Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INTERMEDIATE FEATURES OF CYANELLE DIVISION OF CYANOPHORA PARADOXA (GLAUCOCYSTOPHYTA) BETWEEN CYANOBACTERIAL AND PLASTID DIVISION 1

Cyanelles of glaucocystophytes may be the most primitive of the known plastids based on their peptidoglycan content and the sequence phylogeny of cyanelle DNA. In this study, EM observations have been made to characterize the cyanelle division of Cyanophora paradoxa Korshikov and to gain insights into the evolution of plastid division. Constriction of cyanelles involves ingrowth of the septum at the cleavage site with the inner envelope membrane invaginating at the leading edge and the outer envelope membrane invaginating behind the septum. This means the inner and outer envelope membranes do not constrict simultaneously as they do in plastid division in other plants. The septum and the cyanelle envelope became stained after a silver‐methenamine staining was applied for in situ detection of polysaccharides. Septum formation was inhibited by β‐lactams and vancomycin, which are potent inhibitors of bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. These results suggest the presence of peptidoglycan at the septum and the cyanelle envelope. In dividing cyanelles, a single electron‐dense ring (cyanelle ring) was observed on the stromal face of the inner envelope membrane at the isthmus, but no ring‐like structures were detected on the outer envelope membrane. Thus a single, stromal cyanelle ring such as this is quite unique and also distinct from FtsZ rings, which are not detectable by TEM. These features suggest that the cyanelle division of glaucocystophytes represents an intermediate stage between cyanobacterial and plastid division. If monophyly of all plastids is true, the cyanelle ring and the homologous inner plastid dividing ring might have evolved earlier than the outer plastid dividing ring.
Chemical Composition and Nutritional Evaluation of Spent Silk Worm Pupae

Spent silk worm pupae were analyzed for their nutrient composition, and their protein quality was evaluated in weanling rats. Protein content of the pupae was found to be 48.7 g %, while fat content was 30 g %. Defatted spent silk worm pupae meal contained 75.2 g % protein. The essential amino acid content of the pupal protein was similar to that of whole egg protein with the exception of tryptophan (0.9 g/16 g of N). Tryptophan is the limiting amino acid of pupal protein. The chemical score of the protein was found to be 60, as compared to 100 for whole egg protein. Pupal fat contained 66.8% total unsaturated fatty acids, and linolenic acid accounted for 25.7 g % of the total fat. The protein quality of spent silk worm pupae was significantly lower than that of casein as judged by PER and NPU. The lowered food intake of animals on pupal diet may be due to the bad odor of the pupae meal or the presence of pupal hormone (ecdysone).
Effect of Recurrent Selection on Combining Ability in Maize Breeding Populations

Recurrent selection (RS) is a population improvement method that increases the frequency of favorable alleles while maintaining genetic variation in breeding populations. Twelve University of Guelph RS maize (Zea mays L.) populations selected via reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS), selfed-progeny recurrent selection (S), or a method combining RRS and S (COM), were assessed for changes in the genetic structure of grain yield, grain moisture, and broken stalks, and two associated selection indices. Partitioning of the entry sums of squares from diallel matings of the original (C 0 ) and advanced (C A ) cycle populations using Gardner and Eberhart's Analysis II and Analysis III indicated genetic improvement occurred for the per se and cross performance of most populations. Accompanying the favorable changes in population performance were less favorable shifts from predominantly additive genetic effects in C 0 to greater nonadditive genetic effects in C A . This shift did not substantially change the general combining ability estimates (g i ) of most populations. However, for grain yield, the underlying components of g; effects were altered in their relative importance. General combining ability (GCA) effects in the C 0 were caused primarily by the population per se effects (v i ), while in C A the GCA effects were caused predominately by parental heterotic effects (h i ).
Resistance to leaf rust in 26 Mexican wheat cultivars

CIMMYT germplasm derived wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars are grown on a large area worldwide. The status of leaf rust Puccinia recondita Roberge ex Desmaz. f. sp. tritici resistance in various cultivars is unknown. In this study, designated Lr genes were postulated in 26 cultivars released in Mexico between 1950 and 1989 by inoculating their seedlings with 14 pathotypes of diverse avirulence-virulence combinations. The adult plant resistance was evaluated with two currently predominant pathotypes during 1991-1992 crop cycle at Ciudad Obregon in northwest Mexico. Additionally, the probable presence of Lr13 and Lr34 was identified by determining the presence of linked genes Ne2 and Ltn, respectively (.)
Hierarchical and scale‐dependent effects of fishing pressure and environment on the structure and size distribution of parrotfish communities

