Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Steer performance in fescue-clover pastures with different levels of endophyte infestation

A 3-yr study was conducted at Ames Plantation, Grand Junction, TN to determine the effects of fungal endophyte (Acremonium conenophialum Morgan-Jones & Gams) infestation (E + ) levels in Kentucky 31 tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) pastures on steer (Bos taurus L.) performance. Two replications were used of 1.2-ha pastures overseeded yearly with ladino white clover (Trifolium repens L.) on a fine-silty, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludalf soil. Yearling tester steers (three per pasture) and additional steers of similar size maintained available forage at heights of 2.5 to 7.5 cm (.)
Micronutrient Availability in Fresh and Aged Douglas Fir Bark

Annualvinca(Catharanthusroseus(L.)G.DonPeppermintCooler) plugswere transplanted to containers filled with Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco) bark (DFB) in May and June 2005 (Expts. 1 and 2, respectively). Treatments were arranged in a 2 · 3 factorial with two DFB ages (fresh and aged) and three micronutrient sources (DFB alone, 10% by volume yard debris compost, or 0.9 kgm -3 Micromax fertilizer). Plants were measured for shoot dry weight and foliar color. Substrate and foliar samples of each plant were analyzed for 13 essential macro- and micronutrients plus substrate pH and EC. Douglas fir bark alone appears to provide sufficient micronutrients for annual vinca grown at pH 4.7 to 5.7 over a 2-month period. In Expt. 1 there were no differences in shoot dry weight or foliar color regardless of DFB age or micronutrient source. At the end of Expt. 2, plants in aged DFB were larger than those in fresh DFB, but differences were primarily the result of nitrogen availability. None of the treatments developed color symptoms that could be associated with micronutrient deficiency. Micronutrient availability in DFB should be considered in container fertilizer management plans.
Characterising the functional role of rhizosphere fungi in Miscanthus giganteus bioenergy cropping systems

The rhizosphere has a rich fungal microbiome, including parasites, commensals and mutualists. An important group in the rhizosphere are assumed to be the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which live in symbiosis with around 80% of plant species. AMF have been shown to increase plant yield, biomass, disease resistance, and shoot P. Plants exchange carbon in the form of sugars for nutrients assimilated by AMF. There is little known about AMF in association with Miscanthus giganteus, a productive bioenergy crop grown in the UK and abroad. Work was carried out to characterise the abundance, organisation, importance, function and stability over space and time of rhizosphere fungi and AMF in M. giganteus roots. Field samples from Lincolnshire were analysed using staining and molecular techniques, including small subunit rRNA gene terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism, clone libraries and amplicon pyrosequencing, and meta-transcriptomics. M. giganteus was also grown in a number of pot experiments, with various treatments including fungal inoculations and fungicide application. A number of fungal phyla were found in the roots, particularly Ascomycota, the composition of which shifted over time and exhibited diurnal patterns of activity. Fungi enhanced plant growth by a third, and were functionally active in the roots in the meta-transcriptome. AMF communities were found at much lower relative abundances in roots, and inoculation with AMF did not enhance M. giganteus growth. The work highlights the importance of the whole root mycobiome to plant growth and health, and the relatively small role Glomeromycota play in M. giganteus comparison with other fungi. The work also demonstrated the dynamic nature of fungal activity over hours, months, and years, and the complex interactions the fungal community has with environmental variables.
Genetic structure of the critically endangered Red‐headed Wood Pigeon Columba janthina nitens and its implications for the management of threatened island populations

