Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Red/far-red light mediated stem elongation and anthocyanin accumulation in Stellaria longipes: differential response of alpine and prairie ecotypes

We compared the stem elongation response and anthocyanin accumulation between alpine and prairie plants of Stellaria longipes Goldie under different red/far-red light ratios (R/FR) of 0.7 and 1.9 while all other environmental conditions were uniform. Both ecotypes responded to light quality. The prairie ecotype, considered to be the shade avoider, showed greater stem elongation in response to low R/FR (0.7) than under high R/FR (1.9) as compared with the alpine ecotype. The levels of anthocyanin in prairie plants, as compared with alpine plants, were significantly higher under high R/FR. Under low R/FR, both showed almost the same levels of anthocyanin. Also, the two ecotypes upon etiolation showed differences in the sites of anthocyanin accumulation under different R/FR. The results of the present study show that the extent of the stem elongation response and anthocyanin accumulation in the two ecotypes of S. longipes is likely a result of their origins in two contrasting habitats.Key words: Stellaria, p.
Into thin air : vertical migration, body condition, and quality of terrestrial habitats of alpine common toads, Bufo bufo

Since the end of the 1980s there has been increasing evidence of worldwide amphibian declines in high-altitude regions. Moreover, amphibian conservation has so far mostly neglected the terrestrial habitat, which is essential for effective protection measures. We determined the location and quality of terrestrial habitats of common toads (Bufo bufo L., 1758) in a naturally fragmented alpine environment (Schlumsee, 1105 m a.s.l., Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria) characterized by a high diversity of available microhabitats. By radio-tracking 18 individuals during their post-spawning migration, we located terrestrial habitats 1301000 m horizontally away from and 85390 m above the breeding site. This is the first study to show vertical migration over several hundred metres in adult amphibians. Both adult and juvenile toads completed the migration within 27 weeks and, on their way to the summer habitat, climbed 45° scree slopes and ascended cliffs with slopes of up to 65°. Body condition indices were highe.
Dinâmica folicular ovariana de vacas leiteiras no pós-parto após tratamentos com buserelina (GnRH) e cloprostenol (PGF2alfa)

The objective of this work was to study the effects of the injection of 10 mg buserelin (GnRH) in the presence of an ovarian follicle with ³ 10 mm diameter associated to a dose of 500 mg of cloprostenol six days later, or with two doses of 500 mg of cloprostenol (PGF2a) at the 12th and 26th days postpartum about the follicular dynamic and the reestablishment of cyclic ovarian activity in crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows. Fifteen crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows were randomly and evenly allocated into three treatments. Ultrasonography was performed every other day from the 14th to the 26th day postpartum and every day, from 26th day until the end of the second estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected twice a week, in order to determine progesterone concentrations by radioimmuno assay. It was observed a pattern of two follicular growth waves during the second postpartum estrous cycles, independent of the hormonal treatment, with the emergence of the first and the second waves, at days 0 and 10, respectively. The dominant follicle from the first wave could persist throughout the interovulatory period without an effect on the follicular dynamic. The two doses of PGF2a reduced days open by 20 days and the conception rate at the first service was slightly improved, suggesting a possible effect of the treatment on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
A SURVEY OF MATERNAL AND FETAL TISSUE ZINC, IRON, MANGANESE AND SELENIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BOVINE

Whole bovine fetuses and liver and kidney from corresponding dams, from nonpregnant cows, from heifers, and from steers were collected during routine slaughter operation at a local packing plant in Saskatoon. Fetal liver, kidney, heart and brain, and liver and kidney from adult cattle were analyzed for Zn, Fe, and in some cases for Mn and Se. Pregnancy did not significantly alter the dam liver Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations. Fetal liver Zn, Fe and Se concentrations were several-fold higher and Mn concentrations lower than those in liver from corresponding dams. Liver Se concentrations were significantly lower in the nonpregnant cows, of which 34% originated from gray black and muskeg soils in Saskatchewan. Liver Se concentrations of fetuses and pregnant cows originating from muskeg and gray (wooded) soils were significantly lower than those from other areas of Saskatchewan. Correlations between Zn, Fe, Mn, Se and Cu between and within dam and fetal tissues were low, except for dam and fetal liver Se concen.
Leptin as a surrogate indicator of body fat in the American black bear

