Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Grain Yield Variations among Tetraploid Wheat Species Cultivated under Contrasting Precipitation Regimes

Nineteen accessions belonging to six tetraploid wheat species were evaluated and compared for carbon isotope discrimination and grain yield during two successive cropping seasons (1995 and 1996) under Mediterranean rainfed conditions. The two seasons differed markedly in precipitation regime. A wide variation for the measured traits was observed among the 19 accessions for carbon isotope discrimination and grain yield in both years. Significant differences were also noted between species accessions for Δ and grain yield. In both years, Triticum timopheevi (AG genome) showed lower Δ values than the other tetraploid species (all carrying the AB genome). Positive correlations were observed between Δ and grain yield in both years. The use of carbon isotope discrimination as an indirect selection criterion for yield under stress and the potential benefits of some alien tetraploid species in improving drought tolerance in durum wheat are discussed. Abhangigkeit der Unterschiede in der Kohlenstoffisotopendiskriminierung und im Kornertrag tetraploider Weizensorten von der Niederschlagsmenge wahrend der Wachstumsphase Die Kohlenstoffisotopendiskriminierung (Δ) und der Ertrag sechs verschiedener tetraploider Weizensorten mit insgesamt 19 unterschiedlichen Genotypen wurde im mediterranen Klima in zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Jahren 1995 und 1996 ermittelt und die Werte verglichen. Die Niederschlagsmenge war in beiden Versuchsjahren deutlich unterschiedlich. Innerhalb der 19 Genotypen konnte in beiden Jahren eine grose Variation der Kohlenstoffisotopendiskriminierung und des Ertrags festgestellt werden. Daruber hinaus wurden signifikante Unterschiede im Wert Δ und im Ertrag zwischen den verschiedenen Genotypen beobachtet. Die Weizensorte Triticum timopheevi (AG Genom) lieferte in beiden Jahren geringere Werte fur Δ als die anderen tatraploiden Sorten, die allesamt das AB-Genom tragen. Zwischen Δ und dem Ertrag bestand in beiden Jahren eine positive Korrelation. Sowohl die Kohlenstoffisotopendiskriminierung als indirektes Selektionskriterium fur hohere Ertrage bei Trockenheitsstress, als auch das Potential einiger fremder tetraploider Weizensorten wird unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Zucht einer erhohten Trockenheitstoleranz von Hartweizen diskutiert.
Two domains within σN (σ54) cooperate for DNA binding

Abstract The σ-N (σN) subunit of the bacterial RNA polymerase is a sequence specific DNA-binding protein. The RNA polymerase holoenzyme formed with σN binds to promoters in an inactive form and only initiates transcription when activated by enhancer-binding positive control proteins. We now provide evidence to show that the DNA-binding activity of σN involves two distinct domains: a C-terminal DNA-binding domain that directly contacts DNA and an adjacent domain that enhances DNA-binding activity. The sequences required for the enhancement of DNA binding can be separated from the sequences required for core RNA polymerase binding. These results provide strong evidence for communication between domains within a transcription factor, likely to be important for the function of σN in enhancer-dependent transcription.
An assessment of a method based on intrinsic antibiotic resistance for identifying Rhizobium strains

SUMMARY A method based on intrinsic antibiotic resistance (IAR) for identifying large numbers of Rhizobium strains was assessed and found to be unsatisfactory for R. phaseoli and isolates from Cicer arietinum (Rhizobium spp.). Our data showed that the number of different IAR patterns always exceeded the number of strains tested. With 90 nodule isolates from plants inoculated with a mixture of three strains of R. Phaseoli, the technique gave 18 different resistance patterns. When 24 strains of Rhizobium spp. , each replicated three times, were examined 68 different resistance patterns were obtained. Single colony isolates from one strain also gave several different IAR patterns. All strains tested with fluorescent“ antibody were readily identified. Attempts to obtain correct strain identification with IAR by simplifying the scoring systems or allowing up to two differences in the resistance patterns were unsuccessful. We were unable to define the source of this variation although incubation time and inoculum concentration were shown to affect the IAR patterns
Flight periodicity of Prostephanus truncatus and longevity of attraction to synthetic pheromone

