Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degradation of Starch–Poly(β-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-β-Hydroxyvalerate) Bioplastic in Tropical Coastal Waters

ABSTRACT Extruded bioplastic was prepared from cornstarch or poly(β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) or blends of cornstarch and PHBV. The blended formulations contained 30 or 50% starch in the presence or absence of polyethylene oxide (PEO), which enhances adherence of starch granules to PHBV. Degradation of these formulations was monitored for 1 year at four stations in coastal water southwest of Puerto Rico. Two stations were within a mangrove stand. The other two were offshore; one of these stations was on a shallow shoulder of a reef, and the other was at a location in deeper water. Microbial enumeration at the four stations revealed considerable flux in the populations over the course of the year. However, in general, the overall population densities were 1 order of magnitude less at the deeper-water station than at the other stations. Starch degraders were 10- to 50-fold more prevalent than PHBV degraders at all of the stations. Accordingly, degradation of the bioplastic, as determined by weight loss and deterioration of tensile properties, correlated with the amount of starch present (100% starch >50% starch > 30% starch > 100% PHBV). Incorporation of PEO into blends slightly retarded the rate of degradation. The rate of loss of starch from the 100% starch samples was about 2%/day, while the rate of loss of PHBV from the 100% PHBV samples was about 0.1%/day. Biphasic weight loss was observed for the starch-PHBV blends at all of the stations. A predictive mathematical model for loss of individual polymers from a 30% starch–70% PHBV formulation was developed and experimentally validated. The model showed that PHBV degradation was delayed 50 days until more than 80% of the starch was consumed and predicted that starch and PHBV in the blend had half-lives of 19 and 158 days, respectively. Consistent with the relatively low microbial populations, bioplastic degradation at the deeper-water station exhibited an initial lag period, after which degradation rates comparable to the degradation rates at the other stations were observed. Presumably, significant biodegradation occurred only after colonization of the plastic, a parameter that was dependent on the resident microbial populations. Therefore, it can be reasonably inferred that extended degradation lags would occur in open ocean water where microbes are sparse.
Evolution of nutrient acquisition: when space matters

Summary Evolution of nutrient acquisition by plants should depend on two forces: local competition is based on the capacity to exploit the local nutrient resource, and regional competition is based on the capacity to occupy the whole landscape through seed production and dispersal. We build a spatially explicit simulation model where a limiting nutrient is recycled in each local patch of a lattice by individual plants. The model includes both local and regional competition. Heterogeneity in nutrient availability and dispersal limitation mitigate the effect of competition for the local nutrient resource and allow the evolution of lower rates of nutrient uptake. Our spatially explicit model suggests that evolution in richer ecosystems selects ‘expensive’ strategies (high acquisition, low conservation of resources) compared to poor ecosystems. Low rates of nutrient acquisition can be considered as a form of altruism because they leave more resource available for other individuals. Our model thus suggests that the influence of spatial processes on the evolution of altruism is pervasive and is linked to key aspects of ecosystem functioning. Because our model includes both regional and local competition, evolution does not minimize the availability of mineral nutrient, although evolution or species replacement is often thought to minimize the availability of nutrient. Taken together, our work confirms that the interplay between local and regional competition is critical for the evolution of plant nutrient strategies and its effect on ecosystem properties.
Season, nitrogen rate, and plant type affect nitrogen uptake and nitrogen use efficiency in rice

Studies were undertaken in the Burdekin River Irrigation Area of northern Australia to improve the efficiency of nitrogen (N) use for rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. The aim was to maximise grain yield by optimising its functional components: N uptake, efficiency of N use for dry matter production (NUE(dm)), and harvest index (HI). The effects of season (wet and dry), N rate (0, 70, 140, 210, and 280 kg/ha), and plant type (maturity and stature) on N uptake, NUE(dm), and HI were examined in 2 wet and 2 dry seasons. Leaf area development was closely related to N uptake. In the wet season, genotypes had similar rates of increase in leaf area index (LAI) with N uptake but differed in the level of LAI (curves were parallel). In the dry season, the relationship between N uptake and LAI was different for each genotype (curves not parallel). In both seasons cv. Newbonnet generally had a lower LAI per unit N uptake (i.e. leaf area production was not excessive) than cvv. Lemont and Starbonnet. Dry matter production and grain yield were also closely related to N uptake. At low levels of N availability (N uptake 140 kg/ha in all seasons, i.e. fertiliser N uptake efficiency declined with increasing N rate. Nitrogen was used more effectively by the rice crop to produce grain compared with non-grain parts when average daily mean temperatures were lower during the period between panicle initiation and anthesis. Genotypic variation was found in N uptake, NUE(dm), and HI. The ability to capture these components in crop improvement programs depends on the extent to which genetic linkages between N uptake and both NUE(dm) and HI can be broken. While our data suggest that N uptake is generally negatively correlated with both NUE(dm) and HI, there is some evidence that these linkages can be broken. For example, the fact that HI did not change with increasing N uptake in Lemont and, to a lesser extent, in Newbonnet suggests that HI does not always decline with increasing N uptake. The example of Newbonnet suggests that, to some extent, it is possible to increase yield by increasing each of the functional components independently within a specific genotype.
The epididymal sperm viability, motility and DNA integrity in dead mice maintained at 4-6oC.

