Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NITROGEN LIMITATION IN ISOCHRYSIS GALBANA (HAPTOPHYCEAE). II. RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF CHLOROPLAST PROTEINS 1

Using spectroscopic, biophysical and immunological techniques, we assayed the relative abundance often chloroplast proteins and protein complexes in the marine haptophyte, Isochrysis galbana Green, grown at nine steady‐state dilution rates in nitrogen‐limited chemostats. The proteins included Photosystem I reaction center (RCI) chlorophyll protein, CP1; Photosystem II reaction center (RC II) protein, D1; two chlorophyll a‐binding apoproteins, CP 43 and CP 47; 33 KDa oxygen evolving protein, OEC 33; α subunit of coupling factor, CF1α; large (LSU) and small subunits (SSU) of ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase, RuBisCO; the chlorophyll a/c/fucoxanthin protein complex, LHCP; and cytochrome b6/f. Seven of the ten protein complexes are encoded in the chloroplast, two are encoded in the nucleus and one shares chloroplast and nuclear genomes. Over the range of dilution rates (0.96‐0.18 d−1) cell N decreased 42% and cellular chlorophyll a decreased 50%; however, the stoichiometric proportion of RC II: cytochrome b6/f: RC I remained constant, averaging 1:3.3:0.8. In contrast, RuBisCO / PS II decreased by 58%. The light harvesting chlorophyll a/c/fucoxanthin protein complex increased relative to RC II; however, as cells became more nitrogen limited the fraction of total cell nitrogen contained in RuBisCO decreased from 21.3 to 6.7%, whereas that of the light harvesting complex remained relatively constant, averaging 6.8%. Our results generally support the hypothesis that in nitrogen limited cells, proteins encoded in the nuclear genome are synthesized preferentially over those encoded in the chloroplast.
Stock market behaviour: efficient or adaptive Evidence from the Pakistan Stock Exchange

The study empirically investigates the adaptive market hypothesis (AMH) in the Pakistan stock market over the period of 1992 to 2015. Daily data of returns (KSE-100) is divided into eight sub-samples of equal length of three years each and into different market conditions and are subjected to linear/nonlinear tests to elucidate how market-efficiency has behaved over time and whether a relationship exists between market conditions and levels of return predictability. The tests reveal that returns have gone through periods of dependence and independence over eight sub-samples thus Pakistan Stock Exchange is an adaptive market and consistent with the AMH. Furthermore, certain market conditions are more conducive to the predictability of returns as market conditions have also gone through episodes of significant dependence and independence of return predictability, which is also consistent with the AMH. Therefore, overall results of the study suggest that the AMH better elucidates the behaviour of stock returns than conventional efficient market hypothesis (EMH).
Shipworms as a model for competition and coexistence in specialized habitats

Shipworms, a group of marine wood borers (Mollusca: Teredinidae), are a model group with which to examine metacommunities inhabiting patchy, ephemeral habitats. Multiple species and genera typically share and compete for the same discrete substrata, allowing for direct comparisons to be made between competitive strategies, without confounding by extraneous biological differences. Timber recruitment panels were used to quantify 2, 4, 6 and 12 mo abundances of tropical Australian shipworm species, recording 62 075 individuals from 6 genera and 19 species. Species exhibit differing peak recruitment seasons and reproductive modes, with freespawning, short-term brooding and long-term brooding occurring. However, despite a higher diversity of spawning species (58%) overall, abundance was strongly driven by the lower diversity of short-term brooding species (37%), comprising 95.7% of recruitment. Competition for habitat was high, with up to 1200 individuals per panel (~3 ind. cm–3), and widespread (40 to 90%) mortality in panels over 4 mo old. Results show that reproductive mode is a key contributor to recruitment success, with the constraints of a patchy, ephemeral habitat favoring a 'middle of the road' strategy of short duration larval brooding, most effectively balancing fecundity, larval retention, and dispersive ability.
Enrichment of Pisum sativum gene resources through combined use of physical and chemical mutagens

