Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of High Glucose Concentration on the Quality of Oocytes Derived from Different Growth Stages of Follicles

Abstract This study examined the effect of hyperglycemic culture conditions on the development of oocytes derived from early antral follicles (EAFs). Oocyte—granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) derived from EAFs were cultured for 12 days in medium containing 5.56 mM or 11 mM glucose, and the rate of antrum formation and glucose consumption by the OGCs, and the characteristics of the oocytes grown in vitro were studied. The results were compared with those obtained from in vivo grown oocytes derived from antral follicles (AFs; 3–5 mm in diameter). In addition, the effect of a high glucose concentration in the maturation medium on the quality of oocytes derived from AFs was examined. The high glucose condition increased the glucose consumption of the OGCs but did not affect antrum formation, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, levels of histone 4 K12 acetylation, nuclear maturation, and the developmental ability of oocytes grown in vitro. In contrast, high glucose-maturation medium increased the amount of reactive oxygen species and adversely affected the developmental ability of the oocytes. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that culture under hyperglycemic conditions is detrimental to oocyte maturation but not for oocyte growth from the EAF stage to the AF stage.
Long‐Term Fertilization Effects on Crop Yield and Nitrate Nitrogen Accumulation in Soil in Northwestern China

A long-term (1982 to 2000) field experiment was conducted at Zhangye, Gansu, China, on a sandy clay loam (Typic Anthrosol) under wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-wheat-corn (Zea mays L.) rotation to determine the effects of N, P, and K chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure (M) on grain and straw yield, harvest index (HI), protein concentration, and N uptake in grain and straw and accumulation of nitrate N (NO 3 -N) in the soil profile (0-180 cm). The eight treatments from various combinations of fertilizers and M were check, N, NP, NPK, M, MN, MNP, and MNPK. Mean grain yield decreased in the order of MNPK ≥ MNP > NPK > MN > NP > M > N > check (i.e., 8.01, 8.00, 7.51, 7.28, 7.00, 5.50, 4.89, and 3.43 Mg ha -1 , respectively). Yield response to applied N and P increased with time since yields in the check plots declined with time. Potassium fertilizer application provided no, slight, and dramatic increase in grain yield during the initial 6 yr, next 5 yr, and last 8 yr, respectively. Response of straw yield to fertilizers and M was similar to the grain yield. Mean HI increased with fertilizers in no-M treatments for both crops. Crude protein concentration and N uptake in grain and straw increased markedly with fertilizers, and M increased it further. Fertilizers (N, NP, and NPK) led to NO 3 -N accumulation in most subsoil layers. Combined applications of fertilizers and M reduced soil NO 3 -N accumulation in soil compared with fertilizers alone. In conclusion, the findings suggest that it is important to use balanced application of chemical fertilizers and M at proper rates in order to protect soil and underground water from potential NO 3 -N pollution while also sustaining high crop production.
Gyroptychius (Rhipidistia, Osteolepidae) from the Middle Devonian of Scotland

Summary The ethmoid endocranial structures of Gyroptychius sp. are described using unique material from the Middle Devonian nodule bed at Dipple, Morrayshire. This rare opportunity for comparison of different osteolepid rhipidistians confirms the general pattern of structure suggested in previous studies.
Alimentação de Juvenis de Larimus breviceps (Cuvier, 1830) (Pisces: actinopterygii: Sciaenidae) na praia de Ponta da Ilha (Ilha de Itaparica, Bahia).

Na alimentacao de juvenis de Larimus breviceps (Cuvier, 1830) (Actinopterygii: Scianidae) na Praia de Ponta da Ilha (Ilha de Itaparica, Estado da Bahia, litoral Nordeste do Brasil, cerca de 13°07'S – 38°45'W) entre setembro de 1998 e abril de 2000. Foram identificadas 32 categorias alimentares. Em frequencia de ocorrencia, as principais categorias foram materia orgânica digerida (MOD, 90, 16%), Copepoda (58,74%) restos de vegetais superiores (49,72%), sedimentos (37,15%) e Dendrobranchiata (camaroes, 36,06%). Em frequencia numerica, predominaram Copepoda (41,67%), Decapoda (21,53%), Dendrobranchiata (11,59%), Amphipoda (7,2%) e escamas de Teleostei (peixes, 5,37%). Com base nos resultados obtidos, a alimentacao de juvenis de L breviceps na Praia de Ponta da Ilha e carnivora com tendencia a carcionofagia.
Formation of Digestion Intermediate of Glycinin

