Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors that limit maintenance of recombinant rumen bacterium in sheep rumen

Factors limiting the maintenance of recombinant ruminal bacterium in the rumen were evaluated in vitro, using batch culture prepared from rumen fluid of sheep. Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens expressing a foreign xylanase gene (B. fibrisolvens NO4) was used as a tested recombinant that was selectable on an erythromycin-containing agar medium. The recombinant tended to reduce its level slowly in the rumen fluid of sheep on a high hay diet, while its initial decrease was more apparent in the rumen fluid of sheep on a high concentrate diet. Incubation with cell-free ruminal fluid revealed a significant decrease of inoculated recombinant, suggesting the presence of antibacterial factors limiting maintenance of the recombinant. In particular, during the first 12 h of incubation this inhibition was more notable in culture prepared from rumen fluid of sheep given the high concentrate diet. Autoclaving the cell-free rumen fluid inactivated the inhibition. Numbers of the recombinant for inoculation did not influence the final level of survived recombinant, that is, the initial depression was larger as more recombinant was inoculated. Subculturing with xylan before inoculation and/or direct addition of xylan to the batch culture did not improve survival of the recombinant. From these results it is suggested that the level of survived recombinant is limited to 102–4/mL of in vitro batch culture with restricted energy supply and that initial depression of the recombinant is mainly caused by the heat-sensitive antibacterial factors not associating with microbial cells in the rumen.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli by carbon dioxide under pressure

Thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli was studied under CO2 pressures of 1.2, 2.5, and 5 MPa at 25, 35, and 45°C. Two phases were observed in the destruction curves. The earlier stage was characterized by a slow rate of inactivation, which increased sharply at the later stage. An increase of pressure and/or temperature enhanced the antimicrobial effects of CO2 under pressure. The effects on cell structure were studied by scanning electron microscopy and the specific mechanism of action appeared to be related to enzyme inactivation.
Derivation and dispersal of Acacia (Leguminosae), with particular reference to Australia, and the recognition of Senegalia and Racosperma

The morphology of seedlings, leaves, flowers and inflorescences, anatomy of the pod, the occurrence of extra‐floral nectaries, free amino acids of the seeds, flavonoid compounds in heartwoods, cyanogenic compounds and porate, colporate and extraporate pollen, and susceptibility to rusts, all indicate that three genera, Acacia Miller, Senegalia Raf. and Racosperma Martius, should be recognized. These correspond to currently accepted subgenera of Acacia. The size of these more narrowly circumscribed genera is in keeping with the size of genera of other tribes of low diversity in Leguminosae. Acacia and Senegalia arose independently from the Ingeae, with Racosperma being derived from Senegalia. Section Filicinae is more advanced than section Senegalia of Senegalia, and sections Racosperma and Pukhella, both with at least some species with bipinnate foliage, are the most advanced of Racosperma, while the other sections Pleurinervia and Lycopodiifolia have only phyllodinous species. Long‐range dispersal of Racosperma from the Australian region has occurred, but the broad pattern of distribution is interpreted in terms of plate tectonics. Racosperma was present in Australia in the late Cretaceous but did not become widespread until the general drying of the continent in the Miocene. The flora of SW Australia has been isolated from the rest of the continent by climatic barriers since the late Tertiary and has a high proportion of endemic species. Barriers to plant migration in the east have operated only intermittently and there is no area comparable in endemism to the southwest.
Hulless Barley Seeding Rate Effects on Grain Yield and Yield Components

