genes in rice, we performed global expression analysis in indica rice Pei'ai 64S under multiple stresses. Among numerous genes, a gene named OsTHIC was selected, which was highly induced in leaves and panicles in response to all stresses at different developmental stages, especially at the booting stage under cold stress. OsTHIC contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1920 bp and encodes a predicted protein with 639 amino acid residues. The molecular weight and isoelectric point were predicted to be about 71.31 kD and 6.41, respectively. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis were almost identical to those from the GeneChip Rice Genome Array. The sequence alignment showed about 99% similarity to rice phosphate methylpyrimidine synthase. Promoter sequence analysis showed that various stress response-related cis-elements were contained in the promoter region. All the results suggested that OsTHIC may be involved in rice stress responses.
Influence of Shape on Egg Discrimination in American Robins and Gray Catbirds

The eggs of some obligate brood parasites are more spherical than the eggs of their non-parasitic relatives and hosts, which contributes to the increased strength of their shells. We examined whether egg shape, including the more spherical shape of brown-headed cowbird eggs (Molothrus ater), influenced egg discrimination in American robins (Turdus migratorius) and gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). We added a series of artificial objects to robin and catbird nests that varied in shape from a control host egg, a rounded, cowbird-like egg, to odd-shaped objects. Real cowbird eggs were significantly more spherical than catbird and robin eggs, which confirmed a potential cue for egg recognition. Object shape significantly influenced the probability of rejection and time to rejection in both robins and catbirds. However, rounded eggs and spheres were rejected infrequently and at frequencies similar to control eggs. Therefore, the shape of a brood parasite's egg does not appear to influence egg discrimination in these two rejecters. Robins and catbirds rejected significantly more odd-shaped objects than egg-shaped objects and odd-shaped objects were rejected significantly sooner than egg-shaped objects. The rejection of odd-shaped objects likely represents an expression of nest-sanitation behaviour where debris is removed from the nest. By comparison with other studies of accepters of cowbird eggs, robins and catbirds appear to reject higher proportions of odd-shaped objects, which suggests they may have more refined abilities to discriminate against foreign objects in their nests.
N2 fixation in the rhizosphere of Thalassia testudinum

N2 fixation (C2H2 reduction) associated with the roots, rhizomes, and sediments (rhizosphere cores) of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum was measured at sites in South Florida (Soldier Key, Biscayne Bay) and the Bahamas (Bimini Harbor). Rates of C2H2 reduction were higher in anaerobic than in aerobic assays and were linear for several hours after an initial lag period of 1–2 h. Nitrogenase activity was proportional to the weight of rhizomes plus roots but showed no correlation with the total weight of the rhizosphere cores. C2H2 reduction occurred to depths of at least 30 cm but the majority (>85%) of the activity was in the 0- to 20-cm fraction; also the ratio of activities for the 0- to 10- and 10- to 20-cm depths was about 2:1. Most investigations were carried out using anaerobic assays of the 0- to 10-cm fractions and rates calculated for the period of 3–6 h after adding C2H2. These rates were not stimulated by organic compounds (glucose, lactate, succinate) but were approximately halved by a decrease.
Responses of Finishing Broilers at High Temperatures to Dietary Methionine Source and Supplementation Levels

The methionine requirements of 3-6-week-old broilers kept at a constant 30¦C or at diurnally cycling temperatures of 25-35¦C were reduced compared with broilers kept at 21¦C. The methionine requirements varied from 0.29 g/MJ of metabolizable energy (ME) at 2 1¦C to 0.26 g/MJ of ME at 25-35¦C to 0.22 g/MJ of ME at 30¦C with total sulfur amino acid requirements of between 0.51 and 0.55 g/MJ of ME. The estimate at 21¦C is similar to recommendations made by others for moderate temperatures. Differences in response to DL-methionine and methionine hydroxy analogue free acid were small.
Seasonal variation in chlorophyll-specific growth and microzooplankton grazing of phytoplankton in Japanese coastal water

Chlorophyll-specific growth (μ) and grazing mortality rates (g) due to microzooplankton (grazers of 0.05). However, g during the bloom (0.15 ± 0.09 day -1 ) (n = 4) was significantly lower than in summer (P 10 μm prevail in winter-spring.
Clinical and haematological studies on subclinical lactational ketosis in dairy goats.