Parrotfishes are considered to have a major influence on coral reef ecosystems through grazing the benthic biota and are also primary fishery targets in the Indo-Pacific. Consequently, the impact of human exploitation on parrotfish communities is of prime interest. As anthropogenic and environmental factors interact across spatial scales, sampling programs designed to disentangle these are required by both ecologists and resource managers. We present a multi-scale examination of patterns in parrotfish assemblage structure, size distribution and diversity across eight oceanic islands of Micronesia. Results indicate that correlates of assemblage structure are scale-dependent; biogeographic distributions of species and island geomorphology hierarchically influenced community patterns across islands whereas biophysical features and anthropogenic pressure influenced community assemblage structure at the within-island scale. Species richness and phylogenetic diversity increased with greater broad-scale habitat diversity associated with different island geomorphologies. However, within-island patterns of abundance and biomass varied in response to biophysical factors and levels of human influence unique to particular islands. While the effect of fishing activities on community composition and phylogenetic diversity was obscured across island types, fishing pressure was the primary correlate of mean parrotfish length at all spatial scales. Despite widespread fishery-induced pressure on Pacific coral reefs, the structuring of parrotfish communities at broad spatial scales remains a story largely dependent on habitat. Thus, we propose better incorporation of scale-dependent habitat effects in future assessments of overexploitation on reef fish assemblages. However, strong community-level responses within islands necessitate an improved understanding of the phylogenetic and functional consequences of altering community structure.
Inhibition of degreening in the peel of bananas ripened at tropical temperatures.: I. Effect of high temperature on changes in the pulp and peel during ripening

Etude de la cinetique et des phenomenes de maturation dans le domaine des temperatures de 15 a 35 degres C. On observe, au-dessus de 24 degres C, un ramollissement de la pulpe qui devient sucree alors que la peau reste verte (reduction de la vitesse de degradation de la chlorophylle). De plus, la teneur en carotenoide de la peau est plus elevee a 35 degres C qu'a 20 degres C
B chromosome system in populations of Oryzomys flavescens (Rodentia, Cricetidae) from southern Brazil

Authors studied the diet of stone martens Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777) inhabiting the ruins of Byzantic temple near Enisala (southeastern Romania). Based on analysis of 103 excrements, birds and mammals predominated in the diet, constituting 45.2% and 36.1% of consumed biomass. Reptiles, amphibians, insects and fruits were supplementary food. Authors also found bats, items rarely reported in the marten's diet. The diet was characterized by a high contribution of animals associated with steppe habitat and by low share of anthropogenic food.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Rosemary Extract in Chicken Frankfurters

The antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of commercially available oil-soluble rosemary extracts VivOX 20 and VivOX 4 were investigated against lipid oxidation and microbial growth in vacuum-packed chicken frankfurters. The content of the main active ingredient, carnosic acid, in extracts was 20% and 4% (w/w), respectively. For comparison, the activity of commercially available preservative Robin LI LS was also tested. The control was chicken frankfurters made without test additives. Antioxidant activity tests were performed at 3 storage temperatures (4, 12, 25 °C), using the Rancimat method. Antimicrobial effect was investigated by aerobic plate count. Results showed that both rosemary preparations possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that may make them useful in the food industry. In chicken frankfurters with added VivOX 20 and VivOX 4, higher oxidative stability was exhibited at all storage temperatures, as in frankfurters with Robin LI LS. Addition of VivOX 20, VivOX 4, and Robin LI LS also significantly reduced the aerobic plate count, compared to controls, stored at 4 or 12 °C.
Tree species and soil nutrient profiles in old-growth forests of the Oregon Coast Range

Old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest provide a unique opportunity to examine tree species – soil relationships in ecosystems that have developed without significant human disturbance. We characterized foliage, forest floor, and mineral soil nutrients associated with four canopy tree species (Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. ), western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don), and bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursh)) in eight old-growth forests of the Oregon Coast Range. The greatest forest floor accumulations of C, N, P, Ca, Mg, and K occurred under Douglas-fir, primarily due to greater forest floor mass. In mineral soil, western hemlock exhibited significantly lower Ca concentration and sum of cations (Ca + Mg + K) than bigleaf maple, with intermediate values for Douglas-fir and western redcedar. Bigleaf maple explained most species-based differences in foliar nutrients, displaying high concentrations of N, P, Ca, Mg, and K. Fo.
Tree Growth, Fruit Size, and Yield Response of Mature Peach to Weed-Free Intervals