Double‐sided sticky traps were baited with polythene vials containing synthetic components of the aggregation pheromone of Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) and used to investigate the effect of time of day on capture of this insect. P. truncatus exhibited a bimodal pattern of flight activity with a major peak between 18.00 and 21.00 h, and a smaller peak between 07.00 and 09.00 h. The effective life of the pheromone bait was also investigated over 33 days. The highest numbers of P. truncatus were caught during the first 8 days and the majority of the beetles were caught within 14 days. Catches then showed a steady decline. Captures of the predatory histerid Teretriosoma nigrescens Lewis, were much lower than those of P. truncatus and showed fluctuations which did not appear related to numbers of its prey. Environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, wind and trap positioning appeared to influence results, especially when considered over a short time scale.
Estirpes de Bacillus thuringiensis efetivas contra insetos das ordens Lepidoptera, Coleoptera e Diptera

The aim of this work was to select among 300 strains of Bacillus thuringiensis those which are simultaneously effective against larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith and Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Aedes aegypti Linnaeus and Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). Two strains of B. thuringiensis were selected, S234 and S997, which presented activity against those three insect orders. Both strains were characterized by morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. They have presented two main proteins with 130 and 65 kDa, polimerase chain reaction products with expected sizes for detection of the genes cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ac, cry1B and cry2 and bipiramidal, cubical and spherical crystals.
MILK PROTEINS POLYMORPHISM IN ROMANIAN GREY STEPPE CATTLE STUDIED BY ISOELECTRIC FOCUSING TECHNIQUE (IEF). IDENTIFICATION OF A NEW ?S1-CASEIN ALLELE: ?S1 IRV

Romanian Grey Steppe Cattle belongs to Podolian family. being an old local cattle breed very well adapted to harsh environment The goal of the present study was to investigate milk proteins polymorphism in Romanian Grey Steppe Cattle and their hybrids. in order to detect new possible genetic variants. To our knowledge this aspect has never been investigated in this breed so far. New ? S1-casein IEF pattern. never observed in European cattle breeds. is described. The new ? S1-casein allele was named ? s1-cazeina IRV.
Histamine and Histamine-Forming Bacteria in Keropok lekor (Malaysian Fish Sausage) during Processing

Keropok lekor at different processing stages were obtained and examined for total volatile bases (TVB), trimethylamine (TMA), putrescine, cadaverine and histamine and their forming bacteria. TVB and TMA levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after boiling from 7.29 to 4.68 mg/ 100g and 3.38 to 1.81 mg/ 100g, respectively. After cooling stage, the levels of TMA, putrescine, cadaverine and histamine in keropok lekor were increased significantly (p < 0.05). Putrescine, cadaverine and histamine level for all samples was found less than allowable level, which is 50 ppm. Bacteria forming putrescine, cadaverine and histamine reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after boiling stage and it was increased significantly (p < 0.05) after cooling stage. Before the boiling stage, microorganisms isolated producing putrescine, cadaverine and histamine were members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and also members of Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and Micrococcus genera. Members of the genera Pseudomonas that produce biogenic amines were not found from keropok lekor after the boiling stage.
Earthworm invasion, white‐tailed deer and seedling establishment in deciduous forests of north‐eastern North America

