Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem Persistence and Heterotrophic Regulation

Mechanisms leading to ecosystem persistence are explored with a simple mathe- matical conceptualization. The concept is quantified for six ecosystems ranging from tundra to tropics and including both terrestrial and aquatic systems. Deductions from the concept are compared with predictions from the theory of power as a basic parameter of system function. Analysis of the equations indicates that heterotrophs in the ecosystem may be capable of exerting effective control by changes in biomass that would be difficult to detect in field sampling. The effectiveness of the control is influenced by significant differences in turnover rates among ecosystem components. It is suggested that simple mathematical constructs, quantifiable from available data and amenable to direct analysis, have much to offer in increasing our understanding of ecosystem function.
Effects of supplemental‐nitrogen on the quality of rice proteins

Abstract A study was conducted on the effect of supplemental nitrogen (N) (20 hg/ha) applied as a foliar spray or to the soil on seed production, protein percentage, and protein fractions of rice. Plants were grown in a greenhouse over two different periods of time, i.e., August 1988 to January 1989 (Period I), and December 1988 to April 1989 (Period II). Nitrogen was applied to the leaves 10 and 20 days after anthesis (DAA), and to the soil at anthesis and at 15 DAA. Average temperature was 28.7°C during Period I and 32°C during Period II, corresponding to 18.7 and 22.0 growing degree‐day/day (GDD/day), respectively. The difference in GDD/day reduced the plant cycle from 130 days during Period I to 109 days during Period II. Plants grown during Period II had larger numbers of spikelets, a higher percentage of “full grown grains”;, and higher grain weight. Although percentage crude protein was about the same for the two periods, prolamin content was increased and the albumin+globulin fraction was decrease.
Mobility of salivary components as a possible reason for differences in the responses of alfalfa to the spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid

The spotted alfalfa aphid (SAA), Therioaphis trifolii maculata (Buckton), causes a characteristic veinal chlorosis and necrosis in the growing tips of susceptible cultivars of alfalfa. The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), causes general degenerative changes in alfalfa but no specific, local symptoms. Biochemical and electrophoretic analyses detected similar enzymes in the ejected saliva of either species: pectin methylesterase, endopolygalacturonase and at least three isozymes of a copper dependent oxido‐reductase that showed both catechol oxidase and peroxidase activity. Pectinase and catechol oxidase activities per unit of soluble protein were much greater in the saliva of pea aphid compared with that of SAA. The isozymes of the oxidase from SAA were roughly half the molecular weights of the corresponding isozymes from pea aphid, however, and radiotracer studies showed that soluble secretions injected into alfalfa by SAA travelled to growing tips considerably faster than the secretions of pea aphid. It is suggested that differences in the lesions caused by these aphids may be due to reaction kinetics rather than specific salivary toxins; that the rate of arrival of salivary components, possibly the oxidases, at phloem unloading sites may determine whether the plant's local defensive system is able to repress the immediate challenge or undergoes a run‐away reaction leading to necrosis.
Stability of Crude Herring Oil Produced from Fresh Byproducts: Influence of Temperature during Storage

Crude herring oil, extracted from fresh byproducts, was stored at 0, 20, and 50°C in order to study the effect of temperature on lipid oxidation. The oil had an initial peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV), and free fatty acids of 0.7 meq peroxides/kg of lipid, 0.4, and 0.6%, respectively. During storage, the oil reached the secondary oxidation stage for all 3 temperatures. The formation of fluorescent compounds was inhibited at 0°C. Significant decrease of the α-tocopherol content was found after storage at 0 and 20°C, but no consumption occurred at 50°C. The development of oxidation products over time exhibited a temperature-dependency with a very good correlation.
Mapping of quantitative-trait loci by means of marker genes in F2 generations of wild boar, Pietrain and Meishan pigs