The potential of induced mutations is of importance in genetic improvement of crops. In the experiments different physical and chemical mutagens were used (g-rays, fast neutrons, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), ethylene imine (EI), diethyl sulfate (DES), and nitroso methyl urethane (NMU)) applied in single or combined treatments. Frequency of main mutations was considerably higher after combined treatment compared to single treatment. Combined treatment with 150 Gy and 0.01% NMU caused a hyper-additive mutation effect (4.76%), double the theoretically expected one. The chemical mutagen concentrations had considerable influence on the effect of the combined treatment. The mutation spectrum also differed in various kinds of treatments. Significant changes in the mutagen efficiency occurred with the increase of EMS concentrations in combined treatment with g-rays. The highest efficiency coefficient (3.65) was obtained in the variant with 40 Gy g-rays and 0.2% EMS, which correlates with the highest mutation fre.
Browse production and offtake by free-ranging goats in an arid zone, Kenya

Abstract Degradation of woody plants in arid zone ecosystems is often blamed on browsing by free-ranging goats in and around settlements. However, lack of empirical evidence makes such a notion misleading to the management of tree regeneration. Five techniques were compared for the monitoring and estimation of browse offtake from young Acacia tortilis by free-ranging goats and the techniques were used to estimate goat relative stocking density in Kenya, an arid zone, from 1986–1990. The findings showed that A. tortilis uses compensatory browse production expressed through twig growth and herbivory tolerance to modify goat browsing pressure. Goat browsing did not result in different tree growth rates between the browsed and the unbrowsed treatments. Browsed trees produced more twigs than unbrowsed trees. The browsed twigs produced greater net cumulative twig growth than the unbrowsed, suggesting that goat herbivory stimulates browse production. Twig availability declined as trees grew out of reach of goats (i.e. >150 cm). The five techniques estimated variable relative stocking densities at higher browse offtake, but provided comparable values when the browse offtake declined. The findings also showed that free-ranging goats adjusted browsing pressure in response to the decline in available browse and browsing efficiency, as opposed to intensifying browsing pressure as commonly believed. These results highlight the futility of establishing fixed stocking densities in arid environments where variability of browse production is great. Rather, resource managers may be obliged to calculate stocking densities yearly or seasonally.
The rodent species of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines – target or non-target species for management?

Abstract We investigated the species diversity and habitat use of rodents in the Ifugao Rice Terraces (IRT), Luzon, Philippines, as a first step in their assessment either as pest species of rice or as potential non-target species of rodent control practice. Trapping was carried out in caneland and forest habitats adjacent to rice cropland using trap lines of 10 – 15 cage-traps. Four trapping rounds, each consisting of 5 nights trapping, were replicated at two sites during the months of May and June. A diverse rodent fauna was recorded, including the non-native pest species, Rattus tanezumi, and the native species, Rattus everetti and Chrotomys mindorensis. Results from trapping and spool-and-line tracking suggested that these native species do not contribute to rice damage and that several may actually be beneficial in the ricefield ecosystem as vermivores that feed on invertebrate pests. Control should therefore be directed at the pest species, R. tanezumi, minimising non-target effects on the non-pest rodent species.
Phylogeny of the tribe Colletieae, Rhamnaceae

A cladistic analysis based on 63 morphological characters was carried out on the tribe Colletieae including two presumed closely related genera, Geanothus and Noltea as outgroupS. In addition to a parsimony analysis of the equally weighted characters, analyses investigating the effects of character weighting, removal of a presumed hybrid species as well as the impact of uncertainly scored characters were undertaken. In all analyses Noltea was placed as sister group to a well supported monophyletic Colletieae. Nineteen different in group topologies were found, with the additional analyses mainly supporting two of them. Within the Colletieae a basal dichotomy divides Trevoa and Retanilla from the remainder of the tribe. While the Trevoa-Retanilla clade is fully resolved, the second lacks detailed resolution. Within this clade the Colletia species from a well supported monophyletic group, while monophyly of the disjunct genus Discaria could not be confirmed.
Effects of phosphorus fertilization and liming on growth, mineral nutrition, and gas exchange of Alnus rubra seedlings grown in soils from mature alluvial Alnus stands

