Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EVOLUTIONARY ANALYSES OF SMALL‐SUBUNIT rDNA CODING REGIONS AND THE 1506 GROUP I INTRONS OF THE ZYGNEMATALES (CHAROPHYCEAE, STREPTOPHYTA)

We sequenced the small‐subunit (SSU) rDNA coding region and 1506 group I intron (that interrupts this gene) in Closterium ehrenbergii Menegh. ex Ralfs, Closterium littorale Gay, Cylindrocystis brebissonii (Menegh.) de Bary, Penium margaritaceum (Ehr.) de Bréb. ex Ralfs, and Staurastrum punctulatum de Bréb. and the 1506 intron in Sirogonium sticticum (J.E. Smith) Kütz. (Zygnematales). Reverse transcriptase (RT)/PCR analyses demonstrated that the 1506 introns are not present in vivo in mature rRNA. Splicing analyses in vitro showed, however, that these introns do not catalyze their own excision from the rRNA coding region. Mutation of the conserved G (ωG) to an A at the 3′ terminus of the 1506 intron of Gonatozygon aculeatum Hastings (Zygnematales) restored self‐splicing activity. This mutant intron utilized a new 3′ splice site to facilitate autoexcision. We speculate that the 3′ terminus of the wild‐type 1506 intron may be a target for a “helper” factor that facilitates the second step of splicing (exon ligation) in vivo in the Zygnematales. Phylogenetic analyses showed congruence of rDNA and intron trees confirming an ancient origin of the 1506 intron in the common ancestor of the Zygnematales. The rDNA trees were compared to those inferred from rbcL sequence analyses. These trees were in general agreement and showed polyphyly of the Mesotaeniaceae and the Zygnemataceae. The 1506 introns contain significant evolutionary signal and provided strong phylogenetic support for groups within the Zygnematales when analyzed alone or in combination with the SSU rDNA coding regions. The secondary structure of 1506 group I introns was studied to identify RNA elements that may be useful as systematic markers. This analysis showed an optional helix found in RNA domain P2 that was lost in a monophyletic group of Desmidiaceae. This helix is found in all other 1506 group I introns, including those interrupting red algal and fungal SSU rDNAs.
Cassava leaves as animal feed: Potential and limitations

The nutrient composition and potential productivity of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves are examined, and their usefulness as a protein supplement in animal nutrition in the tropics is reviewed. On average, meal prepared from cassava leaves contains (on a dry matter basis) 210 g kg−1 crude protein, 250 g kg−1 acid detergent fibre, 85 g kg−1 ash, 14.5 g kg−1 calcium and 4.5 g kg−1 phosphorus. Cassava leaf protein is well balanced, except for a deficiency of sulphur-containing amino acids. The presence of hydrocyanic acid and tannins is considered, but a leaf meal with low levels of these anti-nutritional factors may be prepared using simple processing techniques. The most immediate prospects for the use of cassava leaf products are in the following areas: (i) low level inclusion of leaf meal in feed formulations for monogastric animals, and (ii) fresh forage as a protein supplement to low-quality roughages in ruminant feeding. Relevant future research needs are also identified.
Artificial spawning of herbivorous fish: use of an LHRH‐a to induce ovulation in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes) and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes)

Ovulation was stimulated in females of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes) and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes) using LHRH-a with pimozide at doses of 15 μg kg− 1 and 5 mg kg− 1 body weight respectively. The results of reproduction after the LHRH-a stimulation were compared with the results of spawning recorded in the case of hypophysation. In the case of grass carp treated with LHRH-a, the percentage of stripped females was higher than that recorded after hypophysation, while the female of silver carp yielded eggs irrespective of the type of applied ovulation stimulator. The average weight of eggs (in grams and as a percentage of female body weight) obtained from both grass carp and silver carp did not differ significantly in the groups treated with LHRH-a and carp pituitary. Average percentages of fertilization and of live embryos did not differ significantly in the groups treated with the two ovulation stimulators. This statement concerns the two species investigated. Statistically significant differences (P≤ 0.05) were calculated with respect to the mean percentage of deformed larvae. This percentage was distinctly higher after an LHRH-a treatment in both grass carp and silver carp. Irrespective of the applied ovulation stimulator, a greater weight of eggs of better quality was obtained from silver carp females.
The intercorrelations among risk factors and trust dimensions in S-commerce: An empirical investigation from the user experience