Summary Three F2 families have been established for QTL mapping by crossing genetically divergent Wild boar, Meishan and Pietrain pigs. More than 900 F2 animals are typed for a large number of marker loci and are recorded for over 100 quantitative traits. In a first analysis QTLs on chromosome 6 have been mapped in the region of the ryanodine receptor gene. Also several traits were significantly associated with different GH haplotyes. Zusammenfassung Einsatz von Markergenen zur Kartierung quantitativer Merkmale in Wildschwein, Pietrain und Meishan F2-Generationen Zur Kartierung von QTLs wurden durch Kreuzung der genetisch sehr unterschiedlichen Rassen Wildschwein, Meishan und Pietrain, drei F2 Familien erstellt. Bei mehr als 900 Tieren wurde eine grose Zahl an Markerloci bestimmt und mehr als 100 quantitative Merkmale erfast. In einer ersten Analyse konnten QTLs in der Region des Ryanodin Rezeptor Gens auf Chromosom 6 kartiert werden. Weiterhin zeigten zahlreiche Merkmale signifikante Beziehungen zu verschiedenen Haplotypen des GH Gens.
A Revision of Araliaceae from Vanuatu

Summary : A taxonomic revision of Araliaceae from Vanuatu (formerly the New Hebrides) is presented in which 16 species are recognized in five genera. Twelve species are native, of which eight are endemic, while four frequently cultivated species of Polyscias are more likely introduced. The phytogeographic relationships of eight of the native taxa lie with species in New Caledonia, while two species are part of a northern component centered in the Solomon Islands and Malesia, and two more have their relatives in the east in Fiji and Samoa. Three species are described as new : ScliefJra cabalionii Lowry, S. vanuatua Lowry, and Polyscias schniidii Lowry; four names are lectotypified. Resume : Une revision taxonomique des Araliuceae du Vanuatu (ex .Nouvelles-Hebrides) est presentee; cinq genres et 16 especes sont reconnus. Douze especes sont indigenes, dont huit endemiques, tandis que quatre Polyscias sont probablement introduits, s’agissant d‘especes souvent cultivees. Huit des especes indigenes manifestent des relations phytogeographiques avec des taxa neo-caledoniens; deux font partie d’un ensemble centre plus au nord dans la region des iles Salomon et en Malesie; deux autres sont apparentees a des elements localises plus a l’est, a Fidji et a Samoa. Trois nouvelles especes sont decrites : ScliefJlera cabalionii Lowry, S. vanuatua Lowry, et Polyscias schnzidii Lowry ; quatre noms sont lectotypifies.
Detecting genes for developmental dyslexia on chromosome 6p.

Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a complex, cognitive disorder, characterised by an impairment in reading despite adequate educational, motivational and intellectual opportunities and in the absence of any sensory or neurological disability. Family and twin studies have shown that genes make a substantial contribution to individual variation in risk of DD. Genetic linkage and association studies have implicated a number of chromosomal regions that may harbour susceptibility genes for DD, including regions on chromosomes 6p and 15q. The aims of this thesis were to identify novel susceptibility gene(s) for DD on chromosome 6p and to replicate the association reported between DD and EKN1 on chromosome 15q. Eleven genes on chromosome 6p were tested for association with DD using data derived from DNA pooling assays of 168 SNPs. Nineteen associations were observed and a minimum set of 13 SNPs were chosen for individual genotyping in a case-control and family-based sample. Nine SNPs revealed association with DD (p 0.20). No significant associations were observed between EKN1 and component phenotypes of DD. This study identifies KIAA0319 as a susceptibility gene for DD and suggests that EKN1 is unlikely to increase vulnerability to DD.
Comparative evaluation of cotton seed meal and sunflower seed meal in urea molasses blocks versus commercial concentrate as supplement to basal ration of wheat straw with stall-fed buffalo calves