The most common metabolic diseases in small ruminants are peri-parturient hypocalcemia, pregnancy toxemia (ketosis), rumen acidosis and hypomagnesaemia. While pregnancy toxemia is well known medical condition, lactational ketosis is almost unknown in small ruminant practice. A total of 58 dairy goats, up to day 30 of lactation were included in the study. Clinical examination (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rates, rumen contractions and inspection of conjunctival mucous membrane), BCS and determining the values of β-hydroxybutyrate was performed on all goats. Animals were divided into two groups, control one consists of 30 goats (BCS > 2.0 and concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate < 0.8 mmol/l), and second group consists of 28 goats with subclinical lactational ketosis (BCS ≤ 2.0 and concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate ≥ 0.8 mmol/l). Blood samples were obtained and analyzed for red blood cell (RBC, Т/l), haemoglobin (HGB, g/l), haematocrit (HCT, l/l), mean corpuscular volume (MCV, fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH, pg), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC, g/l), white blood cell counts (WBC, G/l), lymphocytes (LYM, %), monocytes (MON, %), granulocytes (GRA, %), red blood cell distribution width (RDW, %) and red blood cell distribution width absolute (RDWa, fl). From our study, no changes were found in the examined clinical signs. Haematologic analysis showed changes in the quantities of erythrocytes, while the other parameters (HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, LYM, MON, GRA, RDW and RDWa) fluctuated around control values.
IDENTIFICATION OF DEOXYNIVALENOL AND NIVALENOL PRODUCING CHEMOTYPES OF FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM ISOLATES FROM DURUM WHEAT IN A RESTRICTED AREA OF NORTHERN ITALY

Fusarium graminearum is one of the main causal agents of fusarium head blight (FHB) in Italy. A population of 74 F. graminearum strains was collected from symptomatic durum wheat spikes from different fields around Bologna (Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy) between 2006 and 2008. The data obtained showed that the F. graminearum population is variable in an homogeneous restricted geographical area. F. graminearum sensu stricto strains were examined using specific primers for chemotypes based on the production of the trichothecenes deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV). The strains were analyzed by multiplex PCR in the Tri12 sequence of the trichothecene gene cluster and assigned to one of three profiles of trichothecene chemotypes. All three fungal chemotypes were found. The 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15ADON) chemotype was the most frequent (87.2%), followed by the 3- acetyldeoxynivalenol (3ADON) (8.1%) and NIV (2.7%) chemotypes. The variability of the strains in such a restricted area leads us to hypothesize that there is similar variability of F. graminearum throughout Italy.
Nesting behaviour of the Green turtle at Kosgoda rookery, Sri Lanka

Studies on nesting behaviour of turtles provide the most important information on their reproduction by providing estimates of female population size. Kosgoda, located in the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, has a year-round nesting rookery which is visited by five species of sea turtles, the green turtle being the most frequent visitor. Nesting behaviour of the female green turtle was studied at the Kosgoda rookery during a five-year period from August 2003 to July 2008. A total of 1,492 nests of the green turtle were recorded with a mean of 298.4 annual nests. Nesting took place year round, with 66 % of nesting recorded during February to June. The highest and the lowest number of nests were recorded in April and November, respectively. The average clutch size of a female green turtle was 111.5 and the clutch frequency was 2.17. The average annual nesting abundance in the study area was 138.28. Of the 2,297 nesting attempts, 805 were false crawls accounting for a nesting success of 65%. Females nesting at Kosgoda showed nest site fidelity. More than half of the females (54.3%) nested in the same beach twice or more (mean 2.17) during the same nesting season. The highest number of re-nesting recorded was ten and the mean inter-nesting interval was 13.5 days. Of the 519 individuals tagged during the study period, 56 re-visited the same beach for nesting during the subsequent nesting seasons with a mean re-migration interval of 2.56 years. One female visited the same beach three times for nesting during the study period (after 2.67 years and then after 1.83 years). The nesting behaviour of the green turtle at Kosgoda rookery was similar to those at Rekawa, the largest rookery in Sri Lanka, located in the southern coast 130 km away from Kosgoda. Rekawa beach was declared a sea turtle sanctuary in 2006. This study shows that Kosgoda beach also provides a significant nesting site for the green turtle and highlights the need to declare it as a sanctuary. Key words : clutch frequency; nesting success; re-nesting; re-migration; inter-nesting interval DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i2. 2997 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (2): 109-120, 2010
Evaluation of Provenances for Seedling Attributes in Teak (Tectona grandis L INN.F.)