Background: When male animals die, spermatozoa within the body of animal will be degenerated. Because of unique chromatin structure of sperm, maybe this degeneration is different from other cells. However there is not any research which considered directly the integrity of sperm DNA by keeping the cadaver in refrigerator. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess viability, total motility and DNA integrity of sperm cells after death. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male Swiss white mice were killed by cervical dislocation and then kept in refrigerator (4-6 o C) for up to 12 days. On the 0 (immediately after death as control group), 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , 5 th , 7 th , 10 th and the 12 th days after death cauda epididymides were removed and squeezed in Ham’s F10 medium. The proportion of viable, motile and double stranded DNA spermatozoa was examined. Viability and DNA integrity of sperm cells were examined consecutively by eosin nigrosin and acridine orange stainings. Results: The data obtained from this study showed that viability and total motility of sperm cells were significantly decreased during 12 days after death (p<0.001). In contrast with viability and motility, DNA integrity was without significant changes (even 12 days after death). Conclusion: This study suggests that integrity of sperm DNA would not change even after 12 days after death if the cadaver kept in refrigerator.
Morphometric Comparative Study of the Striatum and Globus Pallidus of the Common Shrew, Bank Vole, Rabbit, and Fox

Abstract The morphology of the striatum (St, caudoputamen complex) and globus pallidus (GP) was studied by stereological methods in representatives of four mammalian orders (Insectivora, Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Carnivora). The aim of our study was to give the first detailed morphometric characteristics of the St and GP in the animals. The paraffin-embedded brain tissue blocks were cut in the coronal plane into 50 μm sections, which were stained for Nissl substance. The morphometric analysis of the St and GP has included such parameters as the volume, numerical density, and total number of neurons. The increase in the volume of the St and GP was accompanied by an increase in the total number of neurons and a decrease in their numerical density. The percentage contribution of the GP volume in the corpus striatum shows progressive traits in the common shrew and fox.
Occurrence of parasites in Labeo rohita (Hamilton) from Rajshahi

An investigation was made on the parasitic infestation of an indigenous major carp, Labeo rohita collected from different water bodies of Rajshahi district during April 2006 to January 2007. A total of 70 host fishes were examined during the study period of which 55 fishes were found infected by numerous protozoan and metazoan parasites. In all 2348 parasites belonging to eight genera were recorded from the surveyed hosts. Among them six were ectoparasites ( Trichodina , Myxobolus Chilodonella , Dactylogyrus , Gyrodactylus and Argulus ) and two were endoparasite ( Eucreadium and Camallanus ). The infestation exhibited monthly or seasonal fluctuation, the maximum abundance of parasites was recorded in the month of December and the minimum in July. It was observed that the infection was the maximum in pre-winter to winter and the minimum in the rainy season. Prevalence, intensity and abundance of the infestation were also found to be related to different length group of the hosts, the medium sized fishes were more infested and the larger size fishes were less infested while the smaller size fishes showed medium infestation. Key words: Parasite, L. rohita , prevalence, intensity, abundance Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 26, 2007. pp. 31-34
Micropropagation of Spilanthes acmella L., a bio-insecticide plant, through proliferation of multiple shoots

Spilanthes acmella L. was successfully micropropagated using axillary buds as explants. The aseptic axillary buds formed multiple shoots within five weeks when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l N 6 -Bezyl adenine (BA). The addition of Indole-3-buty ric acid (IBA) had no significant effect on the multiple shoots formation of this plant. MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BA was sufficient for the proliferation of rooted multiple shoots of S. acmella L. First subculturing of the in vitro individual shoots in the same proliferation medium could double the formation of multiple shoots.
A 2-year study on milk quality from three pasture-based dairy systems of contrasting production intensities in Wales