In southern coastal British Columbia, red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) is recommended for reforestation on some low-elevation, fertile, and moist sites (e.g., alluvial sites). Correlative data indicate that P deficiencies limit the growth of alder in low-pH soils; deficiencies of P and other elements may also develop in the presence of an alder stand. Because alder may be grown in repeated rotations on alluvial sites, we sought to determine whether elemental deficiencies were likely in soils from mature stands. We examined the effects of P additions (as triple super phosphate) and liming (as dolomitic limestone) on potted red alder seedlings grown in soils from mature alluvial alder stands. Four soils were "low-pH" (mean = 4.5) and two were "high-pH" (mean = 5.5); all were classified as very rich. Growth of unfertilized seedlings was greatest in the soil with the highest soil Bray-P levels. Growth rates increased with P supply, but the response decreased with increasing Bray-P and was less in the high-pH soi.
Use of a model and toxicity data to predict the risks to some wild plant species from drift of four herbicides

Summary The dose responses of 14 wild plant species (two grasses, two legumes, one annual and nine perennial dicotyledons), not usually recognised as weeds, to four herbicides (asulam, glyphosate, MCPA and mecoprop) were measured in glasshouse experiments. Glyphosate was the most toxic; seven of the species tested had EDu, values (measured as shoot dry weight) of < 1.0 μg/plant, compared with only one species for MCPA and mecoprop. Asulam was the least toxic. Results were used to indicate the risk to each species from drift damage. A model of spray drift, based on that developed by Thompson & Ley (1982) for evaporating droplets, was rescaled to allow for field application rates and used to predict the distances travelled by given doses of herbicide. This gave acceptable agreement with reports for drift damage in the field, and predicted that only glyphosate sprayed at the highest recommended concentration might be unsafe to some of the species examined. The two herbicides sometimes used as volatile formulations (MCPA and mecoprop) did not cause damage at the small doses likely to result from exposure to vapour in the field.
Potential purification and some properties of Monroe apple peel polyphenol oxidase

PVP, AG2-X8, and PVP+AG2-X8 were used as adsorbents of phenolic compounds for Monroe apple peel polyphenol oxidase (PPO) extraction with Triton X100. Two PPO active peaks were separated using phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B chromatography. A 161-fold purification of PPO was obtained from the major active peak. Apparent pH optima were 4.6 with 4-methylcatechol and 5.0 with catechol. The enzyme was most stable at pH 8.0 and least stable at acidic pH. Observed optimum temperature for the PPO-catechol reaction was 30 o C. The enzyme was heat stable up to 40 o C
Fleece characters and their influence on wool production per unit area of skin in Merino sheep

The variations in fleece characters and the dependence of wool production per unit area of skin on these characters were studied with 15 sheep in both a medium and a strong-wool strain of Merino. Small but significant differences in staple length and fibre diameter were found between regions on the body, whereas differences in density were large. The variation in density was about three times as large as those in staple length and fibre diameter. Distinct dorsoventral and anteroposterior gradients over the body existed for fibre density, but not for staple length and fibre diameter. The influences of the fleece characters on wool production per unit area were somewhat different in the two strains, and changed with level of production. Among the medium-wool sheep, fibre density had the largest effect on production, with staple length less and mean fibre cross-sectional area least. Among the strong-wool sheep, length was more important than density, which in turn was more important than fibre cross-sectional area. The combined data indicated that as mean wool weight per unit area increased, the influence of density rose to a maximum and then diminished, whereupon mean fibre volume became the main contributor to wool weight. For different positions on the body of individual sheep, the dependence of wool production per unit area on the fleece characters was found to be similar in the two strains. Fibre density had the major effect in determining the level of production, whereas the influences of staple length and fibre area were negligible.
Identification, Ecology, and Distribution of Heliozoa, scaled flagellates and scaled ciliates from western Nigeria