The kinetics of the tryptic proteolysis of glycinin were studied by the pH-stat method. The results clearly indicated the existence of at least two simultaneous reactions proceeding at different rates. The rate constants suggested that a group of peptide bonds was much more susceptible to proteolytic attack than others.In addition stable digestion intermediates were expected in the degradation course. In a low ionic strength condition, 3 or 4 electrophoretic bands were formed, whereas only single band was seen in high ionic strength buffer. The major intermediate in a high ionic strength condition (glycinin-T) was isolated by Sepharose 6B chromatography. Glycinin-T showed a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Acidic subunits of glycinin were digested forming 13,500 and 16,000 molecular weight fragments, whereas basic subunits were not digested at all.
Distance Call Duets in Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus): Co-operation through Visual Relief of the Partner?

A new example of duetting is reported for a waterfowl species. Semi‐captive pairs of bar‐headed geese (Anser indicus), whose 2–9 days old young were removed, uttered short, coarse distance calls every 1 or 2 s while searching for them. The males often called a fraction of a s after their mates. The result was a duet. The females did not answer the males' calls. The context in which these duets occur is also new: the parent birds remain within a few m of each other to call their goslings and stop calling as soon as they have found them. This, the behaviour of the goslings, the lack of observed mate‐changes and the fact that only the male responds make it unlikely that the function of these duets is territorial advertisement, avoidance of call overlap, mate‐guarding, strengthening of the pair‐bond or synchronization of activities, functions which have been suggested for various duets in birds and primates. We suggest that male response to the female's distance calls relieves her from visually monitoring her mate's whereabouts. Thus the female, who searches more actively, can concentrate fully on finding the offspring. Visual relief of the partner could also be important in duets of other species.
www.saber.ula.ve: UN EJEMPLO DE REPOSITORIO INSTITUCIONAL UNIVERSITARIO

Presentamos una vision panoramica de algunos eventos y reflexiones que vienen ocurriendo en la comunidad academica internacional respecto al derecho y a la necesidad de acceso libre al conocimiento. Se ilustra con hechos la confusion en los supuestos derechos de las editoriales para evitar la preservacion y difusion del patrimonio intelectual de las instituciones academicas que lo producen. Como un ejemplo de uno de los mecanismos para preservar y difundir las creaciones de la Universidad, presentamos el testimonio de nuestra experiencia en la creacion, consolidacion y operacion del Repositorio Institucional www.saber. ula.ve. Esbozaremos un conjunto de politicas de caracter metodologico para la captacion y compilacion de contenidos, las cuales hemos delineado a partir de esa experiencia. Finalmente mostraremos algunos resultados estadisticos de su operacion durante los ultimos cinco anos.
In Vivo and In Vitro Investigation of the Extrapituitary Antireproductive Effects of a Potent LHRH Agonist in Immature and Adult Male Rats

Co-incubation with a potent LHRH agonist, D-Ala6-Des-Gly10-Pro9-NHEt-LHRH (Wy-18, 481), did not affect testosterone or progesterone production by adult intact rat testes in vitro. Prior administration to adult intact rats in vivo (100 μg/rat/day, subcutaneously) reduced subsequent basal and hCG-stimulated testosterone production in vitro and dramatically increased progesterone production. Similar chronic administration of the agonist in vivo to adult hypophysectomized (hypx) rats also depressed testosterone production in vitro but had no effect on that of progesterone. Using dosages which produce marked inhibition of the weights of the testes and of accessory reproductive glands in both immature and adult intact rats, long-term (up to 28 days) treatment with Wy-18, 481 slightly potentiated the atrophy of the testes and of the seminal vesicles due to hypophysectomy in the immature rat but had no apparent effect in the hypx adult. Concurrent administration of Wy-18, 481 did not affect the support provided to the reproductive organs by dihydrotestosterone replacement in either immature or adult hypx rats. These results suggest that extended exposure is required to elicit direct effects of the agonist on testicular function and that these effects, which involve interference with steroidogenesis and not steroid action, differ qualitatively in the hypx animals from those occurring In the presence of the pituitary. Moreover, there appears to be an age-related difference in sensitivity to the direct effect of the agonist.
Dietary calcium/phosphorus ratio influences the efficacy of microbial phytase on growth, mineral digestibility and vertebral mineralization in juvenile tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes

A 2 × 3 factorial feeding trial was conducted to determine effects of dietary Ca/P ratio and dietary microbial phytase on growth, mineral digestibility and vertebral mineralization in tiger puffer. The treatments consisted of three levels of Ca/P ratios (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5) combined either with phytase (2000 FTU kg−1 diet) or without supplementation, respectively. The Ca/P ratios were achieved by supplementing calcium at 0, 6 and 12 g kg−1 combined with the same level of inorganic P at 5 g kg−1. After a 50-day feeding trial, puffer fish fed the diet at low Ca/P ratio (0.5) together with phytase had significantly higher growth rate and feed intake (FI) than other groups. Both dietary Ca/P ratio and phytase supplement were independent effects on plasma minerals and alkaline phosphatase. Interactive effect between both dietary treatments was observed on P and Zn contents in vertebrae and whole body. P and Zn digestibilities tended to increase with increased Ca/P ratio from 0.5 to 1.0, especially when phytase was supplemented. In conclusion, fish fed a diet with highest Ca/P ratio (1.5) showed the poorest growth performance and nutrients utilization. Dietary Ca/P ratio of 0.5 (without Ca supplement) with 2000 FTU phytase per kg would be the optimum combination in the diet of tiger puffer.
Trachynilysin, a protein neurotoxin isolated from stonefish (Synanceia trachynis) venom, increases spontaneous quantal acetylcholine release from Torpedo marmorata neuromuscular junctions

La trachynilysine, une neurotoxine isolee du venin du poisson-pierre, Synanceia trachynis (Scorpaenidae), provoque une augmentation tres importante de la frequence des potentiels de plaque motrice miniatures (PPMM) a la jonction neuromusculaire de la Torpille. Ces periodes de liberation accrue d'acetylcholine ont une duree variable et alternent avec des periodes de repos. De plus, la trachynilysine augmente en fonction du temps la proportion de PPMM dits geants qui different des potentiels miniatures habituels par leur grande amplitude. La trachynilysine n'a pas d'action sur les terminaisons nerveuses motrices dans un milieu depourvu de Ca 2+ et contenant de l'EGTA. Cependant, l'addition ulterieure de Ca 2+ au milieu experimental augmente la frequence de PPMM, meme lorsque la trachynilysine a ete prealablement retiree du milieu depourvu de Ca 2+ . Ces resultats suggerent que la fixation de la trachynilysine sur les terminaisons nerveuses ne requiert pas la presence de Ca 2+ . En revanche, son action sur la liberation d'acetylcholine depend strictement de la presence de Ca 2+ dans le milieu extracellulaire. L'effet de la trachynilysine sur la frequence des PPMM n'est pas affecte par les inhibiteurs des canaux Ca 2+ (ω-conotoxine GVIA, ω-agatoxine IVA et Gd 3+ ) Ceci suggere que la trachynilysine favorise l'entree du Ca 2+ dans les terminaisons par des voies differentes de celles des canaux Ca 2+ . Le pretraitement des terminaisons nerveuses par la concanavaline-A bloque l'augmentation de la liberation quantique d'acetylcholine provoquee par la trachynilysine, ce qui suggere que la toxine interagit avec ou se lie a une glycoproteine presente a la surface des terminaisons nerveuses.
Further occurrences of tegumental scales in caridean shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea)

– Tegumental scales are documented in two families of Caridea, viz. Hippolytidae (genus Lysmata ) and Rhynchocinetidae (genera Cinetorhynchus and Rhynchocinetes ), raising to seven the number of families in which such scales occur. The scales in Rhynchocinetidae are similar to those in Pandalidae, but the scales in Lysmata spp. are of a slightly different type than previously documented. SEM observations reveal that the scales easily abrade and attention is drawn to the possibility that tegumental scales may be more widespread across families, but are difficult to observe. Caution is advised when considering differences in pattern (not form) between species given this high potential for abrasion. Given the low number of documented occurrences across families and genera, the potential phylogenetic information content of tegumental scales is currently unknown, but could be informative. a high similarity of these scales across and oval
Separation of Alcaligenes denitrificans sp. nov., nom. rev. from Alcaligenes faecalis on the basis of DNA base composition, DNA homology, and nitrate reduction