SUMMARY There is an increasing interest in pasture-based dairy systems in Europe, mainly because of increasing production costs for intensive dairying. Milk is a matrix of compounds that influence nutritional and manufacturing properties, many dependent on husbandry linked to pasture-based systems (increase in pasture intake, forage : concentrate ratio, clover inclusion in swards/silages and use of alternative dairy breeds). The present study investigated the impact of three grazing-based dairy systems with contrasting feeding intensity or reliance on pasture intakes (conventional high-intensity, low pasture intake [CH], organic medium-intensity, medium pasture intake [OM], conventional low-intensity, high pasture intake [CL]) on milk fatty acid (FA) profiles, protein composition and α-tocopherol and antioxidants concentrations. The proportion of animals of alternative breeds (e.g. Jersey) and crossbred cows in the herd increased with decreasing production intensity (CH < OM < CL). Milk constituents known to be beneficial for human health, such as vaccenic acid, rumenic acid, monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, antioxidants and caseins, were elevated with decreasing production intensity (CH < OM < CL), while less desirable saturated FA were lower, although not all differences between OM and CL were significant. Omega-3 FA were maximized under OM practices, primarily as a result of higher clover intake. Increases in pasture intake may explain the higher concentrations of desirable FA while increased use of crossbreed cows is likely to be responsible for higher total protein and casein content of milk; a combination of these two factors may explain increased antioxidant levels. The higher concentrations of vaccenic acid, rumenic acid, omega-3 FA, lutein, zeaxanthin, protein and casein in OM and CL milk were found over most sampling months and in both years, reinforcing the higher nutritional quality and manufacturing properties associated with milk from these systems. A switch to pasture-based dairy products would increase the intake of milk's beneficial compounds and reduce consumption of less desirable saturated FA.
Nutritive Value of Gliricidia for Goats

Gliricidia sepium leaves slong with small lwigs sontained, 22.4 CP, 4.5 EE, 10.5 CF, 54.5 NFE, 8.0 Ash, 1.26 Ca and 0.18 P on % DM basis. Black Bengal type local goats consumed 2.44 kg of Gliricidia DM/100 kg B.wt. Nutritive value of Gliricidia fodder for goats were 14.02% DCP and 60.2% TDN. Goats were in positive N balance on sole Gliricidia feeding, however, Ca and P balances were negative. The goats subsisting on Gliricidia alone lost about 17g weight each day.
Composition, Structure, and Trajectories of Great Lakes Coastal Pine Forests in Relation to Historical Baselines and Disturbance History

Abstract Pine forests have historically been an important component of Great Lakes coastal ecosystems that provide wildlife habitat and other ecosystem functions. The area covered by coastal forests and the dominance of pines within remaining forests have been greatly reduced over the past ∼200 y by logging, development, and other anthropogenic activities. This study assessed stand history and composition of remnant coastal pine forests and compared contemporary stands to historical baselines to support restoration efforts in these ecosystems. Sampling was conducted in 23 stands at eight sites along the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior in Michigan, U.S.A. and was focused on stand composition, age structure, and disturbance history. Current data were compared with data from presettlement Public Land Survey records in coastal pine forests across the region. Composition in contemporary forests differed greatly from presettlement conditions in southern sites and was significantly, but not as strongly, different in the northern part of the region as well. Pine dominance in remnant stands was lowest with moderate levels of pine-logging-era canopy removal. Comparisons of overstory and understory dominance suggested a continued trend away from pine dominance toward mesophytic species in all stands. Restoration of disturbance regimes (particularly surface fires) and open canopy conditions may be necessary to maintain a pine component in these ecosystems.
Evaluation of chicken dung on coffee shells as feeding supplement in the fattening of grazing sheep

A total of 27 Pelibuey non-castrated male lambs, in the growing-fattening stage, with an initial average weight of 19,9 kg, were used with the objective of studying three inclusion levels of chicken litter of coffee shells in the diet: T1) 0 g/kg LW; T2) 12 g/kg LW and T3) 20 g/kg LW. The animals remained grazing 6,5 hours each day and at the end of it they were offered the supplement of chicken dung plus 6 g of final molasses/kg LW. Ninety days after the beginning of the test the final live weight (T1: 27,0; T2; 29,0 and T3: 30,8 kg) had increased significantly (P<0,01) as the rate of chicken dung increased; the same happened with the mean daily gain (77, 103 and 118 g/lamb/day), which differed for P<0,001. In the animals that did not consume chicken dung the weight of the carcass (12,7; 13,9 and 14,6 kg), the heart (106, 134 and 138 g) and the kidneys (79, 106 and 110 g) was significantly lower (P<0,05) as compared to treatments 2 and 3, and between these two there were no significant differences. The weight of the liver (537, 555 and 562 g) and the empty stomach (897, 948 and 966 g) did not show significant differences according to the supplemented rate of chicken dung. It is concluded that the supply of chicken dung on coffee shells improved significantly the productive indicators of the animals, without compromising their health or the chemical composition and acceptability of the meat, for which the use of chicken dung on coffee shells is recommended as supplement in the diet of grazing growing-fattening sheep.
Growth of pair bonding in Zebra Finches: physical and social factors