Recent efforts to expand markets for winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the mid-Atlantic have focused on hulless types due to higher energy density. The exposed endosperm of hulless barley makes damage more likely than with hulled barley, and emergence is typically lower. Information to determine the optimum seeding rate for winter hulless barley is presently unavailable. Experiments were conducted over six site-years in Virginia to evaluate seeding rate effects on grain yield and yield components of six hulless and three hulled barley lines. Seeding rates ranged from 278 to 742 viable seeds m -2 . At similar seeding rates, final plant stands for hulless lines were 75% of that for hulled varieties. At equivalent plant density of 320 plants m -2 , average grain yield for hulled lines was 6000 kg ha -1 and 4500 kg ha -1 for hulless lines. Yield of the best hulless barley line was 80% that of the hulled lines. A large portion of this is attributable to lower individual kernel weight, due to the absence of the hull weight. Hulless barley lines also had 5% fewer heads per square meter and 29% fewer grains per head. Seeding rates for hulless barley in a conventional, tilled seedbed should be at least 400 seeds m -2 to approach optimum yields. These results also support the conclusion that seeding at 480 to 520 seeds m -2 is appropriate for sites with high yield (5000 kg ha -1 ) potential.
The terminal nerve and its relation with extrabulbar “olfactory” projections: Lessons from lampreys and lungfishes

The definition of the terminal nerve has led to considerable confusion and controversy. This review analyzes the current state of knowledge as well as diverging opinions about the existence, components, and definition of terminal nerves or their components, with emphasis on lampreys and lungfishes. I will argue that the historical terminology regarding this cranial nerve embraces a definition of a terminal nerve that is compatible with its existence in all vertebrate species. This review further summarizes classical and more recent anatomical, developmental, neurochemical, and molecular evidence suggesting that a multitude of terminalis cell types, not only those expressing gonadotropin‐releasing hormone, migrate various distances into the forebrain. This results in numerous morphological and neurochemically distinct phenotypes of neurons, with a continuum spanning from olfactory receptor‐like neurons in the olfactory epithelium to typical large ganglion cells that accompany the classical olfactory projections. These cell bodies may lose their peripheral connections with the olfactory epithelium, and their central projections or cell bodies may enter the forebrain at several locations. Since “olfactory” marker proteins can be expressed in bona fide nervus terminalis cells, so‐called extrabulbar “olfactory” projections may be a collection of disguised nervus terminalis components. If we do not allow this pleiomorphic collection of nerves to be considered within a terminal nerve framework, then the only alternative is to invent a highly species‐ and stage‐specific, and, ultimately, thoroughly confusing nomenclature for neurons and nerve fibers that associate with the olfactory nerve and forebrain. Microsc. Res. Tech. 65:13–24, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leaf‐pack dynamics in a southern African mountain stream

SUMMARY 1. The occurrence, composition and invertebrate fauna of naturally-occurring leaf packs were studied over 24 months in Langrivier, a second-order mountain stream in the south-western Cape, South Africa. Langrivier is shallow and fast-flowing and stores very low levels of allochthonous detritus, although natural leaf packs form an obvious part of the energy base in the stream throughout the year. 2. The occurrence and size of the packs were influenced mainly by stream discharge and by the timing and character of leaf fall from riparian trees. Packs were smallest (minimum dry mass 17 g, minimum volume 1.7–10−5 m3) in winter when discharge was high, and largest (maximum dry mass 191 g, maximum volume 4.2–10−3 m3) in spring when discharge decreased and leaf fall from the evergreen riparian trees began. Through the year the packs covered a mean 0.41 % of the stream bed and had a mean abundance of 0.46 packs m−2 of stream bed. They were ephemeral, lasting on average <1.7 months and yet accounted for 29% of the stored detritus in the system. Wood was the dominant component of packs, and leaves at ali stages of decomposition were present throughout the year. 3. The ratio of numbers of invertebrates in packs: numbers of individuals in the benthos was very low (0.002–0.030), presumably because of the rarity and small size of the packs. Nevertheless, the density of invertebrates per unit area covered by leaf packs was consistently much higher than the density in an equivalent area of the benthos, except during peak leaf fall (October to December). 4. Experiments were undertaken with artificial leaf packs in order to determine the extent to which these simulated natural packs. Although both natural and artificial leaf packs contained a high proportion of Plecoptera (46% and 29% respectively), the natural packs contained high numbers of simuliid larvae (33% of total), whereas artificial packs had a high percentage of chironomid larvae (62%), Several other taxa regularly occurred in both types of pack but in very low numbers. In addition,
Evaluation of rapid test kits for quantification of HT-2 and T-2 toxins in naturally contaminated oats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and usefulness of three rapid test kits for analysis of HT-2 and T-2 toxins (HT-2 and T-2), two of the most potent trichothecenes commonly found in European oats. Concentrations of these two toxins combined (HT-2+T-2) were analysed in naturally contaminated oat samples (n=68) using the following test kits: Ridascreen® FAST T-2 Toxin (‘Fast ELISA’), DRAFT Ridascreen® HT-2/T-2 (‘Standard ELISA’, not commercially available), and the lateral flow device ROSA® HT-2-T-2 (‘Rosa LFD’). Mycotoxin analysis by LC-MS/MS was used as a reference method. Rosa LFD offered the best reliability, achieving detection that was stable across toxin levels, whereas detection by both ELISA kits differed significantly among toxin levels (P<0.01). The kits were also evaluated regarding agreement with the reference method (measured as Cohen's kappa) at a HT-2+T-2 concentration of 1000 μg/kg in naturally contaminated oats. Agreement was greatest for Rosa LFD (89.2%), intermediate .
Batch fecundity of Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus L.