An experiment was conducted at one location in 1999 and two locations in 2000 to determine the critical weed-free period for peach in North Carolina. The cultivars for the three locations were ‘Contender’, ‘Norman’, and ‘Summerprince’. Weed-free intervals of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 wk after peach tree bloom were established. Paraquat at 1.1 kg ai/ha plus nonionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v was applied every 10 d, after treatments were initiated at peach bloom, to maintain weed-free plots. Large crabgrass, hairy vetch, and smooth crabgrass were the primary weeds in Contender. Horseweed, smooth crabgrass, and large crabgrass were the primary weeds in Norman. Bermudagrass, smooth pigweed, and common lambsquarters were the primary weeds in Summerprince. No differences in trunk cross-sectional area were observed between the weed-free periods. Maintaining the orchard floor weed-free for 12 wk after peach tree bloom resulted in the greatest fruit size (individual fruit weight and diameter), total yield, and fruit number. Nomenclature:Paraquat, bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. CYNDA, common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL, hairy vetch, Vicia villosa Roth. VICVI, horseweed, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. ERICA, large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. DIGSA, smooth crabgrass, Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Muhl. DIGIS, smooth pigweed, Amaranthus hybridus L. AMACH, peach, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. , ‘Contender’, ‘Norman’, and ‘Summerprince’
The breeding system, genetic diversity and pollen sterility in Eucalyptus pulverulenta, a rare species with small disjunct populations.

There are eight known populations of E. pulverulenta, which has a disjunct distribution in south-eastern Australia. Levels of genetic variation were studied in four populations of about 5000 plants in all. Of a total of 16 allozyme loci examined eight were polymorphic, but the level of polymorphism was generally low. Within populations there was a mean 1.42 alleles per locus. Both the total species and mean population genetic diversities were low for a tree species (0.10 and 0.07 respectively), while the between-population genetic diversity was high at 30%. These data are consistent with the effects expected of genetic drift. Population structure may thus have been critical in determining levels of genetic diversity throughout the species' range. Analysis of half-sib arrays in three populations showed that the mean outcrossing rate (t) was 70%, comparable to values from other Eucalyptus species. The mean level of inbreeding (Wright's F) was 0.19, although both F and t varied considerably between populations. Significant levels of pollen sterility have been reported in this species, and data presented here show that this trait extends through much of the species' range. Overall, these data suggest that neither its disjunct population structure nor its tendency to male sterility caused the species' detectable level of outcrossing to differ markedly from levels reported in other eucalypt species. However, it remains possible that pollen sterility may have had some effect in at least one population. Strategies for conservation of this rare species are also considered.
Fungus moths (Lepidoptera, Tineidae) of the Białowieża Forest

Abstract New records for twenty species of saproxylic tineid moths (Lepidoptera, Tineidae) from the Białowieża Forest (NE Poland) are presented. Most species were recorded on the basis of laboratory breeding of the adult moths from the sporocarps of wood-decaying fungi inhabited by the larvae. Some species were captured using barrier traps or were collected at light. One species, Dryadaula irinae (Savenkov, 1989), is recorded for the first time from Poland and three others, Nemaxera betulinella (Paykull, 1785), Nemapogon fungivorella (Benander, 1939) and Elatobia fuliginosella Lienig & Zeller, 1846, are recognized as new for the fauna of the Białowieża Forest. The current distribution in Poland of each species is briefly discussed, and some remarks on its biology are given
Stochastic Model for Langerhans Cells and HIV Dynamics In Vivo

Many aspects of the complex interaction between HIV and the human immune system remain elusive. Our objective is to study these interactions, focusing on the specific roles of Langerhans cells (LCs) in HIV infection. In patients infected with HIV, a large amount of virus is associated with LCs in lymphoid tissue. To assess the influence of LCs on HIV viral dynamics during antiretroviral therapy, we present and analyse a stochastic model describing the dynamics of HIV, T cells, and LCs interactions under therapeutic intervention in vivo and show that LCs play an important role in enhancing and spreading initial HIV infection. We perform sensitivity analyses on the model to determine which parameters and/or which interaction mechanisms strongly affect infection dynamics.
Morphological Differentiation among Three Species of Flying Squirrels (Genus Hylopetes) from Southeast Asia

Abstract The genus Hylopetes consists of 8 or 9 species of small flying squirrels. There has been much nomenclatural confusion over 3 of these species: H. platyurus (the gray-cheeked flying squirrel), H. spadiceus (the red-cheeked flying squirrel), and H. lepidus (the pink-cheeked flying squirrel). To address this taxonomic problem, we examined museum specimens and quantified pelage coloration, tail shape, and a number of craniodental characters. A discriminant analysis of craniodental variables discriminated among the 3 species and allocated all specimens correctly (P < 0.00001). We found that simple ratios of craniodental measurements coupled with pelage coloration characters can assist in the identification of these problematic species, although tail shape was not useful for discrimination. Based on our results as well as historical accounts and what is known about the biogeographical patterns of the region, we provide a description and discussion of the distributions for these species.
Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) Movement, Oviposition, and Feeding Response Patterns in Relation to Host and Nonhost Vegetation