Abstract We investigated the potential use of leptin as a wildlife management tool to monitor adiposity in American black bears (Ursus americanus). Body mass (BM), body condition index (BCI), serum leptin concentration, and percent of body fat were measured in semi-free ranging (SFR) adult male (South Dakota, Oct 2003–Jun 2004) and free-ranging (FR) adult females (Colorado and Wyoming, 1997–99) in fall, winter, spring, and summer. These variables were analyzed by simple and multiple linear regression models to determine their relative value as predictors of body fat proportion over a wide range of adiposity (7.5–48% of total BM). Log-transformed serum leptin concentration (ln leptin) was the most consistent single surrogate predictor of percent body fat when compared with BM and BCI. For both SFR and FR cohorts, ln leptin was strongly predictive of percent body fat within the range of adiposity between 7.5–35%. Moreover, the best predictors of body fat were multiple regression models that included ln leptin in both SFR males (AICc = 75.97, ω = 0.61) and FR females (AICc = 85.07, ω = 0.54). Therefore, serum leptin markedly improves the resolution and accuracy of common field estimates of body condition in black bears. Because it is strongly associated with and predictive of bioelectrical impedance assay (BIA) estimation of body fat, further investigation of serum leptin as a predictor of adiposity is warranted.
LIFE‐CYCLE AND ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY OF TASMANIAN EUCALYPTUS LEAF BEETLE, CHRYSOPHTHARTA BIMACULATA (OLIVIER) (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE).

The Tasmanian eucalyptus leaf beetle, Chrysophtharta bimaculata, previously considered to be bivoltine, was found to have a univoltine life‐cycle in north‐west Tasmania. Field sex ratio and laboratory fecundity of the species were determined. Foliage of hosts within the series Obliquae (subgenus Monocalyptus) appeared to be the favoured food of C. bimaculata larvae. Four species of Obliquae tested were approximately equally favorable, and signficantly more favorable than foliage of a species of Piperitae (Monocalyptus).
Aspects of the structure and variability of the low‐salinity‐layer in Doubtful Sound, a New Zealand fiord

Abstract The concurrent actions of fresh water input from the Manapouri power station and the extreme precipitation in the catchment of Doubtful Sound, south‐western New Zealand, results in the maintenance of a surface low‐salinity‐layer (LSL). Although the role of the LSL in controlling subtidal and inter‐tidal assemblages in Doubtful Sound has been documented, little is presently known about the characteristics of the LSL itself. The work presented here aims to elucidate particular aspects of the structure and variability of this ecologically important feature. Synoptic hydrographic data collected during the Doubtful Sound Monitoring Program (DSMP) shows that the LSL is robust and maintained throughout all seasons. Furthermore, hourly salinity and temperature data acquired from four sites within Doubtful Sound show that the major source of variability in the LSL lies in the weather bands although the surface temperatures also exhibited a seasonal component. Time‐series analyses of these data revealed that large perturbations in the LSL were associated with the combined actions of the local wind stress and precipitation. In addition, analysis of data from moored quantum PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensors revealed the important influence of the LSL on the subsurface light field.
Optimization of sourdough fermentation with Lactobacillus brevis and baker's yeast

Dough fermentation kinetics at 30°C for 20 h and bread characteristics have been studied with single or mixed commercial starters containing Lactobacillus brevis and baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). When starters were mixed, yeast growth in dough and ethanol production were reduced but more glycerol (80%) and acetic acid (55%) were formed but lactic acid was constant. Dough fermentation with mixed starters also produced more aroma compounds and, as determined by bread sensory analyses, higher sugar-, acid- and bitter-type flavours. When dough was fermented in parallel with single starters for 15 h at 30°C, mixed and fermented for another 10 h, production of typical sourdough-type aroma was enhanced.
The Effect of Genetic Origin, Source of Antigen, and Dose of Antigen on the Immune Response of Cockerels

Abstract The total agglutinin antibody titers and the 2-mercaptoethanol resistant antibody titers were determined in cockerels of three genetic origins, i.e., White Plymouth Rock (WPR), White Leghorn (WL), and a medium heavy breed cross (Warren). At 34 days of age the chicks were injected i.m. with 1.0 ml of either 100, 10, or 1% suspension of packed sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in phosphate buffered saline. Antibody titers were determined on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 postinfection. The response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was measured at 49 days of age after intradermal injections of the antigen into the wingweb of the birds that had received the 100% suspension of SRBC. Differences among genetic groups resulted in significant differences for total antibody titers. The ranking of groups of different origin varied with day postinjection. The highest antigen dose yielded the highest antibody titers and there were no significant genetic origin-dose interactions. The WPR cockerels showed the greatest swelling in the PHA test, followed by the Warren and WL in that order, with differences being significant (P The WPR cockerels were significantly (P
Analysing disease incidence data from designed experiments by generalized linear mixed models

As a result of aggregation or clustering of sampling units, disease incidence data from designed experiments frequently show overdispersion relative to the binomial distribution. This paper discusses generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) suitable for analysing overdispersed disease incidence data. The methods are exemplified using data from a randomized complete block experiment on the incidence of downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) of grape (Vitis lambrusca). Hints are given regarding implementation of the methods using the %GLIMMIX macro for the SAS system.
The Aerodynamics of Hovering Insect Flight. VI. Lift and Power Requirements