A total of 15 scale-bearing protista belonging to the genera Acanthocystis, Choanocystis, Cyathobodo, Lepidotrachelophyllum, Pterocystis, Polyplacocystis, Raineriophrys, Raphidiophrys, and Raphidocystis was observed from both lotic and lentic freshwater Nigerian sites. Three of the taxa have been previously reported from Nigeria, while 12 are new records including a description of a new species of Acanthocystis. Tropical Freshwater Biology Vol. 16 (1) 2007: pp. 1-15
Seasonal fluctuations of low‐molecular‐weight sugars, starch and nitrogen in sapwood of Pinus sylvestris L.

The content of water‐soluble substances and starch in the living tree stem at the time of felling influences wood durability during further utilization. The aim of the study was to describe the annual and seasonal fluctuations in the contents of stored carbohydrates and nitrogenous compounds. The contents of soluble sugars, starch, and nitrogen were measured in the outer sapwood (0–15 mm from cambium) of 65‐yr‐old Scots pine {Pinus sylvestris L. ) trees during an annual cycle. To study the influence of growth conditions, samples were taken from different stands in Sweden, in one stand from a control and a fertilized block. The effect of the age of the trees on the content of stored substances was also considered by comparing young (10–15 yrs old) and older trees (40–65 yrs old). Determination of the carbohydrates was carried out using enzymatic analysis. The outer pine sapwood contained a higher content of low‐molecular weight sugars during autumn and winter than during spring and summer. Starch content ro.
Heterogeneity in vertebrate and invertebrate herbivory and its consequences for New Zealand mistletoes

Vertebrate herbivores generally have greater effects than invertebrates on plants. However, few studies have investigated the effects of both invertebrate and vertebrate herbivores on a single plant species. In New Zealand, nationwide declines in mistletoe populations have often been attributed to possum herbivory, but never to insect herbivory. The main goal of the present study was to document levels of vertebrate and invertebrate herbivory on endemic New Zealand mistletoe plants to suggest whether herbivory is leading to mistletoe decline. In the present study, the annual amount of leaf loss from herbivory by the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), insect herbivory and leaf abscission were measured in two populations each of three mistletoe species (Alepis flavida, Peraxilla colensoi, and Peraxilla tetrapetala, Loranthaceae). In two populations of each species from February 1997 to February 1998, abscission accounted for the most leaf loss (range 10-84% of total mean leaf area, mean 33%), whereas insects and possums usually removed small and similar amounts (less than 3%). Possum browse caused large amounts of abscission in only one population (A. flavida at Eglinton). Observed possum browse was more heterogeneous than insect browse among branches within a plant (possum coefficient of variation = 2.63, insect CV = 1.98, P < 0.001), among plants in a population (possum CV = 2.15, insect CV = 0.69, P < 0.001), and between populations (possum CV = 1.36, insect CV = 1.09). Moreover, insects damaged 100% of the study plants but never removed more than 16% of leaf area on a single plant, whereas possums only browsed 32% of the study plants but severely defoliated some plants. Thus, while the mean amount of biomass removed across a population may have important consequences for mistletoe survival, the effect of possums on mistletoe populations may also depend on the heterogeneity of browse among individuals in the population.
Fructan content of rye and rye products

ABSTRACT The fructan content of Finnish rye grains (13 samples, seven cultivars, harvested in 1998-2000) varied at 4.6–6.6 g/100 g (db). Commercial whole grain rye flour and rye flakes had fructan content of 4 g/100 g, light refined rye flour had fructan content of 3 g/100 g, and rye bran had fructan content of 7 g/100 g. Fructan content as high as 23 g/100 g was detected in the water-extractable concentrate of rye bran. Finnish soft rye bread and rye crisp bread contained 2–3 g of fructan/100 g. According to the suggested new definition of dietary fiber, fructans are also classified as dietary fiber. This means that the dietary fiber content of some cereal foods such as rye products may be increased by as much as 20% due to the presence of fructans in the grain.
Variation in spermathecal morphology and storage of spermatozoa in the simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail Arianta arbustorum (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Stylommatophora)