Earthworm invasions and high deer populations are among many stressors threatening long‐term population viability of forest understorey plants in north‐eastern North America. Stressor effects are typically tested one at a time; however, stressors often co‐occur and plants respond to effects of multiple stressors simultaneously. We used a factorial design to test independent and combined effects of non‐native earthworms and native white‐tailed deer on survival of seedling transplants of 15 native understorey plants in five forests in New York State. Earthworm biomass was negatively correlated with survival of 12 of 15 species. We found no interactive effect of deer and earthworms, but did find a positive, non‐consumptive effect of deer on Geranium maculatum and Polygonum virginianum survival. Deer and earthworm presence/absence indirectly influenced other trophic levels: earthworm presence increased the likelihood of insect attack, and deer exclusion increased the likelihood of rodent disturbance of transplants. Synthesis. Invasive earthworms negatively affected seedling survival of many understorey plants, including species previously thought to benefit from earthworm associations. This effect was a function of earthworm biomass, a surrogate for earthworm activity. We expect deer herbivory to increase in importance, including indirect effects, as seedlings grow into browse height over the next years. Investigations of co‐occurring stressors can result in ‘ecological surprises’ including previously overlooked non‐consumptive effects or effects on other trophic levels.
Studies in intersexuality.—II. Sex-reversal in the fowl

Many instances of “hermaphroditism” and of the more or less complete assumption of the secondary sexual characters of the male by the old female bird, wild and domesticated, have been recorded, but in the great majority of such cases no accurate knowledge of the previous history of the individual has been available and each has been considered as an isolated case. It was thought that a study of these conditions as met with in the domestic fowl would be of genetic interest. In order to obtain specimens and information the poultry keepers of the country were circularised. It was found that:— (1) Rare cases of “hermaphroditism” have been encountered. A bird at the age of 4—6 months, instead of developing the distinctive male or female characters, grows slowly into a creature which is neither a pullet nor a cockerel and its characters remain indefinitely intermediate. (2) Rare cases are known of an otherwise perfectly normal laying hen with cocky plumage. In one such case, known to the present writer, the plumage following successive moults has been cocky—henny—cocky.
Fusaria and Fusarium mycotoxins in leaves and ears of maize plants 2. A time course study made in the Waikato region, New Zealand, in 1997

Abstract The patterns of fungal infection and mycotoxin contamination in leaf and ear sections of plants of two maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, one resistant to mycotoxin accumulation under New Zealand conditions (Pioneer 3902 (P3902)) and one less so (Pioneer 3751 (P3751)), have been measured. Sampling commenced early in the season, well before ear and tassel formation, and continued until harvest. A number of fungi were isolated, the most common overall being Fusarium. Most common in leaf fractions were Epicoccum, Fusarium, and Alter‐naria, whereas in ear fractions the most common were Fusarium, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Mucor. The most common fusaria isolated from leaf fractions were the toxigenic species F. crookwellense and F. graminearum. These species were evident from late February although other, non‐toxigenic, species were present in leaf axils from early January. For ear fractions the most common species were F. graminearum, F. crookwellense, and F. subglutinans. Fusarium infection was eviden.
Functional Morphology of the Male Genitalia of Four Species of Drosophila: Failure to Confirm Both Lock and Key and Male-Female Conflict Predictions

Abstract Several hypotheses attempt to explain why male genitalia typically diverge rapidly over evolutionary time. Predictions of the lock and key and the sexually antagonistic coevolution hypotheses were tested by studying the functional morphology of several male genitalic traits by freezing copulating pairs of four species of Drosophila: saltans, willistoni, melanogaster, and malerkotliana. Contrary to the predictions of the hypotheses, there were no species-specific differences in female morphology that corresponded to interspecific differences in the morphology of the male surstylus (which pressed and perhaps spread the distal tip of the oviscape), the epandrium (which grasped the external surface of the extended oviscape), and the aedeagus and paraphyses (which, in willistoni, clamped the oviscape). Antagonistic coevolution could possibly explain the diverse male genitalic morphology if female resistance behavior rather than morphology has coevolved with male morphology, but there are reasons doubt this explanation.
Scented Guide Ropes as a Method to Enhance Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) Trap Capture Success on Guam