Eighteen water buffalo calves of Nili-Ravi breed (about 15 months age and of 147′12 kg average body weight and mixed sex) were used with six animals on each treatment. All the animals were fed long wheat straw for ad libitum intake as the basal ration. Animals in group-1 were supplemented with ad libitum amount of urea molasses block having cotton seed meal (CSMB) while the animals in group-II were supplemented with ad libitum urea molasses block containing sunflower seed meal (SFMB) and group III animals were supplemented with a fixed amount of commercial concentrate feed (CCF). The experiment lasted for a period of 80 days (April to June). Results revealed a significantly decreased total feed intake (wheat straw+supplements) in group-III (1,666′52 g/h/d) as compared to group 1 (2,299′194 g/h/d) and group-II (2,193′230 g/h/d). Average daily supplement intakes were 891′87; 666′104 and 593′0 grams per head in group I, II and III, respectively. Supplement intakes among groups were different (p<0.05). Average daily body weight gains (g/h) were 214′25, 174′23 and 183′24 for group I, II and III, respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found to be 10.74′1.12, 12.60′0.88 and 9.90′1.33 grams for group No. I, II and III, respectively. The economic net benefit of live weight gain of calves were 7.63, 6.11 and 7.33 rupees/h/d for group No. I, II and III, respectively. Thus SFM can replace CSM and urea molasses blocks can replace commercial concentrates as supplement to basal ration of wheat straw.
Polymorphism of the prolactin gene (PRL) and its relationship with milk production in American Swiss cattle

The modern dairy cattle breeding strategy in the Mexican tropic is to identify genes or allelic variants that can be incorporated into selection programs such as the prolactin gene (PRL) which is associated with milk production and quality. The aim of this study is to screen an American Swiss population in Chiapas, Mexico, in order to analyze the polymorphism of the prolactin gene as well as its relationship with milk production in blood samples of 417 American Swiss cattle. The genotypes were determined through the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique, using Rsa I restriction endonuclease, showing a 156 bp fragment located in exon 3. Allele frequencies in the studied breed were: A = 0.8765 and B = 0.1235. The genotype frequencies of AA, AB and BB were 0.776, 0.174 and 0.026, respectively. The Chi-square indicated that genotype distributions were not in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P<0.05). The results show that animals with genotype AA had a greater milk production during lactation than genotypes AB and BB (P<0.05), with genotype BB being the one that had the lowest production (P<0.05). It was concluded that the identification of the prolactin polymorphism in this population will allow the achievement of a better efficiency in the selection of breeding animals. Keywords: Brown Swiss, prolactin, polymorphism, milk, RFLP- Rsa I. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 11(29), pp. 7338-7343, 10 April, 2012
Influence of wing loading on Colorado potato beetle flight

Abstract Flight of overwintered and summer population Colorado potato beetles, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), with a range of wing loadings was measured following exposure to different quality diets. Beetles fed a diet of insect-resistant foliage expressing Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrioniz toxins, beetles that did not feed but consumed water, and those that were starved without access to water exhibited a lower range of wing loadings than those fed conventional foliage, but there was no corresponding increase in flight frequency. Exposing potato beetles to poor food or no food resulted in a wing-loading range of 50–140 mg/cm2 compared with a range of 80–200 mg/cm2 for beetles fed conventional foliage. No flight was observed when wing loadings were less than 80 mg/cm2 of wing surface, presumably because of other physiological processes associated with poor nutrition and not because of wing loading per se. Overwintered and summer population beetles fed a diet of conventional potato foliage did not take off when wing loading exceeded 150 mg/cm2 of supporting wing surface. Similar trade-offs between flight capacity and consumption of large meals may exist for other insects. Résumé Nous avons mesuré l'effet de différentes diètes, représentatives d'une vaste étendue de charges alaires, sur le vol de populations de printemps et d'été du doryphore de la pomme de terre, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae). Les doryphores auxquels on avait offert du feuillage exprimant la toxine de Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrioniz, les doryphores exposés au jeûne mais en présence d'eau ainsi que ceux exposés au jeûne sans accès à l' eau furent caractérisés par des charges alaires inférieures à celles des doryphores ayant eu accès à du feuillage normal. Cette réduction des charges alaires n'a pas eu un effet correspondant sur la fréquence de vol. La charge alaire des doryphores exposés au jeûne ou à de la nourriture de qualité inférieure a varié entre 50–140 mg/cm2 comparativement à 80–200 mg/cm2 dans le cas des doryphores ayant eu accès à de la nourriture normale. Aucun vol ne fut observé lorsque la charge alaire était inférieure à 80 mg/cm2. Cette absence de vol ne résulte probablement pas de la basse charge alaire elle-même mais des processus physiologiques reliés au jeûne. Les doryphores de printemps et d'été exposés à du feuillage normal cessèrent de s'envoler lorsque la charge alaire excéda 150 mg/cm2. Ce seuil d'envol résulte probablement de la charge alaire. Ce genre de choix entre la capacité de vol et la consommation abondante de nourriture que doit faire le doryphore semble exister chez d'autres insectes.
Growth response of Pterocarpus soyauxii and Lophira alata seedlings to host soil mycorrhizal inocula in relation to land use types.