The lift and power requirements for hovering insect flight are estimated by combining the morphological and kinematic data from papers II and III with the aerodynamic analyses of papers IV and V. The lift calculations are used to evaluate the importance in hovering of two distinct types of aerodynamic mechanisms: (i) the usual quasi-steady mechanism, where the circulation for lift is primarily determined by translation of the wing, and (ii) rotational mechanisms, where the circulation is largely governed by wing rotation at either end of the wingbeat. Power estimates are compared with the available measurements of metabolic rate during hovering to investigate the role of elastic energy storage, the maximum mechanical power output of the flight muscles, and the muscle efficiency. The quasi-steady mechanism proves inadequate for the lift requirements of hover-flies using an inclined stroke plane, and for a ladybird beetle and a crane-fly hovering with a horizontal stroke plane. Observed angles of attack rule out lift enhancement by unsteady modifications to the quasi-steady mechanism, such as delayed stall, but the rotational lift mechanisms proposed in paper IV seem consistent with the kinematics. The rotational mechanisms rely on concentrated vortex shedding from the leading edge during rotation, with attachment of that vorticity as a leading edge separation bubble during the subsequent half-stroke. Strong leading edge vortex shedding should result from delayed pronation for the hover-fly, a near fling and partial fling for the ladybird, and profile flexion for the crane-fly (the flex mechanism). The kinematics for the other insects hovering with a horizontal stroke plane are basically the same as for the anomalous crane-fly, and the quasi-steady mechanism cannot be accepted for them while rejecting it for the crane-fly. All of these insects flex their wings in a similar manner during rotation, and could use the flex mechanism for lift generation. The implication is that most, if not all, hovering animals do not rely on quasi-steady aerodynamics, but use rotational lift mechanisms instead. It is not possible to reconcile the power estimates with the commonly accepted values of both the mechanochemical efficiency of insect flight muscle (about 25%) and its maximum mechanical power output (about 20 W N $^{-1}$ of muscle). Maximum efficiencies of 12-29% could be obtained only if there is no elastic storage of the kinetic energy of the flapping wings, but this would require more than twice the accepted value for maximum mechanical power output. The available evidence suggests that substantial elastic storage does occur, and that the maximum mechanical power output is close to the accepted value. If so, then the efficiency of both fibrillar and non-fibrillar flight muscle is likely to be only 5-9%.
Differential Targeting of Gßγ-Subunit Signaling with Small Molecules

G protein βγ subunits have potential as a target for therapeutic treatment of a number of diseases. We performed virtual docking of a small-molecule library to a site on Gβγ subunits that mediates protein interactions. We hypothesized that differential targeting of this surface could allow for selective modulation of Gβγ subunit functions. Several compounds bound to Gβγ subunits with affinities from 0.1 to 60 μM and selectively modulated functional Gβγ-protein-protein interactions in vitro, chemotactic peptide signaling pathways in HL-60 leukocytes, and opioid receptor–dependent analgesia in vivo. These data demonstrate an approach for modulation of G protein–coupled receptor signaling that may represent an important therapeutic strategy.
Suppressive effect of anaerobically digested slurry on the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans and its potential mechanisms

Plant-parasitic nematodes sometimes cause serious damages to a variety of crops. It has been accepted for decades that effective control of plant-parasitic nematodes is dependent on chemical nematicides (Hague and Gowen, 1987). Nematicides, though efficient and working quickly, are now being reappraised with respect to the environmental hazards that they pose, their high costs and limited availability in many developing countries (Akhtar and Malik, 2000). Thus, development of alternative control strategies and tactics to replace or complement chemical nematicides is urgently needed for the management of plant parasitic nematodes (McBride et al., 2000). It has been reported that application of animal’s manure, one of the sustainable agricultural practices can suppress populations of plant parasitic nematodes (Barker and Koenning, 1998; Abawi and Widmer, 2000; Forge et al., 2005a; Forge et al., 2005b). Nematode control resulting from the use of organic amendments has been attributed to several factors, including toxic compounds such as ammonia and various kinds of organic acids as well as predatory fungi, mites and their interactions (Barker and Koenning, 1998). Walker (1971) also reported that populations of Pratylenchus penetrans decreased due to ammonification during decomposition of organic nitrogen added. Nowadays, biogas production using animal waste or energy crops is attracting much attention as one of the types of sustainable crop production or renewable energy resources (Amon et al., 2006; Wulf et al., 2006; Amon et al., 2007). Anaerobically digested slurry contains not only many nutrients such as ammonium but also some organic acids such as acetic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid (Chantigny et al., 2004). It is known that such kinds of low molecular weight organic acids possess nematicidal activity (Akhtar and Malik, 2000; McBride et al., 2000). Based on such information, it would be probable that anaerobically digested slurries of animal wastes containing ammonium nitrogen and organic acids could replace agrochemicals, especially nematicides and fertilizers. However, there are few studies on the effects of anaerobically digested slurries on plant-parasitic nematodes (Valocka et al., 2000; Jothi et al., 2003). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of three different types of anaerobically digested slurries on the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans, one of the economically important pests in crop production.
Competition between inoculant and naturalised Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii for nodulation of annual clovers in alkaline soils