The Red-headed Wood Pigeon Columba janthina nitens is endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, an oceanic island chain located 1000 km south of the main islands of Japan. The subspecies is at high risk of extinction because of its small population size and restricted habitat range. We undertook genetic analyses of this pigeon using sequences of a portion of the mitochondrial control region and five microsatellite markers to estimate the genetic characteristics of two wild populations from the Bonin and Volcano Islands, as well as one captive breeding population. The genetic diversity of the wild individuals was exceptionally low in both the mitochondria (nucleotide diversity = 0.00105) and at the microsatellite (3.2 alleles per locus and HE = 0.12) loci. Higher numbers of microsatellite genotypes were observed in the Volcano Islands population than in the Bonin Islands population, which may be because of the relatively low impact of human disturbance. The most common mitochondrial haplotypes and microsatellite alleles observed in the two wild populations were completely fixed in the captive population. Our results suggest that the genetic diversity of the captive population needs to be increased. However, introduction of a wild individual into a captive population can lead to a decreased genetic diversity in the wild population and therefore should be done with caution. The genetic differentiation between the Bonin and the Volcano island groups was low, and the populations of the two island groups should be regarded as a single evolutionarily significant unit. However, special consideration is required for habitat conservation in the Volcano Islands, which may be functioning as a sanctuary for the Red-headed Wood Pigeon. For the long-term conservation of threatened bird species that live on remote oceanic islands, determination of management units considering gene flow caused by their flying capacity and maintenance of genetically suitable wild and captive populations are essential.
Links between male quality, male chemical signals, and female mate choice in Iberian Rock Lizards

Summary 1In spite of the fact that chemoreception plays an important part in sexual selection of many vertebrates, there is a lack of general knowledge on the role of specific chemical compounds as sexual signals, and on how the characteristics of chemical signals mediate behaviours such as mate choice. 2We examined how female Iberian Rock Lizards use the chemical characteristics of femoral gland secretions of males to select potential mates. 3Tongue-flick assays and choice of scent trials showed that females discriminated by chemosensory cues alone differences in chemical secretions of different males. Females showed stronger chemosensory responses and preferred the scent of males of presumably high quality (i.e. those more symmetric and with a greater immune response). 4Chemical analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that these preferred males allocated relatively more cholesta-5,7-dien-3-ol and ergosterol to femoral secretions, which suggested that females used these chemicals to choose between males’ scents. 5Further experiments confirmed that females were able to discriminate cholesta-5,7-dien-3-ol, ergosterol, and changes in their concentrations, from similar steroids (i.e. cholesterol) also found in secretions of males. Moreover, females were more attracted to areas that were experimentally manipulated to increase the proportion of ergosterol in natural scent marks of males. 6We suggest that femoral secretions with higher proportions of cholesta-5,7-dien-3-ol and ergosterol might be reliable advertisements of quality of a male, which females could use to select mates.
Biological control of postharvest diseases of apples, peaches and nectarines by Bacillus subtilis S16 isolated from halophytes rhizosphere

Abstract Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum are the most common postharvest pathogens of apples, peaches and nectarines. In this study, 96 bacteria were isolated from halophytes rhizosphere and assayed for biocontrol activity under in vitro conditions. Among the 96 isolates tested, isolate S16 effectively inhibited the growth of P. expansum, B. cinerea and C. acutatum. The isolate S16 has reduced 78.33±1.53 to 82.98±2.13% of disease severity in apples, peaches and nectarines. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry of the antifungal compounds revealed three lipopeptide complexes, namely surfactins, iturins and fengycins. Lipopeptides and hydrolytic enzymes produced by the isolate S16 play an important role in the antifungal activity. Polymerase chain reaction analysis using ituD, srfAD, fenD and fenE gene-specific primers showed that the isolate S16 carry sequences similar to ituD, srfAD, fenD and fenE genes. Based on the 16S rDNA sequencing, the effective isolate S16 was identified as Bacillus subtilis.
Influencia del clima escolar y familiar en adolescentes, víctimas de ciberacoso