Abstract Current methods for controlling the invasive Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) on Guam include a modified minnow trap with a live mouse lure. We investigated the effects on capture success of augmenting these traps with scented guide ropes leading to trap entrances. Initial screening of scent preferences was based on time spent in scented and unscented arms of a Y-maze. Preferences of large and small snakes were scored for six different prey scents (live and carrion gecko, skink, and mouse). Large snakes spent more time in the maze arm scented with live gecko and carrion gecko, whereas small snakes spent more time in the arm scented with carrion mouse and carrion gecko. After the laboratory study, a pilot trapping session was conducted in the field using three treatments (live mouse-scented ropes, carrion gecko-scented ropes, and carrion mouse-scented ropes) and two controls (traps with unscented guide ropes and those with no ropes attached). Contrary to laboratory results, live mouse-scented ropes were most effective. We conducted a second trapping session using live mouse-scented ropes as well as the two controls used in the pilot study. For snakes of below-average to average condition, the number of captures for traps with live mouse-scented ropes was higher than for traps with no ropes. However, for snakes of above-average condition, there were no differences in capture rates between trap treatments. Overall, treatment effects were weaker than latent individual heterogeneity and the influence of snake body size, with large snakes trapped more readily.
Genetic, Molecular, and Genomic Approaches to Improve the Value of Plant Foods and Feeds

Referee: Dr. T.J. Higgins, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO, Divistion of Plant Industry, Clunies Ross Street, Box 1600, Canberra, 2601, Australia Recent advances in gene isolation, plant transformation, and genetic engineering are being used extensively to alter metabolic pathways in plants by tailormade modifications to single or multiple genes. Many of these modifications are directed toward increasing the nutritional value of plant-derived foods and feeds. These approaches are based on rapidly growing basic knowledge, understanding, and predictions of metabolic fluxes and networks. Some of the predictions appear to be accurate, while others are not, reflecting the fact that plant metabolism is more complex than we presently understand. Tailor-made modifications of plant metabolism has so far been directed into improving the levels of primary metabolites that are essential for growth and development of humans and their livestock. Yet, the list of improved metabolites is expected to grow tremendously after new discoveries in nutritional, medical, and health sciences. Despite our extensive knowledge of metabolic networks, many of the genes encoding enzymes, particularly those involved in secondary metabolism, are still unknown. These genes are being discovered at an accelerated rate by recent advances in genetic and genomics approaches. In the present review, we discuss examples in which the nutritional and health values of plant-derived foods and feeds were improved by metabolic engineering. These include modifications of the levels of several essential amino acids, lipids, fatty acids, minerals, nutraceuticals, antinutritional compounds, and aromas.
Parental effects in Lychnis flos‐cuculi. II: Selection on time of emergence and seedling performance in the field

Selection on the timing of seedling emergence was investigated in an experimental population of Lychnis flos‐cuculi, a perennial hay‐meadow species. Seeds obtained from a full diallel cross of 8 genotypes from a field population were sown along an environment gradient that included the parental site.
Digestion of forages in the rumen is increased by the amount but not the type of protein supplement

Three polyester bag experiments were conducted with fistulated Bos indicus steers to determine the effect of the amount and type of nitrogen (N) supplement on the digestion rate of forages different in quality. In Experiment 1, test substrates were incubated in polyester bags in the rumen of steers fed ryegrass, pangola grass, speargrass and Mitchell grass hays in a 4 by 4 Latin-square design. In Experiment 2, test substrates were incubated in polyester bags in the rumen of steers fed speargrass hay supplemented with urea and ammonium sulfate (US), branched-chain amino acids with US (USAA), casein, cottonseed meal, yeast and Chlorella algae in a 7 by 3 incomplete Latin-square design. In Experiment 3, test substrates were incubated in polyester bags in the rumen of steers fed Mitchell grass hay supplemented with increasing amounts of US or Spirulina algae (Spirulina platensis). The test substrates used in all experiments were speargrass, Mitchell grass, pangola grass or ryegrass hays. Digestion rate of the ryegrass substrate was higher than that of the speargrass substrate (P < 0.05) in Experiment 1. Supplementation with various N sources increased the degradation rate and effective degradability of all incubated substrates above that apparent in Control steers (P < 0.05; Experiment 2). Supplementation of US and Spirulina increased degradation rate and effective degradability of ryegrass, pangola grass and Mitchell grass substrates above that apparent in Control steers (P < 0.05; Experiment 3). However, there was no further response on digestion rate of the substrates in increasing supplementation levels either for US or Spirulina. In conclusion, rate of digestion was affected by forage physical and anatomical properties. Supplementation with various N sources increased rate of digestion when the Control forage ration was very low in N but once a minimum level of N supplementation was reached, irrespective of form of N or other potential growth factors, there was no further increase in rate of digestion.
Indirect effects of global change accumulate to alter plant diversity but not ecosystem function in alpine tundra