The influence of minor and nonhost vegetation on bean, Phaseolus vulgarts L. , host plant acceptance by the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), was studied, with emphasis on the influence of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Cage environments in the laboratory and greenhouse were used to observe leafhopper movement and arrestment and to evaluate performance criteria, including feeding and oviposition. The presence of tomato vegetation suppressed total excreta production (an index of feeding) by 43%. Reduced excreta production was a result of considerable residence time on tomato. In oviposition choice tests, only 28% of the eggs were laid on bean in proximity to tomato. No-choice tests gave similarly significant results. Cabbage also reduced oviposition when in proximity to bean. In choice tests, only 32% of the eggs were laid on bean in proximity to cabbage. There were no differences in the average length of time on bean during each arrestment bout in treatment cages containing a combination of bean and companion plant leaves versus the control containing only bean leaves. When evaluating leafhopper movement frequency from surface to surface (i.e., the two leaves and cage surfaces), no significant difference was found when comparing the bean control with the bean and tomato treatment. It is suggested that tomato plants can directly reduce the interaction between bean plants and leafhopper through an extensive “nonproductive” residency time on tomato plants. The importance of evaluating insect and plant interactions based on multiple criteria is discussed.
Karyology, generic delineation and dysploidy in the genera Carduncellus, Carthamus and Phonus (Asteraceae)

Abstract Within the Mediterranean complex Carduncellus–Carthamus–Phonus, taxonomic classification has proven problematical. A recent molecular analysis has clarified the generic delineation, while a revision of the abundant karyological data has suggested that correlation of taxonomic classification and karyology would be of great interest. In this paper, a confirmation of chromosome numbers in the complex is offered, with 44 populations of 30 taxa studied. Six of the counts are new. A short analysis of the correlation between base chromosome numbers and generic classification follows. The main conclusion is that descending dysploidy is the main mechanism of karyological evolution in the complex, as has been the case in other genera of the subtribe.
Simulation study of a single-grip harvester in thinning from below and thinning from above

Abstract The time consumption and productivity of a single-grip harvester were studied, using a simulation model, when thinning from below and above in eight randomly selected stands. The model estimated the time required for each work element, given machine and tree positions, and tree size. A 2×5 factorial design was used with factors thinning type [from below (Tb) and above (Ta)] and tree size. Trees were subjectively selected for harvest according to thinning type. Total basal area removal was 30% plot−1. Approximately 50% more trees were harvested in Tb than in Ta Time consumption tree−1 was higher for Ta than Tb. Time consumption for machine and boom movements decreased with increasing number of harvested trees, and time for felling and processing of trees increased with harvested mean stem volume. Harvester productivity was 36% higher for Ta, since the increase in harvested mean stem volume was higher than the increase in time consumption tree−1.
Efficiency in a forest nursery of an ectomycorrhizal fungus inoculum produced in a fermentor and entrapped in polymeric gels

In a nursery in the centre of France, we have compared the effect of different forms of an ectomycorrhizal fungus inoculum (Hebeloma cylindrosporum) on growth and mycorrhizal development of Douglas-fir and Norway spruce after soil fumigation. Compared with inoculum produced on peat and vermiculite, the inoculum produced in a fermentor and entrapped in polymeric gels significantly improved Douglas-fir and Norway spruce seedling growth. The Hebeloma mycorrhizal index was not significantly different between the different forms of inocula. The superiority of the inoculum produced in the fermentor and entrapped in gels is probably related to the high metabolic activity of the mycelium and to the protection given by the polymers after the incorporation of the inoculum into the soil. Hebeloma cylindrosporum stimulates seedling growth even in the presence of Thelephora terrestris mycorrhiza.
Intercropping of oat and field pea in Alaska: An alternative approach to quality forage production and weed control

Abstract Intercropping of legumes with non-legumes is an ancient crop production method used to improve quality and dry matter (DM) yields of forage and grain, and to control weeds. However, there is little information regarding intercropping at high latitudes. The objectives of this field study were to evaluate performance of (1) sole cropped oat (Avena sativa L.) (cultivars Toral and Calibre) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) (cultivars Carneval and Orb) and their intercrop combinations, and (2) inter- and sole-crop responses to weeds. The different cropping systems were studied with different weed treatments (weed-free all season long, weed-free until flowering, and left weedy all season long). In general intercrops of oat and pea produced DM (forage) and grain yields similar to sole oat crops and higher than sole pea crops although the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, forage quality [crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF)] was improved by intercropping. Most of the variables measured were unaffected by weed treatments, however weed DM was generally lower in sole oat and oat-pea intercropping than sole pea cropping systems. More than 80% of the weed DM was from common lamb's quarters (Chenopodium album L.). The CP of this weed was higher than oat and pea, and ADF and NDF were equivalent to the sole cropped oat. Thus, including weeds as part of the forage is possible. However, if crops are grown for grain, weeds are likely to produce large numbers of seeds that would enter the seed bank. Thus, pea–oat intercrops show potential as an alternative and sustainable approach for optimum yield and high quality forage and weed control under Alaskan subarctic conditions.