Summary A provenance trial in teak (Tectona grandis LINN.F.) involving seven provenances from Kerala (India) was conducted during the period from June 1995 to January 1997. Data were compiled on germination characteristics and seedling performance in the nursery,and also on root growth potential and field establishment using stumps. Germination characteristics did not vary significantly among the provenances in the nursery. Analysis of variance demonstrated profound variation in seedling growth rates among the provenances. Parambikulam, Nilambur and Malayattur provenances consistently recorded better shoot and root growth, biomass allocation and relative growth rate, while the local provenance (Trichur) was poorest. Application of MAHALANOBIS ’D 2 statistics revealed that a close similarity exists in among the fastest growing provenances. Root growth potential of the provenances was highly variable in most of the attributes like number of lateral and tertiary roots, length of three longest lateral roots and dry weight of lateral roots. Nilambur and Malayattur provenances were superior in this respect, while the local provenance (Trichur) produced the lowest means. Performance of the provenances in the field followed nursery growth patterns, confirming that growth is under strong genetic control. Grading of seedlings based on their height and collar diameter at an early age is recommended for selection of best preforming seedlings in the main field. Parambikulam, Nilambur and Malayattur are the best provenances suited for planting in Trichur District of Kerala, India.
The Safety to Humans of Bacillus thuringiensis Insecticidal Sprays: A Reassessment

The bacteria Bacillus thurengiensis, found naturally at extremely low levels in soil, is actually part of a continuum of bacilli that include B. thuringiensis, B. cereus (a common cause of food-borne gastroenteritis), and to some extent B. anthracis (anthrax) [Carlson et al. 1993]. These organisms are generally distinguished only by a few cellular organelles called plasmids. Plasmids produce proteins that are responsible for part of the particular pathological behavior of each species. However, B. cereus sensu lato (as both B. cereus and B. thuringiensis species may be identified as a group) all exhibit characteristics that can cause illness in humans. Because the overall cell architecture of the various species is virtually identical except for the plasmids, differentiating B. cereus sensu stricto from B. thuringiensis requires a certain amount of genetic testing.
N-Acetylcarnosine and histidyl-hydrazide are potent agents for multitargeted ophthalmic therapy of senile cataracts and diabetic ocular complications

Aims: In human diabetes, the deleterious effects of chronic hyperglycemia are the result of excessive nonenzymatic modification of proteins and phospholipids by glucose and its by-products leading to the formation of irreversible oxidized, aromatic, and fluorescent ligands known as advanced glycation end products. This glycation process has been associated with deleterious health effects. The present invention provides the potent inhibitors of protein glycation and AGEs formation, which are particularly advantageous for eyedrop delivery in the prevention and treatment of diabetes- and age-related pathologies. Main Methods and Key findings: We proposed a deglycation system involving removal, by transglycation of sugar or aldehyde moieties from the Schiff bases by ophthalmic aldehyde scavenger l-carnosine derived from its ocular bioactivating sustained release prodrug 1% N-acetylcarnosine (NAC) lubricant eyedrops containing a mucoadhesive cellulose compound combined with corneal absorption promoters in drug delivery system. Carnosine analogs bearing the histidyl-hydrazide moiety were synthesized and patented in ophthalmic formulations with NAC bioactivating prodrug to moderate the enzymatic hydrolysis of a dipeptide by carnosinase (inhibited by a nonhydrolyzable substrate analog so that this keeps steadier levels of the drug active principle in the aqueous humor). Leucyl-histidylhydrazide peptidomimetic demonstrated the transglycation activity more pronounced than l-carnosine accounting for the ability of either molecule to reverse pre-existing, glycation-induced, cross-linking, and checking the nonenzymatic glycation cascade in the ophthalmic pathologies. The ophthalmic drug N-acetylcarnosine eye drop formulation with sustained time- release and increased absorption of L-carnosine in the aqueous humor (a prolonged effective dose) showed follow-up treatment efficacy for age-related cataracts for enrolled patients into the randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover clinical trial, and in over 50250 various cohort patients, was demonstrated to have an efficacy, safety and good tolerability for prevention and treatment of visual impairment in the older population data base. Significance: The bioactivating antioxidant NAC and histidyl-hydrazide are potent agents with the pleiotropic effects for ophthalmic therapy of senile cataracts and diabetic ocular complications.
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD PARASITISM OF OVENBIRDS IN SUBURBAN FOREST FRAGMENTS