The total annual fecundity of mackerel, Scomber scombrus L. , during a spawning season is produced by release of discrete batches of eggs. Total fecundity is then the product of the number of batches times the batch fecundity (Fbw). An extensive trawl survey of the Western mackerel stock in the NE Atlantic was undertaken in the 1989 spawning season. Batch fecundity was estimated for 298 fish by counting hydrated eggs in ovaries just prior to ovulation. Fbw, expressed as eggs g−1 body weight, varied with latitude: south of 51°N, Fbw= 55.49, s.e. = 2.04, n= 227; between 51°N and 55°N, Fbw= 45.72, s.e. = 3.41, n= 52 and north of 55° N, Fbw= 41.33, s.e. = 5.52, n= 19. It is suggested that as spawning fish migrate northwards the batch size decreases with progress of the spawning season.
Wheat management in warm environments : Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers, irrigation frequency, and mulching

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields are reduced by heat stress in many countries worldwide. The main objective of this study was to determine whether modifications to currently recommended crop management practices could improve wheat yield at hot-environment sites in three countries. Field trials were conducted between 1991 and 1993 in Sudan and Bangladesh by their respective national agricultural research systems (NARS) and in Mexico by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). Crop establishment and other plant characteristics were measured to help understand the basis of improved performance and to identify potential diagnostic traits. Management factors included (i) irrigation, (ii) inorganic fertilizer (NPK), (iii) organic fertilizer in the form of farmyard manure (FYM), (iv) straw mulch, (v) genotype, and (vi) sowing date. Control treatments represented recommended practices and gave yields of 3.6 t ha -1 , averaged across all environments. Considering main effects, FYM (10 t ha -1 ) gave the highest yield response (14%) and approximately equivalent levels of NPK gave the lowest (5.5%), suggesting that organic fertilizer provided growth factors in addition to nutrient content. Mulch and extra irrigation increased yield in Sudan and Mexico, which are hot environments with low relative humidity, but not in hot, humid Bangladesh. In Mexico, extra inputs were more beneficial under hotter, spring-sown conditions than for winter sowings, with responses of 17 and 8% to extra NPK, 17 and 14% to FYM, and 11 and 6% to mulch, respectively. Comparison of heat-tolerant (Glennson 81) and heat-sensitive (Pavon 76) genotypes showed that the heat-tolerant genotype was generally more responsive to additional inputs. Improved performance in response to inputs was generally associated with better stand establishment, and with significant increases in plant height, grain per unit area, and aboveground biomass ; in Mexico, there was also an assodation with higher canopy temperature depression and light interception. The possibilities of realizing the benefits of applied organic matter and mulch treatments through residue retention and reduced tillage are briefly discussed.
Comparative Studies of Ecdysteroid Metabolism between Diapause Eggs and Non-diapause Eggs of the Silkworm, Bombyx mori