ABSTRACT We investigated the process of pair formation in Zebra Finches. Two males and two females, unfamiliar with each other, were put in a flight cage and we observed these four birds for 30 min each day for 10 days. In total, five sets of four birds were used. During the observation period, the position of each individual was recorded every minute. The occurrences of songs, agonistic behavior, and other behaviors were recorded in real time and additional video analyses were performed off line. On introducing the birds, the males immediately began fighting and a firm dominance hierarchy was established, usually within a few minutes. Most of the directed songs occurred during the first day and gradually the proportion of undirected songs increased. In each set, birds formed at least one intimate heterosexual pair. We analyzed the properties of the individuals that formed the pair. The results indicated that the heavier females pair-bonded quicker, and the males that won dominance bonded sooner and four out of five dominant males weighed more than the other male in each set. By contrast, the song duration and song quality of each male did not differ between the paired male and the other male. In our experimental setting, females did not pay as much attention to the song as to the social dominance. Therefore, the functional significance of courtship songs appears after the dominance hierarchy is established among males and is used as a secondary cue for mate choice in females.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation and CO2 increase on winter phytoplankton assemblages in a temperate coastal lagoon

Increases in ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and CO2 affect phytoplankton growth and mortality in a variety of different ways. However, in situ responses of natural phytoplankton communities to climate change, as well as its effects on phytoplankton annual cycles, are still largely unknown. Although temperature and UVR have been increasing in temperate latitudes during winter, this season is still particularly neglected in climate change studies, being considered a non-active season regarding phytoplankton growth and production. Additionally, coastal lagoons are highly productive ecosystems and very vulnerable to climate change. This study aims, therefore, to evaluate the short-term effects of increased UVR and CO2 on the composition and growth of winter phytoplankton assemblages in a temperate coastal lagoon. During winter 2012, microcosm experiments were used to evaluate the isolated and combined effects of UVR and CO2, under ambient and high CO2 treatments, exposed to ambient UV levels and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), or to PAR only. Phytoplankton composition, abundance, biomass and photosynthetic parameters were evaluated during the experiments. Significant changes were observed in the growth of specific phytoplankton groups, leading to changes in community composition. The cyanobacterium Synechococcus was dominant at the beginning of the experiment, but it was negatively affected by UVR and CO2. Diatoms clearly benefited from high CO2 and UVR, particularly Thalassiosira. Despite the changes observed in specific phytoplankton groups, growth and production of the
Study of Certain Biochemical Parameters in Patients of Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle Cell is an inherited blood condition in people of Central India, Africa, Medditarean and Middle East region. It is caused by abnormalities in the production of haemglobin. Sickle Cell Disease occurs when people inherent abnormal genes responsible for haemoglobin production from their parents. Present study was carried out to know the relationship between pathogenicity of sickle cell anemia and renal and hepatic disorder. We found that out of 117 samples, Urea concentration was found above than normal range in 46 (48.20±0.80 mg/dl) samples, Creatinine in 39 (2.4±0.32mg/dl) samples, Bilirubin in 55 (1.6±0.2mg/dl) samples, SGPT activity was also found raised in 36 (48.0±2.4 IU/l) samples. Protein metabolism was also found altered. In 19 samples Total protein was found decreased (12.60±1.30 mg/dl) and Albumin was found decreased in 7 samples (6.34±0.24 mg/dl). Thus the present finding indicates a clear adverse effect on renal function and moderate adverse effect on hepatic function under stress of sickle cell anemia.
Effects of environmental perturbations on abundance of subarctic plants after three, seven and ten years of treatments

Analyses of changes in vegetation were carried out after three, seven and ten years of fertilizer addition, warming and light attenuation in two subarctic, alpine dwarf shrub heaths. One site was just above the tree line, at ca 450 m a.s. l. , and the other at a much colder fell-field at ca 1150 m altitude. The aim was to investigate how the treatments affected the abundance of different species and growth forms over time, including examinations of transient changes. Grasses, which increased in abundance by fertilizer addition, and cryptogams, which, by contrast, decreased by fertilizer addition and warming, were the most sensitive functional groups to the treatments at both sites. Nutrient addition exerted a stronger and more consistent effect than both shading and warming. Warming at the fell-field had slightly greater effect than at the warmer tree line with an increase in deciduous shrubs. The decreased abundance of mosses and lichens to fertilizer addition and/or warming was most likely an indirect treatment effect, caused by competition through increased abundance and overgrowth of grasses. Such changes in species composition are likely to alter decomposition rates and the water and energy exchange at the soil surface. We observed few, if any, transient effects of declining responses during the 10 yr of treatments. Instead, there were many cumulative effects of the treatments for all functional groups and many interactions between time and treatment, suggesting that once a change in community composition is triggered, it will continue with unchanged or accelerated rate for a long period of time.