El ciberacoso es un fenomeno de creciente preocupacion social que afecta cada vez mas a ninos y adolescentes de todos los paises desarrollados. A diferencia de la considerable literatura que hay sobre las relaciones entre el acoso escolar y el contexto familiar y escolar, todavia hay pocos trabajos sobre la influencia de estos entornos sociales en el problema del ciberacoso. Mediante una metodologia cuantitativa, el objetivo principal del presente estudio fue analizar la influencia del contexto escolar y familiar en victimas de ciberacoso. La muestra estuvo formada por 1.062 adolescentes (51,5% chicos y 48,5% chicas), de edades comprendidas entre los 12 y los 18 anos (M=14,5; DT=1,62). Se establecieron tres grupos de contraste: cibervictimas severas, cibervictimas moderadas y no victimas de ciberacoso. Los resultados del analisis de varianza indicaron que las cibervictimas severas en comparacion con las no victimas puntuan significativamente mas alto en conflicto familiar y obtienen puntuaciones mas bajas en el resto de variables familiares (autoestima familiar, cohesion y expresividad), y variables escolares (implicacion, afiliacion y ayuda al profesor), consideradas en el estudio. Los analisis de regresion revelaron que la autoestima academica y familiar y algunas dimensiones del clima familiar y escolar predicen la cibervictimizacion en la adolescencia. Estos novedosos resultados muestran la importancia de incluir a la familia y a la escuela en los programas de prevencion del ciberacoso.
Conservation of deer: contributions from molecular biology, evolutionary ecology, and reproductive physiology

Molecular phylogenetics, interspecific comparisons, and assisted reproductive techniques are recent approaches to understanding and facilitating conservation of endangered species. This paper reviews the contribution of these approaches to a small but well-studied group of mammals, deer, many of which are endangered in the wild. Conservation efforts require a comprehensive understanding of the biology and history of these animals. The value of assisted reproductive technologies for conservation of deer has received increased awareness especially for captive populations. Such breeding programmes are designed to assist propagation of threatened species and to maximize genetic diversity within populations through the movement of genetic material across the globe, but will only be successful if we understand the genetic and reproductive potential of various lineages. Here we discuss the phylogenetic status of deer, the distinctiveness and evolution of their reproductive patterns, and current approaches for improving the success of controlled breeding programmes for the conservation of endangered lineages. Only by combining both theoretical and practical approaches to conservation efforts can we hope to salvage the remaining organismal diversity of our planet.
Role of bacteria and bacterial exopolymer in the attachment of Achnanthes longipes (bacillariophyceae)

The attachment of diatoms to surfaces is an important and poorly understood step in the development of biofouling communities. Experiments were performed in vitro on a common fouling diatom (Achnanthes longipes) to determine the influence of the base material and bacterial conditioning on diatom attachment. The first series of experiments compared attachment of A. longipes to four different base materials, and the influence of a bacterial film on attachment to these materials. A. longipes preferentially attached to polystyrene, a hydrophobic surface, but was inhibited by the presence of a bacterial biofilm. On other surfaces, bacteria either facilitated or had no effect on algal attachment. The second series of experiments found no difference in the attachment of A. longipes to a surface covered with bacterial exopolymer compared to a surface with a film of living bacteria. Attachment of A. longipes was found to vary depending on the conditions under which the bacterial film developed and the species of b.
Sodium chloride in nutrient solutions can affect onion growth and flavor development

Onion is classified as a salt-sensitive crop, though it is found in production on saline soils around the world. While onion flavor intensity has been studied in response to various growing conditions, little is known about its response to salt stress. To understand if NaCI affects growth, flavor development, and mineral content in onion, 'Granex 33' plants were grown to maturity with six different concentrations of NaCl ranging from 0 (control) to 125 mM in nutrient solutions. NaCI affected onion fresh weight and altered onion flavor intensity and quality. Plants did not survive the 125 mM NaCI treatments and are not included in the results. As bulb Na + and Cl - content increased in response to increasing NaCI concentrations, leaf and bulb fresh weight of mature plants decreased. Total bulb S content also decreased with increasing NaCI solution concentrations, while bulb SO 4 2- content increasing linearly, indicating that less S was entering the S metabolic stream. Though bulb soluble solids content was not influenced by NaCI concentrations, pungency increased, but only at the highest NaCI concentration. Total flavor precursors and methyl cysteine sulfoxide content increased in response to NaCI, but only at the 100 mM treatment. 1-Propenyl cysteine sulfoxide was generally unresponsive to the salt treatment. Propyl cysteine sulfoxide content decreased then increased in responses to increasing NaCI levels, but was found as a minor flavor precursor. Peptide intermediates measured in the pathway leading to 1-propenyl cysteine sulfoxide and propyl cysteine sulfoxide decreased linearly with increasing NaCI exposure. While NaCI affected onion flavor in this study, severe reductions in growth would prevent onion production under similar saline conditions. For practical purposes, the effects of NaCl on flavor are, therefore, minimal.
Carotene and Vitamin A in the Colostrum of Cows of Typical Indian Breeds