With the increase in social media users, businesses are trying to benefit from the popularity and reachability of such platforms by introducing a new channel for promoting and selling their products. This study surveyed 267 social commerce consumers in the UAE to understand the impact of the perceived risks on users' trust, which is known to impact customers' purchase intention. Structural equation modeling and factor analysis were applied. The results highlighted the importance of security risks as statistically significant influencers of the users' trust. On the other hand, financial and time risks were insignificant. The study has both practical and theoretical implications discussed in the paper.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES IN ACUTE RENAL FAILURE

When purified human globin is injected intravenously into rats it produces acute renal failure characterized by tubular casts and oliguria. The globin is identifiable within vesicles and channels in the cytoplasm of the proximal tubules, through which it passes from lumen to basal side with no apparent serious effect on the cells. When a very minimal amount of globin is taken up by cells of the distal limb of Henle's loop or distal tubules (lower nephron), a markedly deleterious effect is apparent and the cells die within a short time. The mixture of cell debris and precipitated globin forms plugs within the confines of the basement membranes of the former distal limbs and distal tubules. After a number of lower nephrons are plugged a disruption of proximal tubules is found, which apparently results from the effect of back pressure in the obstructed nephrons. We suggest that any amount in excess of a low threshold of globin, either alone or combined with heme or related material, has a toxic effect on lower nephron cells. Once initiated, the toxic effect is not reversible and the resulting plug of debris and precipitate will occlude the lumen. If a sufficient number of nephrons are made non-functional the animal becomes anuric; otherwise it is oliguric. A high rate of urine flow will protect against the excess absorption of material and thus against acute renal failure.
Phylogeny of six oligohymenophoreans (Protozoa, Ciliophora) inferred from small subunit rRNA gene sequences

The small subunit rRNA (SSrRNA) genes of six marine oligohymenophoreans, namely Uronemella filificum, Schizocalyptra sp. ‐WYG07060701, Schizocalyptra aeschtae, Pleuronema sinica, P. czapikae and Paratetrahymena sp. , were sequenced. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with four different methods to assess the inter‐ and intrageneric relationships among the scuticociliates and the phylogenetic assignment of the order Loxocephalida. The SSrRNA phylogeny indicates that: (i) Paratetrahymena is most closely related to Cardiostomatella; (ii) the order Loxocephalida and the family Uronematidae both appear to be polyphyletic; (iii) the order Philasterida is a well‐defined taxon; (iv) Cyclidium porcatum falls outside the order Pleuronematida in all analyses; (v) the validity of the genus Uronemella is confirmed; (vi) Schizocalyptra is a member of the family Pleuronematidae. Furthermore, the predicted secondary structures of the variable region 4 of the SSrRNA gene sequences show that the size of the terminal bulge in Helix E23–7 is probably different for the orders Philasterida and Pleuronematida. Also, compared to Uronema and Homalogastra, Uronemella has distinct patterns in Helices E23–1, E23–7, E23–8 and E23–9.
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The theoretical analysis and modeling of heat and mass transfer rates produced in evaporation and condensation processes are significant issues in a design of wide range of industrial processes and devices. This book includes 25 advanced and revised contributions, and it covers mainly (1) evaporation and boiling, (2) condensation and cooling, (3) heat transfer and exchanger, and (4) fluid and flow. The readers of this book will appreciate the current issues of modeling on evaporation, water vapor condensation, heat transfer and exchanger, and on fluid flow in different aspects. The approaches would be applicable in various industrial purposes as well. The advanced idea and information described here will be fruitful for the readers to find a sustainable solution in an industrialized society.
The process of reinnervation in the dentate gyrus of the adult rat: A quantitative electron microscopic analysis of terminal proliferation and reactive synaptogenesis