Deficiency in mycorrhizal inoculum in soils due to land use types (LUT) can be alleviated by quantity and quality inoculum addition. A bioassay was carried out to determine how host soil mycorrhizal inoculum influenced mycorrhizal colonization, carbon allocation and partitioning of seedlings of two native timber species of Cameroon humid forest. Seedlings of Pterocarpus soyauxii and Lophira alata were raised for six months on surface soils (0 - 20 cm) collected from early secondary forests and LUT derived from slash-and-burn agriculture and selective logging. Mycorrhizal inoculation effect (MIE) was derived. Seedlings were mainly colonized by members of the Glomaceae and Gigasporaceae, respectively, as shown by molecular typing. They generally performed poorly in soils with indigenous inoculum. But addition of soil inoculum from P. soyauxii trees favored nodulation, significantly increased mycorrhizal colonization and total biomass but decreased root-to-shoot ratios, resulting in large and positive MIE, irrespective of LUT. ln contrast, host soil inoculum of L. alata did not affect fractional mycorrhizal colonization but significantly increased total biomass and resulted in high carbon allocation to roots in low and sometimes negative MIE. Therefore, seedlings' responses to mycorrhizal inoculum depend on host soil inoculum and that could be critical for successful rejuvenation of tropical trees.
DEPTH DISTRIBUTIONS OF DNA DAMAGE IN ANTARCTIC MARINE PHYTO‐ AND BACTERIOPLANKTON EXPOSED TO SUMMERTIME UV RADIATION 

During a survey from January to March 1998, the occurrence of UV‐B radiation (UVBR)‐ induced DNA damage in Antarctic marine phytoplankton and bacterioplankton was investigated. Sampling was done in Ryder Bay, off the British base Rothera Station, 67°S, 68°W (British Antarctic Survey). Samples were taken regularly during the survey period at fixed depths, after which DNA damage was measured in various plankton size fractions (>10, 2–10, and 0.2–2 μm). Incident solar radiation was measured using spectroradiometry, whereas attenuation of biologically effective UVBR was studied using a DNA dosimeter. A diatom bloom was found in the bay during the research period, judging from microscopic observations and HPLC analyses of taxon‐specific pigments. The high phytoplankton biomass likely caused strong attenuation of DNA effective UVBR (Kbd‐eff). Kbd‐eff values ranged from 0.83·m−1 at the peak of the bloom to 0.47·m−1 at the end of the season. UVBR‐mediated DNA damage, as measured by cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) abundance, was detected in all plankton size fractions. Highest levels were found in the smallest size fraction, mainly consisting of heterotrophic bacteria. Clear CPD depth profiles were found during mid‐summer (January, beginning of February) with surface levels exceeding 100 CPDs per million nucleotides in the bacterioplankton fraction. At that time, melting of the continuously present shelf ice caused strong salinity gradients in the upper meters, thereby stimulating water column stabilization. At the end of February and beginning of March, this phenomenon was less pronounced or absent. At that time, DNA damage was homogeneously distributed over the first 10 m, ranging between 20 and 30 CPDs per million nucleotides for the smallest size fraction.
Chemical composition, intake, ruminal fermentation, plasma metabolites and hormones in range steers