Summary Colostrum samples from Hariana and Sahiwal cows have been analyzed for the percentage composition of carotene, vitamin A, fat, solids-not-fat, protein and ash. 1.The colostrum contains more solids-not-fat, protein, and ash than does the normal milk. 2.Colostrum contains more than four times as much carotene and vitamin A as milk. 3.Colostral fat was found to be six to seven times richer in carotene and vitamin A than the fat of normal milk, but both of these constituents decreased markedly during the first week postpartum. The decrease thereafter was relatively slow and carotene appeared to be affected more than vitamin A by the type of ration fed to the animals. 4.The carotene content of colostral fat of first-calf Sahiwal heifers was comparable to that secreted by the Hariana cows, but the heifers secreted more vitamin A in the colostral fat than did the cows.
Growth, density and biomass of Ecklonia radiata at different depths and growth under artifical shading off Perth, Western Australia.

The standing crop and density of the kelp Ecklonia radiata (C. Ag.) J. Agardh declined with depth on limestone reefs near the coast off Perth, Western Australia. Some other macroalgae became more abundant. The plant's growth rate was determined monthly at 5 m and 10 m depth over a 16-month period. Annual frond productivity at the 5-m site was 3.5 kg dry wt m-2 year-1, and at the 10-m site, 2 kg dry wt m-2 year-1. Maximum productivity occurred in spring (Sept.-Oct.) at the 5-m site and 2 months later at the 10-m site. The two sites had similar water movement and were assumed to have similar nutrient, salinity and temperature regimes. However, irradiance at 10 m was about 10% of that at the surface, while at 5 m it was about 30%. Artificial shading of the kelp canopy at the 5-m site during winter and autumn reduced productivity to levels similar to those at the 10-m site; this suggests that irradiance may limit kelp growth at these times.
Brazilian soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. cultivars adapted to low latitude regions: seed composition and content of bioactive proteins

Among the goals of the Brazilian soybean improvement programmes, the breeding strategies for cultivars adapted to low latitudes have been included to extend crop areas and to increase production. Seeds of nine Brazilian soybean cultivars adapted to low latitudes were investigated regarding to their composition, and amino acid and antinutritional/toxic protein contents. Protein (394.5 ± 13.1 to 445.3 ± 8.0 g kg-1 dry matter) and oil (200.6 ± 1.2 to 232.3 ± 4.7 g kg-1 dry matter) contents showed low correlation to each other (r = -0.06). The total carbohydrate (141.7 ± 6.1 to 211.1 ± 15.0 g kg-1 dry matter) and ash contents (48.2 ± 4.2 to 52.2 ± 0.5 g kg-1 dry matter) were similar to data available for other soybean cultivars. All soybean cultivars presented low levels of tryptophan and sulphur amino acids. The lectin (1,152 to 147,456 HU kg-1 flour), trypsin inhibitor (34.45 ± 2.28 to 77.62 ± 2.63 g trypsin inhibited kg-1 flour), toxin (6,210 ± 134 to 34,650 ± 110 LD50 kg-1 flour) and urease (0.74 ± 0.02 to 1.22 ± 0.10 g kg1 flour) presented variations in their contents amongst the cultivars. Compared to other soybean cultivars, urease was higher, the acute toxicity lower and the lectin and trypsin inhibitor contents similar to data available. In general, soybean cultivars showed similar biochemical composition to those developed in different geographic regions. The relevance of these findings to the agronomic features and to choice of soybean cultivars to be used as food or feed is discussed.
Growth, Yield and Land Use Efficiency of Corn and Legumes Grown under Intercropping Systems