The present study defined the time course of terminal proliferation (the growth of presynaptic processes) and reactive Synaptogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the adult rat. Quantitative electron microscopic analyses were carried out in the dentate gyrus 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 days and 7 months after destruction of the ipsilateral entorhinal cortex and in the contralateral (control) dentate gyrus. At each survival interval, counts were made from photographic montages of (1) terminals (presynaptic processes with or without contacts with postsynaptic elements), (2) intact synapses, (3) degenerating synapses, (4) degeneration (degenerating presynaptic processes), and (5) multiple synapses (terminals making more than one synaptic contact). Terminal density was initially reduced to about 13% of control in the middle molecular layer at 2 and 4 days postlesion, and to about 26% of control in the outer. The density of terminals began to increase between 4 and 6 days postlesion, reaching a plateau by day 12. Synapse density was reduced to about 8% and 12% of control in the middle and outer molecular layer respectively. Synapse density increased about 5‐fold between 8 and 12 days postlesion, but continued to increase in the period between 14 days and 7 months postlesion. At 2 days postlesion, the number of intact terminals that are lost corresponds to the number of degenerating presynaptic processes. This correspondence is not present at 4 days postlesion, however, suggesting a rapid removal of degenerating terminals. In contrast, even at 2 days post‐lesion, the number of intact synapses that are lost does not correspond to the number of degenerating synapses. Between 2 and 10 days postlesion, the number of postsynaptic specializations is about 60% of control, but recovers slightly by 12‐14 days postlesion. Qualitative and quantitative evidence suggested a collapse of spines into configurations that resembled shaft synapses. There appeared to be a deformation of degenerating presynaptic processes resulting in the appearance of multiple synapse configurations prior to reinnervation. The combined results suggest that terminal proliferation precedes reactive Synaptogenesis in the dentate gyrus by 2‐4 days, that terminal proliferation is essentially complete by 12 days while reactive Synaptogenesis continues, and that multiple synapses arise at least in part as a result of a deformation of degenerating presynaptic processes rather than as a consequence of the induction of additional contacts on existing presynaptic terminals.
Diatoms of the familes amphipleuraceae and brachysiraceae from the Wyzyna Krakowsko-Czestochowska upland(S Poland)

Diatom taxa representing the Amphipleuraceae and Brachysiraceae families are reported from Kobylanka Stream situated in the Wyzyna Krakowsko-Czestochowska upland (S Poland), and described based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Among the three recorded species, Brachysira minor (Krasske) Lange-Bert. is a new record for the flora of Europe, B. microcephala (Grun.) Compere is new to the study area, and Frustulia vulgaris (Thw.) De Toni is common in Poland. The morphological characteristics and ecological requirements of the species are briefly discussed, and maps of their distribution and photographic documentation are provided.
The molecular structure of gelprotein from barley, its behaviour in wort-filtration and analysis