Summary Morphological investigations showed that the sperm storage organ (spermatheca) of the simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail Arianta arbustorum consists of 2–8 tubules with a common entrance. Sites of sperm storage were examined in snails that mated once (eight individuals) or twice (ten individuals). After one year during which the snails laid eggs only one individual of those which copulated once had some spermatozoa in one spermathecal tubulus. In four snails of those specimens which copulated a second time after one year, a part of the tubules was filled with spermatozoa while in the remaining six animals no spermatozoa were found in the spermatheca, although they received a spermatophore 5 days before fixation. In these latter snails spermatozoa were found exclusively in the sperm-digesting bursa copulatrix. This suggests that the female reproductive system of A. arbustorum may possibly be able to control fertilization by a selective storage of spermatozoa from different mating partners.
Comparison of radiofrequency and cryoablation procedures for mitral valve surgery patients with atrial fibrillation

Corresponding author: Emin Can Ata, MD. Medipol Mega Üniversite Hastanesi Kalp ve Damar Cerrahisi Bölümü, 34214 Bağcılar, İstanbul, Turkey. Tel: +90 212 460 77 77 e-mail: dr.enata@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aims to compare the success of two different energy sources, radiofrequency versus cryoablation, in patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients and methods: Between August 2012 and August 2017, a total of 55 patients (27 males, 28 females; mean age 51.6±11.2 years; range, 44 to 71 years) with atrial fibrillation who underwent isolated left atrial ablation during mitral valve surgery in our clinic were included. Radiofrequency was applied to 41 patients and cryoablation to 14 patients. In both procedure, ablation was performed to isolate all pulmonary veins. Radiofrequency ablation utilized a RF current that was applied in a point-by-point mode, heating the tissue and leading to cellular necrosis. Cryogenic ablation induced necrosis by pumping refrigerant (nitrous oxide) through a balloon in a single-step mode, thereby freezing the tissue. The success of both techniques was evaluated through control echocardiography and electrocardiography. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the success rates of both techniques in terms of returning to the sinus rhythm. Two patients in the radiofrequency ablation group developed third-degree atrioventricular block with the need of permanent pacemaker implantation. In contrast no patient in the cryoablation group developed the same block. In patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation, the need for inotropic support in the postoperative period was higher with prolonged length of stay in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Our study results show that the success rate of both techniques is similar in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve surgery.
Prolonged exposure to sheep grazing reduces the palatability of Australian saltbush populations

This study examined the variability in palatability of populations of Atriplex vesicaria and the influence of past grazing history on mean palatability to sheep. Twenty saltbush plants (10 male, 10 female) were collected from each of six locations across chenopod shrubland of South Australia; three populations came from areas with long records of intensive sheep pastoralism and three from areas with negligible stock grazing in the past. The plants were transplanted into an experimental paddock at Middleback Station, near Whyalla, South Australia and the paddock was grazed by three sheep for nine days. Relative palatability of the populations was assessed by their rates of decline in bush biomass, as indexed by loss of tagged terminal shoots. Overall accumulated tag loss after 9 days was significantly different between populations. These differences were enhanced when dung drop in paddock subdivisions, flowering status of bushes, and leaf sodium and potassium concentrations were included as covariates in tag loss models. Although there was no clear separation of grazed versus ungrazed populations by tag loss alone, the covariate models demonstrated a significant difference between grazing history types, with grazed populations being less palatable. Examination of model residuals showed heterogeneity of palatability to be higher in the grazed populations. This study indicates that the piosphere is a gradient of variability in palatability as well as a gradient of floristic composition.