Abstract Forest fragmentation in North America concerns many biologists because of its effects on wildlife populations. One group that has demonstrated particular sensitivity is Neotropical migrant birds. We studied Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) in forest fragments in a suburban landscape in eastern Massachusetts to determine effects of cowbird parasitism on Ovenbird reproductive success. Our three large (120–312 ha) and six small (10–59 ha) forests were all smaller than most of those studied by other researchers, and they were surrounded by wooded suburban lots rather than agricultural land. Twenty-nine percent of nests found were parasitized by cowbirds; that frequency is lower than other investigators have reported for small, isolated fragments. The number of Ovenbirds fledged in successful parasitized (x̄ = 2.4) and unparasitized (x̄ = 3.8) nests was similar to other studies. Cowbirds were found to remain in nests for one to two days after their Ovenbird nestmates fledged. Differences in parasitism rate between this and other Ovenbird studies may be related to landscape characteristics. Ovenbirds nesting in small fragments in relatively wooded landscapes, as was the case in this study, have higher reproductive success than do Ovenbirds nesting in similar-sized fragments within an agricultural landscape. Using Ovenbirds as a model for neotropical migrants, we suggest that small fragments in a landscape with relatively wooded connections between forested areas may allow migrants to attain higher reproductive success than similar sized forests surrounded by agricultural land.
Role of contemporary and historic vegetation on nutrients in Missouri reservoirs: implications for developing nutrient criteria

Abstract Jones, J.R. , M.F. Knowlton, D.V. Obrecht, A.P. Thorpe and J.D. Harlan. 2009. Role of contemporary and historic vegetation on nutrients in Missouri reservoirs: implications for developing nutrient criteria. Lake Reserv. Manage. 25:111–118. Using vegetative survey records from the time of Euro-American settlement (circa 1815–1850) we found the proportion of historic prairie accounted for 42% of cross-system variation in total phosphorus (TP) and 48% of total nitrogen in 156 Missouri reservoirs. When combined with dam height (surrogate for lake morphometry) and hydraulic flushing rate (TP only), 56% of variation in nutrients was explained. Consistent with previous analyses, some two-thirds of variation in nutrients was accounted for by contemporary cropland, morphometry, and hydrology (TP only). Adding prairie or historic forest cover to models based on current cropland did little to increase explained variation. The relationship between reservoir nutrients and land cover is partly an artifact of past land conversion; most arable soils with inherent fertility sufficient to generate economically viable produce and suitable topography were former prairies. The cross-system analysis of Missouri reservoirs showed that nutrients in these anthropogenic ecosystems are largely determined by nonpoint input from current land use as modified by morphology and hydrology. Historic vegetation cover, however, was our best measure of baseline conditions in the reservoir catchments and contributes to the framework for developing nutrient criteria for these artificial lakes. No natural reference conditions exist for Missouri reservoirs, and we recommend setting site-specific nutrient criteria for these constructed systems.
Weed Management in Single- vs. Twin-Row Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)1