Gelproteins from barley and malt play a major role in the lauter tun filtration. These proteins (called glutenin in wheat) are partly broken down during malting and then aggregate during mashing. These aggregates form a part of the upper layer of the spent grains (the ‘oberteig’). To obtain more insight into this mechanism the composition of gelproteins of different cultivars of barley were analysed using various electrophoretic techniques. From this work a model can be proposed in which the protein, like its counterpart in wheat consists of high molecular weight (HMW) subunits as a backbone and low molecular weight (LMW) subunits as side chains, joined by inter-and intra-molecular disulphide bonds. During malting the disulphide bonds are reduced and subunits are broken down by proteolysis. During mashing a complex is formed between residual gelprotein in the malt and the glutelins, which gives rise to an impenetrable layer on the spent grains. The quantity of gelprotein as analysed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) or densitometry of Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide electrophoresis (SDS—PAGE) patterns of HMW subunits showed a negative relationship to the lauter tun filtration rate.
Trends in integrated pest management strategies for the control of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) caterpillars on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A study was carried out at the University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan to integrate different control measures against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) on chickpea, to minimize the use of hazardous insecticides and develop an eco‐friendly management program. Cultural (weeding), mechanical (hand picking), biological (release of Trichogramma chilonis), microbial (spraying of Bacillus thruingiensis) and chemical (Steward) control practices were applied three times at 10 day intervals individually and also in various combinations. The application of Steward proved most effective when applied alone, with 0.41 larvae/plant, pod infestation of 9.31% and the highest grain yield (1203.66 g/plot); however, the integration of weeding, hand picking and Steward proved to be the most effective in reducing the larval population (0.12 larvae/plant) with minimum pod infestation (5.45%) on variety CM‐2000, which resulted in the maximum grain yield (1260.33 g/plot). The cost–benefit ratio in the treatment where Steward was applied alone was 1:2.20, and it was 1:3.53 where weeding and hand picking practices were integrated.
Fragmentation of a small mammal community by a powerline corridor through tropical rainforest

Trapping was used to investigate small-mammal community composition of a cleared powerline corridor compared with that of surrounding tropical rainforest in the wet tropics of north-eastern Queensland and to determine whether movements from the rainforest across the corridor were inhibited. The dense exotic grassland of the cleared powerline corridor supported a small-mammal community composed mainly of the grassland species Melomys burtoni (73·3%) and Rattus sordidus (15·0%) with rainforest small mammals being restricted to woody-weed thickets along the rainforest–powerline corridor edge. The rainforest species Rattus sp. (80·3%), Melomys cervinipes (10·9%) and Uromys caudimaculatus (8·8%) comprised the small-mammal community of the forest interior. These rainforest species also inhabited rainforest edge habitat and regrowth rainforest connections across gullies. Movements of rainforest species across the grassland corridor were almost completely inhibited even under bait inducement, a result attributable to the substantial structural and microclimatic habitat differences within the clearing and to interspecific competition with the better-adapted species of the grassland community. Rainforest species used regrowth connections along gullies to cross the powerline corridor. Mitigation of the fragmentation effects caused by powerline grassy swathes can best be achieved by strengthening extant canopy connections in regrowth gullies, and by establishing new connections across the clearings.
Lipid deterioration and its inhibition of Japanese oyster Crassostrea gigas during frozen storage.

Lipid deterioration and its inhibition in the Japanese oyster Crassostrea gigas during frozen storage were investigated. The shelled oyster were treated with antioxidants such as dibutylhydroxytoluene and natural vitamin E, and then stored at -20•Ž for 12 months and the effect of deoxygenizer was examined similarly. Untreated oyster were also stored either at -20•Ž or at -35•Ž. During storage , changes in TBA value, POV, and fatty acid and class compositions of lipids were determined to evaluate the quality of oyster. The color and taste of cooked oysters were also evaluated. POV in all the samples increased gradually with the duration of storage.
High-pressure-induced changes in bovine milk: a review

High-pressure (HP) treatment of food products is a novel processing technique during which the product is treated in a vessel of suitable strength at a high pressure, generally in the range 100-1000 MPa. As a result, several constituents and properties of the treated product are altered. HP-induced changes in the constituents and properties of milk are arguably among the most extensive of the range of food products studied to date. HP treatment of milk induces solubilization of minerals associated with the casein micelles, denatures whey proteins and, depending on pressure, can either induce aggregation or disruption of the casein micelles. These HP-induced changes in milk constituents affect the properties of the milk; cheesemaking properties of milk can be enhanced considerably, indicating potential application of HP treatment in this area; furthermore, encouraging results have also been reported for HP treatment of milk prior to yogurt manufacture. HP treatment of milk also affects its microflora; however, considerable variation in baroresistance between bacterial species and strains exists. Further applied research appears warranted to establish the full commercial potential of HP treatment of milk.
Maize (Zea mays L.) constitutes a novel host to Sugarcane yellow leaf virus