Inoculant rhizobia typically need to compete with naturalised soil populations of rhizobia to form legume nodules. We have used the polymerase chain reaction to test the ability of seed-inoculated rhizobia to compete with naturalised populations of rhizobia and form nodules on clover (Trifolium alexandrinum, T. purpureum, and T. resupinatum) in alkaline soil. Clover rhizobia, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii, were identified at the strain level using either a nif-specific RP01 primer or ERIC primers. Analysis of rhizobia isolated from nodules indicated that strain TA1 competed poorly for nodule occupancy at 2 field sites (Roseworthy and Mallala, South Australia), with the exception that it nodulated T. alexandrinum at a level of 39% at the Roseworthy site in the first year of the trial. Strains CC2483g and WSM409 successfully colonised nodules when inoculated onto a particular clover species (T. resupinatum and T. purpureum, respectively) in the first year of inoculation and persisted in the soil to form nodules in the following year. Nodules frequently contained naturalised strains of rhizobia, distinct from introduced commercial strains. Dominant isolates were specific to a field site and nodulated all 3 clover species in both years of the field trial, with each isolate occupying up to 19% of the total nodules at a field site. It was hypothesised that field isolates had a better alkaline soil tolerance conferring a greater ability to nodulate clovers under these edaphic conditions. The results indicate that soil populations of rhizobia may provide a significant constraint to the introduction of current Australian commercial clover rhizobia into alkaline soils, and a more profitable strategy may be to seek rhizobial inoculants that are adapted to these soils.
Development and evaluation of a general model for yield loss assessment in potatoes.

(.) Loss is a function of the difference in the relative area under the disease progress curves (RAUDPC) among these crops multiplied by the effect of disease on bulking rate. RAUDPC calculation is based on integrating disease severity over the period of yield accumulation and weighing each chronological day by its relative contribution to host growth. Seventy-one epidemics of early blight or late blight that developed in Freeville, NY, where the model's parameters were estimated and 53 epidemics from other growing areas or from epidemics having both pathogens simultaneously in Freeville, were used as independent data sets for evaluating the predictions of the model (.)
PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR ACTIVITY OF SOLUBLE HUMIC COMPLEXES

Auxin and cytokinin bioassays were performed to test the biological activity of soluble humic complexes (SHC). "Pea split stem curvature" (auxin test) and "cucumber" tests (cytokinin test) did not show any quantifiable biological activity of SHC. On the contrary, "cress test" and "senescence test" offered good evidence of a hormonal-like activity 100 times lower than that of IAA (10 mg IAA∙g−1 SHC) and 10 times lower than that of N6 BA (100 mg N6 BA∙g−1 SHC). At a high concentration of SHC, toxic effects were evident, indicating the presence of inhibitory substances which counteracted the hormone-like activity of humic complexes. Key words: Plant growth regulators, soluble humic complexes
Blockade of mGluR5 glutamate receptors in the subthalamic nucleus ameliorates motor asymmetry in an animal model of Parkinson's disease

It has been suggested that Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists could have potential therapeutic value in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. There is evidence that when given systemically, 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)‐pyridine (MPEP), a metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) antagonist, produces anti‐parkinsonian effects in animal models, but the site of action has not been directly established. In the present study, we examined whether the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and its output structures may mediate such an effect using a unilateral rat model of Parkinson's disease. A battery of simple behavioral tests, reliably sensitive to dopamine depletion, was applied consecutively: (i) prior to surgery; (ii) 3 weeks following a unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine lesion of the substantia nigra pars compacta; (iii) at 1 h, 24 h and 4 days following a microinjection of MPEP, via an indwelling cannula, into the STN, entopeduncular nucleus (EP) or substantia nigra zona reticulata. Unilaterally dopamine‐depleted animals typically had severe motor and sensorimotor asymmetries 3 weeks following surgery. Microinjection of 25 nmol MPEP into the STN of these animals significantly attenuated these asymmetries relative to vehicle. Further microinjections of lower doses (5 and 10 nmol) revealed a dose–response effect. Microinjection of MPEP into either the EP or substantia nigra zona reticulata was without effect. These data suggest that MPEP may act at the level of the STN to reduce glutamatergic overactivity and thereby induce anti‐parkinsonian effects.