Abstract A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Khon Kaen University in 2001. The objectives of this study were to investigate growth, yield and yield components of corn, peanut, soybean and mungbean under intercropping and single cropping, as well as to assess the land use efficiency. Yield and yield components of corn was unaffected by intercropping system. In legume crops; peanut, soybean and mungbean, intercropping systems reduced the leaf area and top dry weight per plant as compared with single cropping. Grain yield of peanut, soybean and mungbean was reduced by 28%, 39% and 51%, respectively, as compared with single cropping. The pod number per plant was the most affected by intercropping among the yield components. However, corn-legume intercropping increased land use efficiency by 48% to 66% depending on legume species. Corn-peanut intercropping gave the highest land use efficiency. The effects of light penetration and nutrient competition are discussed.
Soybean Isoflavones: Effects of Processing and Health Benefits

Abstract Isoflavones belong to a group of compounds known as flavanoids that share a basic structure consisting of two benzene rings linked through a heterocyclic pyrane C ring. Soybean provides the most abundant source of isoflavones, which have been linked to the prevention of several diseases, including cancer (prostate, colon, and breast cancer), hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and relief of menopausal symptoms in certain women. Currently, isoflavone use is targeted as a nutraceutical. In this article, we review the structural aspects and the effect of processing on the different forms of isoflavones in soy protein. We also discuss the impact of these changes on the health benefits of eating foods containing isoflavones. Isoflavones, as a class of phytoestrogens, are gaining a lot of interest in clinical nutrition.
Bioenergetic analysis of the effects of temperature and prey availability on growth and condition of northern cod (Gadus morhua)

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) stocks of the Northwest Atlantic have experienced steady decreases in growth rate since 1989 and in physiological condition since 1988. The declines have been attributed to various factors, including size- selective fishing pressure, anomalously low temperature fields, and a decline in available prey. The precise balance of these factors is unknown. We applied simple correlation models to determine that bottom water temperature and capelin ( Mallotus villosus) biomass together explain 52% of the interannual variance in mean condition of 2J3K cod and 23% of the interannual variance in 2J3KL mean cod growth rates. Bioenergetic models can potentially improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind these relationships because they allocate energy as a function of environmental parameters such as water temperature and prey consumption. We developed a bioenergetic model for Atlantic cod to determine whether temperature could explain the observed decreases in growth rate of northern cod stocks. Our results suggest that the low growth rates of 2J3K northern cod observed in recent years are not due to physiological temperature limitation, while the growth rates of cod inhabiting cooler waters on the northern Grand Banks (3L) may, at least in certain years, be temperature limited.
Parasites of the African Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis, in Southern California, U.S.A

Abstract A total of 230 feral African clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis, from 3 localities in southern California were examined for parasites. The following species were found: 3 species of Protozoa, Nyctotherus sp. , Balantidium xenopodis, Protoopalina xenopodus; 2 species of Monogenea, Protopolystoma xenopodis, Gyrdicotylus gallieni; 1 species of Digenea, Clinostomum sp. (as metacercariae); 1 species of Cestoda, Cephalochlamys namaquensis; 2 species of Nematoda, Contracaecum sp. (as larvae), Eustrongylides sp. (as larvae); and 1 species of Acanthocephala, Acanthocephalus sp. (as cystacanth). Of these, the protozoans P. xenopodus and B. xenopodis, both monogeneans, and the cestode have an African origin. Contracaecum sp. , Eustrongylides sp. , and Acanthocephalus sp. have not been previously reported from X. laevis.