“Alcaligenes denitrificans” Leifson and Hugh 1954 was not included in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names and hence has no standing in bacteriological nomenclature. However, Alcaligenes faecalis DSM 30026 (“A. denitrificans” Leifson and Hugh 1954, type strain) has a DNA base composition of 69.1 ± 0.3 mol% G + C, whereas A. faecalis DSM 30030 (type strain) and A. faecalis DSM 30033 (“A. odorans,” type strain) have 57.6 ± 0.5 and 55.3 ± 0.8 mol% G+C, respectively. DNA hybridization revealed homologies of 27% between A. faecalis DSM 30026T and strain DSM 30030T, 26% between A. faecalis DSM 30026T and strain DSM 30033T, but 71% between strains DSM 30030T and DSM 30033T. A yellow fluorescent pigment in King medium B was produced by A. faecalis strains DSM 30030T and DSM 30033T but not by strain DSM 30026T. Only A. faecalis DSM 30026T was able to grow with nitrate or nitrite as sole source of nitrogen and to reduce nitrate to nitrite and gas. All three strains reduced nitrite to gas, but an additional nitrogen source, e.g., ammonium ion, was necessary for the growth of strains DSM 30030T and DSM 30033T. In mineral media, the nitrate reduction to nitrite and gas has been shown to be reproducible. Based on the differences among A. faecalis DSM 30026 and both A. faecalis DSM 30030T and DSM 30033T, the revival of the name Alcaligenes denitrificans is herein proposed.
Seed Dormancy in Avena fatua. IV. Further Observations on the Effect of Mechanical Injury on Water Uptake and Germination in Different Pure Lines

A comparative study of the effect of mechanical injury on water uptake and germination in different inbred lines of Avena fatua showed that the initial rate of water uptake by the embryo in the intact caryopses was inversely related to genetically determined differences in their degree of dormancy. When germination was induced by cutting or localized abrasion of the dry or imbibed caryopsis and by supplying water to the site of injury, the rate of germination was again inversely related to the degree of dormancy of each genetic line. Mechanical injury of the seed coat resulted in a rapid increase in the water content of the embryo prior to emergence of the radicle. Releasing the embryo from physical restraint by removing the covering layers caused a transient increase in size and water content of the embryo of dormant caryopses but failed to induce germination. The same treatment delayed germination of a nondormant line and also of dormant caryopses induced to germinate by mechanical injury but promoted the germination of injured caryopses imbibed for 10 days prior to treatment. When embryos were excised to eliminate effects of the seed coat, their rate of germination, as measured by the rate of radicle elongation, was still inversely related to genetic differences in their degree of dormancy. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the supply of water to the embryo, as determined by the hydraulic conductivity of the covering tissues, plays a major role in the mechanism of dormancy in wild oats. They also provide evidence, however, that certain characteristics of the embryo itself are at least partly responsible for differences in the degree of dormancy between different genetic lines.
Analysis of Reproductive Performance of Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) Broodstock in a Commercial Farm in Eastern Black Sea Region

In this study reproductive performance of female rainbow trout broodstock ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a commercial trout farm in Eastern Black Sea Region were evaluated during 1995 spawning season. Mean total and relative fencundity values were 2304±425 egg/individual and 1364±281 egg/kg, respectively, while mean egg dia meter was 5.2±0.21 mm. Fertilisation rate on average was 73.7% of total fencundity. 84.6% of the fertilised eggs was eyed and 96.0% of those eyed was hatched. Larvae reached free swimming stage after 23 days and survival rate was 98.9% of those hatched larvae. Larvae reached a mean weight of 305±56 mg at 40th and 19.2±5.41 g 133th days after hatching. There was significant but weak positive relationship between female weights - fecundity and egg diameter, while the relationships between fertilisation -eyeing, hatching and free swimming rates were strong. It has been concluded that reproductive values determined during this study seems to be quite satisfactory for a typical commercial trout farm which has not got any broodstock management stragety, but it is possible to increase these values.
Characterization of a plasmid carrying the Escherichia coli K-12 entD, fepA, fes, and entF genes