The objective of this study was to determine and compare, seasonally, across two consecutive years the chemical composition, intake, ruminal fermentation and plasma concentrations of glucose (G), urea-N (UN), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin in grazing steers. Data were analysed as repeated measures within a split plot design. The crude protein (CP), metabolisable protein (MP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and metabolisable energy (ME) were different within years and seasons (P<0.05). The values for organic matter intake (OMI), CP intake (CPI) and metabolisable protein intake (MPI) were greater in wet season (P<0.01). The pH values were not affected by years and seasons (P > 0.05). Ruminal ammonia (NH3–N) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were lower during dry season than during wet season (P < 0.05). The plasma concentrations of G, UN, and insulin were higher in the wet season (P<0.05); however, the NEFA concentrations were higher in the dry season (P<0.05). The variables corresponding to chemical composition, intake, ruminal fermentation and concentrations of metabolites and hormones were affected over time by the years and seasons.
Different treatments for secondary hyperparathyroidism of end-stage renal disease

Objective To observe and evaluate the efficacy and safety of calcitriol pulse therapy (CPT) and routine therapy for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods 28 patients with SHPT (iPTH 500 ～ 1000 pg/ml) of ESRD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) were randomly divided into two groups:calcitriol pulse therapy group and routine therapy group (control group),14 patients for each group.The patients in the calcitriol pulse therapy group was treated with 2 ～ 4 μ g Calcitriol Soft Capsules per time,twice a week,while the patients in the routine therapy group was treated with 0.25 p g Calcitriol Soft Capsules daily.All patients were treated with Calcitriol Soft Capsules for 12 weeks after receiving hemodialysis.The improvement in symptoms,changes in levels of iPTH,Ca2+,p3-,and AKP,and adverse reactions of both groups were observed.Results The patients in the calcitriol pulse therapy group had obvious improvement in skin pruritus,bone pain,and fatigue.The level of iPTH decreased from (756.5 ± 198.2) pg/ml before the treatment to (415.2 ± 158.8) pg/ml after the treatment.The level of p3-decreased from (2.12 ± 0.32) mmol/L before the treatment to (1.12 ± 0.38) mmol/L after the treatment.The level of AKP decreased from (141.2 ± 39.1) U/L before the treatment to (108.5 ± 31.6) U/L after the treatment.The levels of iPTH,P3-and AKP decreased apparently,while the level of Ca2+ increased from (1.88 ± 0.15) mmol/L before the treatment to (2.42 ± 0.22) mmol/L after the treatment.But there were no hypercalcemia and serious adverse reactions.The differences are notable and have statistical significances (P ＜ 0.01). However the patients in the routine therapy group didn' t have obvious improvement in symptoms.The levels of iPTH,p3-,AKP,and Ca2+ didn' t change obviously.The differences didn' t have statistical significances (P ＞ 0.05). Conclusion Calcitriol pulse therapy is obviously more effective than routine therapy in treating patients with SHPT of ESRD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and has high safety and patient compliance. Key words: Calcitriol; End-stage renal disease (ESRD); Hemodialysis; Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT); Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH)
Patterns and Mechanisms of Plant Diversity in Forested Ecosystems: Implications for Forest Management

The objectives of this paper are to (1) review existing diversity models, (2) identify principles that explain patterns of plant species diversity, (3) discuss implications for forest management, and (4) identify research needs. Many current theories cast distur- bance as the key player in maintaining species diversity by preventing competitive dom- inance of one or a few species. Equilibrium and nonequilibrium theories alike agree that maximum diversity should occur at intermediate size, frequency, and intensity of distur- bance. These models do not adequately predict patterns at all spatial scales or across community types. A mechanistic theory is needed to explain diversity patterns at the patch, stand, and landscape scales, as well as across site quality and successional gradients. Such a theory should be based upon the interaction between species' life-history characteristics and the nature of disturbance. New research is needed in the following areas: identifying disturbance-life-history interactions, particularly with respect to the short-term and long- term effects of disturbance; quantifying patch diversity and determining its relationship with species diversity; determining relationships between species diversity and structural and functional diversity; and identifying appropriate standards of comparison for managed stands. Comparative studies in different ecosystem types, such as boreal and tropical forests, should be encouraged to help clarify the relative importance of processes that influence diversity.