Experiments were conducted in Florida in 2000 through 2003 to evaluate weed management systems in single- and twin-row peanut utilizing either conventional or strip tillage. Diclosulam or flumioxazin preemergence (PRE) or 2,4-DB or imazapic mid-postemergence (MPOST) or late-postemergence (LPOST) was needed for greater than 95% common cocklebur control in conventional- and strip-tillage peanut. In both tillage systems, paraquat + bentazon early-postemergence (EPOST) followed by (fb) 2,4-DB or imazapic MPOST, 2,4-DB or chlorimuron LPOST, or both was required for more than 80% late-season control of Florida beggarweed and control in twin-row was 5 to 10 percentage points above that observed with single-row peanut. Paraquat + bentazon EPOST preceded by a diclosulam or flumioxazin PRE or fb MPOST or LPOST applications provided 80% or greater control of ivyleaf morningglory, and no differences were observed between peanut planting pattern. Paraquat + bentazon EPOST fb imazapic MPOST was the only treatment that provided 90% or greater late-season sicklepod control across all years and tillage methods, and, regardless of tillage, sicklepod control was 7 percentage points better in twin- than single-row peanut. Treatments that contained diclosulam or flumioxazin PRE and paraquat + bentazon EPOST fb a MPOST or LPOST herbicide application increased peanut yield compared to nontreated in conventional- and strip-tillage peanut. Averaged over all herbicide treatments, years, and tillage methods, peanut seeded in twin rows yielded 300 kg/ha more than in single rows. Nomenclature: 2,4-DB; bentazon; diclosulam; chlorimuron; flumioxazin; imazapic; imazethapyr; paraquat; pyridate; common cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium L. #3 XANST; Florida beggarweed, Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC. # DEDTO; ivyleaf morningglory, Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq. ; sicklepod, Senna obtusifolia L. # CASOB; peanut, Arachis hypogaea L. ‘Georgia Green’ and ‘C-99R’. Additional index words: Narrow-row; double-row; tillage. Abbreviations: EPOST, early-postemergence; fb, followed by; LPOST, late-postemergence; MPOST, mid-postemergence; POST, postemergence; PRE, preemergence; TSWV, tomato spotted wilt tospovirus; WAP, weeks after planting; WAT, weeks after treatment.
Short-term cyclic cold temperature stress on watermelon yield

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum. & Nakai. ) seedlings may be repeatedly exposed to temperatures alternating between almost freezing and optimum soon after field transplanting. 'Carnival', 'Crimson Sweet', 'Millionaire' and 'Crimson Trio' watermelon transplants were exposed to cold temperature stress at 2 ± 1 °C in a walk- in cooler and then to 29 ± 5 °C in a greenhouse immediately before field planting to simulate temperature alternations that may occur after field transplanting. Cold-stressed trans- plants were field planted after all risk of ambient cold stress passed. In 1998, transplants were exposed to 2 °C from 9 hours to 54 hours, and in 1999 from 9 to 81 hours. Early yields of all cultivars, except Carnival, significantly decreased with increasing hours of cold stress in both years. Total yields of 'Carnival' decreased linearly in both years with a 10% yield reduction occurring from 14 to 15 hours of cold stress. 'Crimson Sweet' yields were reduced in 1999 only, with 16 hours of cold stress reducing yield 10%.
Novel Multilayered Cellular Automata for Flying Cells Positioning on 5G Cellular Self-Organising Networks

There will be a profound impact from 5G to develop smart cities. Questions such as “How telecommunication operators will efficiently provide network infrastructure”, “When and where the quality of service parameters are degraded or below expected” are to be considered. In this context, the use of base stations carried by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) acting as flying cells to compensate areas where telecommunications systems are challenged by abnormal conditions during their operation has attracted attention. In this paper, we propose an intelligent solution based on a novel multilayered cellular automata for positioning flying cells and improvement of network capacity in context heavy traffic situations as congested cars in avenues in some hours of the day, crowded events, disaster or hot spot traffic. In our distributed approach, all UAV base stations operate in parallel. The self-organisation arises from an emergent pattern based on applying simple rules in a defined neighbourhood. The proposed scheme considers both backhaul and radio access network constraints, and user requirements in terms of downlink throughput. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm performs favourably compared with other schemes in terms of all metrics considered. Therefore, we provide a solution for rapid and efficient positioning of multiple UAV base stations to respond in real time to urgent network changes.