The plasmid pMS101 carries Escherichia coli K-12 genes (entD, fes, entF) essential for enterochelin-mediated iron transport [Laird, A.J. and Young, I.G. , Gene 11 (1980) 359–366]. We have further characterized pMS101 and shown that it also contains the gene (fepA) for the 81 000 Da outer membrane ferrienterochelin receptor. Subcloning experiments in conjunction with complementation and maxicell studies demonstrated the gene order to be entD fepA fes entF. The entF- and fes-encoded polypeptides were found to be 115 000 and 42 000-Da soluble proteins, respectively. Plasmid-borne enterochelin cluster genes were overexpressed in iron-deficient conditions and their products were undetectable under iron-replete conditions.
Changes in release level of momilactone B into the environment from rice throughout its life cycle.

Momilactone B was released into the neighboring environment from rice throughout its life cycle. The rate of momilactone B release from rice increased until flowering initiation, and then decreased. The release rate of momilactone B at the day of flowering started was 2.1 μg plant-1 d-1. On average, a single rice plant released about 100 μg of momilactone B into the neighboring environment over its life cycle. Since momilactone B is a growth inhibitor, these results suggest that momilactone B released from rice plants may serve as an allelochemical to inhibit the germination and growth of neighboring plants.
Índices de eficiência reprodutiva de búfalos da Amazônia Oriental do Brasil

We evaluated records of reproductive management Jaffarabadi buffalo breeds, Murrah, Mediterranean, Carabao and Baio types, and their crosses, in the period from 1983 to 2005. We studied the following reproductive characteristics: Age at first calving (mean 1052.52±120.45 days), calving interval (399.69±23.78 mean days), Reproductive Efficiency (average 91.09±1, 89%), Real Adapted Fertility (average 29.30±4.40kg calf calved each year), the First Labor Productivity Adapted (mean 33.75±6.89kg) and Accumulated Productivity Adapted (mean 22.86±6.55kg calf calved each year). Influences were observed in the year of delivery and degree of blood on the female traits, suggesting that such effects should be included in genetic evaluation and selection of animals. The production indices used were of great value for the selection, and should be well studied for their interactions with the overall performance of the herd.
Optimization of levan production by Zymomonas mobilis

Effect of different fermentation conditions on levan production by Zymomonas mobilis B-4286 was studied. Levan production increased from 5.7-g/l to 12.6-g/l with an increase in initial sucrose concentration (50-150 g/l). Above 15% (20 and 25%) sucrose concentration, there was no increase in the biomass. The sucrose hydrolysis and levan production occurred even in the absence of significant growth of cells. Maximum amount of levan was produced (14.5 g/l) at pH 5 and 15 g /l at 250C temperature. At temperature between 350C and 400C, levan production was not detected. Presence of glucose in the medium considerably reduced levan production (2.8 g/l) than fructose 6.7g/l.
In-vitro systems for studying phytotoxicity and metabolic fate of pesticides and xenobiotics in plants†

Plant cell cultures have been used for an ecotoxicological evaluation of pesticides and xenobiotics and results are compared with those using intact plants grown under aseptic conditions. Both plant test systems were able to metabolize the compounds by common metabolic pathways. Qualitatively, the metabolites were the same in both systems. However, using cell suspension cultures, the results may be obtained more quickly with less analytical expense. Such cultures are therefore useful systems for obtaining rapid evidence of the ecotoxicological behaviour of chemicals in plants.
Micropropagation method for a hybrid willow (Salix matsudana × alba NZ-1002)

Abstract A method is described for rapid in vitro multiplication of a hybrid willow (S. matsudana × alba NZ-1002). On Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) containing benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 0.1 mg/l and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 0.2 mg/l a 4-fold shoot multiplication can be achieved in 4 weeks. The isolated shoots produced in this way, after being rooted on MS containing only NAA (0.2 mg/l) for 10 days, can be transplanted to pots with over 90% success. Of the various cytokinins tested for shoot multiplication BAP proved most effective, followed by kinetin. 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-ip) was ineffective at any of the tested levels (0.1-1.0 mg/l).