Abstract Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is a Polerovirus of the Luteoviridae family. In this study, SCYLV was transmitted by sugarcane aphids, Melanaphis sacchari, to two maize (Zea mays L.) lines. Infection of the maize plants was confirmed using RT-PCR with diagnostic primers YLS111 and YLS462, which produced the expected 351 bp band. The RT-PCR results were further confirmed by northern blot analysis, which revealed an accumulation of SCYLV at high levels in both maize lines. The northern blot analysis using RNA isolated from virus-infected maize plants also revealed that the genome of SCYLV is divided and contains genomic RNA (gRNA) and two subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) as observed in sugarcane, with estimated sizes of 6.0, 2.4 and 1.0 kb, respectively. The virus titre increased rapidly in the internodes of sugarcane cultivar H87-4094 from internode #1 (immature) to #7 (mature). This demonstrates the first successful transmission of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus by M. sacchari to maize plants.
Control Methods for the Removal of French and Scotch Broom Tested in Coastal California

SEPTEMBER 2003 191 Ecological Restoration, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2003 ISSN 1522-4740 E-ISSN 1543-4079 ©2003 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. French broom (Genista monspessulana) and Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) are leguminous shrubs that are native to Europe, but considered weeds in North America and Australia (Bossard 1993, Bossard and others 2000, Downey 2000). French broom was first introduced to California in 1871, was reported naturalized by the 1940s, and is presently found in at least 23 California counties covering the entire state (McClintock 1985). Scotch broom occurs in at least 19 California counties. Once established, broom plants form dense, practically monospecific, stands that spread into areas of native plants (McClintock 1985), thereby displacing native flora and fauna. In central California, these woody plants have been actively invading coastal grasslands, negatively affecting the structure and function of these ecosystems. While the primary objective in controlling broom populations is the removal of the species from the community, this activity should be followed by the restoration of some presumably more desirable native grassland community. Otherwise, the removal of broom may lead to invasion by other undesirable species (Crawley 1987, Hobbs and Mooney 1993, D’Antonio and others 1999). We were interested in the ways that management activities as well as environmental variables might affect the species composition following broom control efforts. In timberlands, herbicides are typically used to control broom (Hore 2000). In California natural areas and preserves, broom is controlled through hand removal, prescribed burning, or mowing. No studies are available comparing the effectiveness of these different methods for removing broom and/or promoting native plant species in the post-broom environment. This paper explores the effectiveness of various control methods in removing broom from invaded communities, describes the types of communities that have established after broom cover was reduced, and reports correlations between these plant communities, management, and environmental variables. Our study reveals three important findings. First, repeatedly hand pulling or burning are the most effective ways to control broom, with repeated hand pulling resulting in the greatest native plant cover. Second, site-specific characteristics, especially the proximity of the site to the coast, play the greatest role in determining the subsequent vegetation community after broom removal. Third, environmental variables, such as soil water content, soil nitrogen and carbon levels, soil depth, slope and aspect, are poor predictors of plant community composition following broom control.
Grain Orientation Induced Softening in Electrodeposited Gradient Nanostructured Nickel during Cold Rolling Deformation

Abstract Quantitative microstructural evolution and the corresponding microhardness of electrodeposited nanostructured nickel sheet during cold rolling deformation are investigated by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Vicker’s microhardness testing. Particularly, to investigate the effect of stress states on deformation behavior, two series of gradient nanostructured nickel with symmetric structures and the homogeneous counterparts with three levels of grain size are compared based on macro-statistical data. In such hierarchical sandwich-like gradient samples, the layers with larger grain size, as the soft phase, indeed sustain more deformation. Deformation-induced grain rotation changes are observed in the center layers with a relatively larger grain size, accompanied by an obvious decrease in microhardness. According to the quantitative microstructural parameters including the grain size, dislocation density and stacking fault probability before and after deformation, evaluation based on Hall-Petch and Bailey-Hirsch relationships indicates the transition from strain hardening to softening can be attributed to grain orientation change.