Abstract 2, 22, 25-Trideoxyecdysone (5β-ketodiol) has been shown to be derived from cholesterol in eggs of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. In order to investigate the difference in ecdysteroid metabolism between diapause eggs and non-diapause eggs of the silkworm, 3H-5β-ketodiol was microinjected into eggs at several stages of early embryogenesis, and the metabolites were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography. The injected 3H-5β-ketodiol was metabolized not only to free ecdysteroids, but also to conjugates (phosphoric esters of ecdysteroids), in both diapause eggs and non-diapause eggs. Among these metabolites, 20-hydroxyecdysone, which is considered as the active hormone in silkworm eggs, was detected in non-diapause eggs. However, in diapause eggs, various radioactive putative precursors of 20-hydroxyecdysone, such as 2, 22-dideoxyecdysone, 2-deoxyecdysone and ecdysone, were detectable, but 3H-20-hydroxyecdysone was not found. These results suggest that the 20-hydroxylation of ecdysone, which is catalyzed by ecdysone 20-monooxygenase, may be a rate-limiting step in the formation of 20-hydroxyecdysone from ketodiol in the silkworm eggs.
Centromere Repeat DNA Originated from Brassica rapa is Detected in the Centromere Region of Raphanus sativus Chromosomes

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful tool for the detection of DNA sequences in the specific region of the chromosomes. As well as for the integrated physical mapping, FISH karyotype analysis has to be preceded. Karyotype of Raphanus sativus ‘Wonkyo 10039’ was analyzed by a dual-color FISH technique; using various repetitive DNA probes, including 5S rDNA, 45S rDNA, and centromere retrotransposon. The length of the somatic metaphase chromosome ranged from 1.35 to 2.06 μm with a total length of 15.29 μm. The chromosome complements comprised of eight pairs of metacentrics and one pair of submetacentric. Bleached DAPI Band analysis revealed a heterochromatin region, covering 28.6% to 50.4% each chromosomes. 5S and 45S rDNA sequences were located on two and three pairs of chromosomes, respectively. The centromere retrotransposon of Brassica (CRB) is a major component in Brassica related species that has been maintained as a common centromere component. CRB signals were detected on the centromere and pericentromeric region of R. sativus ‘Wonkyo 10039’ and three basic Brassica species (B. rapa, B. nigra, and B. oleracea). These results will provide a valuable background for physical mapping and elucidation of the evolutionary relationship among the Brassica related species.
Effects of variable precipitation on the structure and diversity of a California salt marsh community

We measured the effects of annual variation in climate and experimentally augmented rainfall on patterns of distribution and above-ground productivity in annual plant communities at Carpinteria Salt Marsh in central California. In the driest year, Hutchinsia procumbens was codominant throughout much of the upper marsh; however, Hutchinsia was very rare or not present in the wetter years. Conversely, Juncus bufonius was common in the wettest year and absent in the driest year. Elevational distributions of other annual species also differed among years with different total precipitation. In 1989–1990, an exceptionally dry season, supplemental water decreased soil salinity, increased above-ground productivity of annuals, and caused significant changes in spatial patterns and relative density. In the lowest zone, Hutchinsia occurred only in watered plots and supplemental water increased the density of Spergularia marina. At intermediate elevations Lasthenia glabrata occurred only in watered plots and supplemental water increased the density of Spergularia, Hutchinsia, and Parapholis incurva. At upper elevations, Juncus occurred only in watered plots, and Lasthenia was the only species that increased significantly in density with watering. Unlike natural shifts in species abundance, no species declined significantly in cover in any zone in the watered treatment. Although climatic variation has complex affects on annual plant communities, our experiments isolated important affects of total annual rainfall on the structure of annual plant communities that were similar to those that occurred with natural variation in rainfall. We conclude that variation in total annual precipitation promotes dynamic community composition and spatial distributions among years, and thus increases overall species diversity in the salt marsh.
Ecological Study of Freshwater Zooplankton of a Subtropical Pond (Karnataka State, India)