Environmental change can affect species directly by altering their physical environment and indirectly by altering the abundance of interacting species. A key challenge at the interface of community ecology and conservation biology is to predict how direct and indirect effects combine to influence response in a changing environment. In particular, little is known about how direct and indirect effects on biodiversity develop over time or their potential to influence ecosystem function. We studied how nitrogen (N), winter precipitation (snow) and warming influenced diversity and ecosystem function over 6 years in alpine tundra. We used path analyses to partition direct effects of environmental manipulations from indirect effects due to changes in the abundance of two dominant plants. We hypothesize that (i) indirect effects will develop more slowly but will become stronger than direct effects over time and (ii) after 6 years, indirect effects will more strongly influence diversity while direct effects will influence ecosystem function. Indirect effects of N on diversity were consistently stronger than direct effects and actually developed quickly, prior to direct effects. Direct effects of snow on diversity were detected in year 2 but then subsequently were reversed, while indirect effects were detected in year 4 and grew stronger over time. Overall in year 6, indirect effects were much stronger than direct effects on diversity. Direct effects predominated for three of four ecosystem functions we measured (productivity, N mineralization, winter N availability). The only indirect effects we found were that N and snow indirectly affected microbial biomass N by influencing Geum abundance. Across all four ecosystem measures, indirect effects were infrequent and weaker than direct effects. Synthesis. Increasing indirect effects on diversity over time indicate that short‐term experiments or monitoring of natural systems may underestimate the full magnitude of global change effects on plant communities. Moreover, explicitly accounting for changes in dominant plant abundance may be necessary for forecasting plant community response to environmental change. Conversely, weak indirect effects for ecosystem processes suggest that predicting ecosystem function without knowledge of plant responses to global change may be possible.
A new species of Paraneognathus from Iran and re-description of Eustigmaeus plumifer (Acari: Trombidiformes: Caligonellidae, Stigmaeidae)

Abstract A new species of Paraneognathus, P. iranicus sp. nov. is described based on females and a deutonymph collected from soil and leaf litter under citrus trees in Mazandaran province. A key to all known species of the genus Paraneognathus is provided. Also Eustigmaeus plumifer (Halbert, 1923) collected from soil of apple orchards in East Azerbaijan province, is re-described.
Apoptotic Cell Death Induced by β‐Amyloid1–42 Peptide Is Cell Type Dependent

Abstract: β‐Amyloid peptide (Aβ), a proteolytic fragment of the β‐amyloid precursor protein, is a major component of senile plaques in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. This neuropathological feature is accompanied by increased neuronal cell loss in the brain and there is evidence that Aβ is directly neurotoxic. In the present study reduced cell viability in four different neuroblastoma cell types was observed after treatment with human Aβ1–42 for 1 day. Of the cell types tested rat PC12 and human IMR32 cells were most susceptible to Aβ toxicity. Chromosomal condensation and fragmentation of nuclei were seen in PC12, NB2a, and B104 cells but not in IMR32 cells irrespective of their high sensitivity to Aβ. Electrophoretic analysis of cellular DNA confirmed internucleosomal DNA fragmentation typical for apoptosis in all cell types except IMR32. These findings suggest that the form of Aβ‐induced cell death (necrosis or apoptosis) may depend on the cell type.