Fortnightly records of the biotic and abiotic conditions in a subtropical natural pond were made over a period of 14 months with a view to find out the abiotic causes of fluctuations in the zooplanktonic populations. Statistical analysis of simple correlations among the abiotic factors revealed direct relationships between water temperature, DO and pH and an inverse relationship between DO and -PO4 at statistically significant levels (P<0.01). The relationships between the physical and chemical factors and the zooplanktonic groups were evaluated by partial and multiple correlation coefficients. The causes for variation in the populations were established by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The populations of copepods and rotifers, respectively, were correlated at the 5 % and 1 % levels of significance to conductivity and -PO4 which might be indirectly affected by bicarbonates and phytoplankton growth. The occurrence of two peaks of zooplankton, one in winter and another in postsummer, were observed to follow the Microcystis aeruginosa bloom.
Confirmation of the existence of alloparasitoids in nature – host relationships of an Australian Coccophagus species that parasitizes mealy bugs

Heteronomous hyperparasitoids are parasitic wasps with sex‐related host relationships that are unique to a group of genera in the chalcidoid family Aphelinidae. Females are primary parasitoids of various sedentary bugs (mainly, scale insects, mealy bugs, and whiteflies). Males, in contrast, are hyperparasitic, and they frequently develop at the expense of female conspecifics. Alloparasitoids constitute a special category of heteronomous hyperparasitoids, for their males never develop through female conspecifics. The existence of alloparasitic host relationships and the utility of the category ‘alloparasitoid’ have both been questioned. Here, we present results that confirm the existence of the alloparasitic way of life among heteronomous aphelinids. We investigated an undescribed species of Coccophagus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), an Australian parasitoid that attacks the introduced lantana mealy bug, Phenacoccus parvus Morrison (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae), in Queensland. A year‐long field survey regularly returned large numbers of female Coccophagus spec. near gurneyi individuals from P. parvus (total n = 4212), but only few males (n = 11). Males emerged from samples only when the encyrtid parasitoid Anagyrus diversicornis (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was present in samples in relatively high numbers. Laboratory oviposition tests confirmed that A. diversicornis is a male host and showed that males do not develop at the expense of conspecific females. Other studies show that males are attracted in numbers to virgin females held in cages above mealy bug‐infested Lantana montevidensis (Spreng.) Briq. (Verbenaceae) in the field, demonstrating that they are common in the population as a whole. This confirms that the males need hosts other than conspecific females and that their usual hosts are present outside of the lantana/P. parvus system. The implications of these results for developing a realistic classification of heteronomous host relationships are discussed.
Namaqua Dwarf Adders are generalist predators

Abstract Prey items vary greatly in the total amount of energy they provide and the costs associated with their location, capture, consumption and assimilation. As a result not all prey types are of equal value, and the relative frequency with which different prey types are consumed can strongly influence an organism's fitness. In order to understand foraging behaviour of an organism adequately, one needs to know not only what constitutes suitable prey, but also the relative frequency with which different prey types are encountered by a foraging individual. In this article we investigate the foraging ecology of the Namaqua Dwarf Adder, Bitis schneideri. We use field observations of feeding snakes and records of stomach contents to describe the diet of the species at our study site and compare these measures to measures of prey abundance, collected using passive trapping, to assess whether the species is a selective or generalist feeder. We recorded four species of lizard and one species of frog in the diet of our study population. Our data show that Namaqua Dwarf Adders are generalist predators, feeding year-round, and feeding on prey in proportion to the frequency at which they are encountered. Moreover, we show that large Namaqua Dwarf Adders do not exclude small prey items from their diet. The capacity for Namaqua Dwarf Adders to feed on a wide variety of prey species in proportion to the rate at which they are encountered suggests that future changes in prey species composition are unlikely to influence rates of energy uptake by foraging snakes.