Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CONTRIBUTION OF THE NET PLANKTON AND NANNOPLANKTON TO THE STANDING STOCKS AND PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY IN MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA DURING THE UPWELLING SEASON

Net plankton and nannoplankton standing stocks and primary production were measured in Mon­ terey Bay, Calif. from January through August 1972. Throughout the period of seasonal upwelling, the phytoplankton stocks were dominated by net plankton. Both fractions showed seasonal changes: the net plankton concentrations increased dramatically during upwelling, while nannoplankton concentrations were decreased. Nannoplankton growth rates exceeded net plankton rates at in­ cubator light levels; however, at higher in situ light levels near the surface, this relationship ap­ peared to be reversed. Nannoplankton decreases may have been related to their selective removal from the area of up­ welling by horizontal advection or selective grazing on the nannoplankton fraction. Net plankton dominance during upwelling has been related to their higher growth rates when populations are retained in shallow nutrient-rich nearshore waters. Frequently, phytoplankton are divided into two size classes, depending on whether they are re­ tained by fine mesh nets (net plankton) or pass through the mesh (nannoplankton). The inade­ quacy of net collections for estimating standing stocks or production is clear. The standing stocks of the two fractions and their relative contribu­ tions to primary productivity, however, are less well-known. The size distribution, which may be environmentally controlled (Semina 1972; Par­ sons and Takahashi 1973), is an important fea­ ture of the phytoplankton populations because the size of the primary producers may affect the length and efficiency of pelagic food chains (Ryther 1969; Parsons and LeBrasseur 1970). The purpose of this study was to determine the rela­ tive importance of the two fractions during the upwelling season in Monterey Bay, a neritic envi­ ronment of the California Current system. Most previous studies reported that the nan­ noplankton fraction usually exceeds the net plankton fraction, often accounting for 80 to 100% of the standing stocks and primary produc­ tion (e.g., Steeman Nielsen and Jensen 1957; Holmes 1958; Yentsch and Ryther 1959; Kawa­ mura 1961; Holmes and Anderson 1963; Teixeira 1963; Gilmartin 1964; Saijo 1964; Anderson 1965;
THE EFFECT OF PHOTOPERIOD, LIGHT INTENSITY AND WATTAGE POWER ON EGG COMPONENTS AND EGG QUALITY

A total number of 840 birds were used in this experiment to study the effect of photoperiod, light intensity and wattage power on egg quality of Dandarawi chicken. The birds were classified into seven groups, (120 birds of each) two for the light intensity, two for photoperiod, two for wattage power and one as a control for all treatments. The traits studied were: Egg components (egg weight, egg shell weight, yolk weight and albumen weight): Egg quality (specific gravity, egg shell thickness, albumen quality, yolk index, yolk colour). The results obtained in this study could be summarized as follows: 1- Egg components: The egg weight decreased as light intensity increased. The shell percentage was higher by using an intensity of 60 luxes as compared with 15 and 240 luxes. The yolk percentage increased as a light intensity decreased, the opposite was observed with albumen percentage. The increase in the light intensity was associated with a decrease of maximum egg weight. Egg weight shell and yolk percentages increased as photoperiod increased, while albumen percentage decreased with increasing photoperiod. Photoperiod accelerated and increased the maximum egg weight, since it was 46.8 grams at 38 weeks and 46.1 at 40 weeks for the groups exposed to 20 and 18 hours of light. The egg shell and yolk percentages decreased and albumen percentage increased as the age increased. Such decrease continues to 38 and 34 weeks for the groups kept at 20 and 18 hours, respectively, after which there was no decrease. Egg weight decreased as the wattage power increased. The use of 200 watt lamp power as a source of light seems to be stressful for hens. Egg shell percentage was not significantly affected by wattage power but yolk percentage was significantly decreased as the wattage power increased, while the albumen percentage increased by the increase in wattage power. Egg quality: There were no significant differences in specific gravity due to the light intensity treatments. While shell thickness, yolk colour and yolk index decreased as the light intensity increased. Hough units decreased by about of 0.6 and 2.4 units for the groups exposed to 60 and 240 luxes, respectively, as compared with that exposed to 15 luxes. However, Hough unit decreased as photoperiod increased. Specific gravity and yolk colour were not affected by lamp power, while shell thickness, yolk index and Hough unit decreased significantly with increasing lamp power, this may be due to the stressful effect resulted from high lamp power.
Factors affecting the shape of the lactation curve in Reggiana cattle

Reggiana is a local breed of cattle, reared in Northern Italy, with a low population size (916 milk recorded cows during 2001). The breed is appreciated because of milk composition characteristics for transformation, particularly for colloidal Ca and P content, rheological properties and k-CASB gene frequency (Mariani et al., 1998). Mean productive levels are 5401 kg milk, 3.51% fat, 3.38% protein (AIA, 2001). The breed is selected mainly for protein yield (kg), but literature about lactation curve is not available. Objectives of the research are to describe the lactation curve of Reggiana cattle by applying the Wood model and to evaluate some factors affecting its shape.
Termite (Isoptera) control in agriculture and forestry by non-chemical methods: a review.

Non-chemical control of termites in agriculture and forestry is attracting renewed interest following increasing restrictions on the use of persistent organochlorine (cyclodiene) insecticides. Non-chemical control involves methods which attempt, without using commercial pesticides, to (i) prevent termite access to the plants, (ii) reduce termite numbers in the vicinity of the plants or (iii) reduce susceptibility/increase resistance of the plants themselves. There have been few adequate trials of any of these methods. Numerous cultural procedures have been suggested, including measures to enhance plant vigour, to manipulate termite numbers and behaviour, and others whose mode of action is unclear. Many are simply part of good agricultural/silvicultural practice and to be recommended. Biological control by predators or pathogens is unlikely to be successful due to the termites' social structure and behavioural responses to infected individuals and to loss of individuals to predators. The use of ‘natural’ insecticides from locally available plant products may be effective in some cases but, as they are not subject to the same rigorous safety and environmental evaluation as commercial pesticides, their use cannot be sanctioned unconditionally. Other locally available products, e.g. wood ash, have not been adequately evaluated. Removal of reproductives from the nest and construction of physical barriers may have limited applications, but resistant species and varieties, combined with appropriate cultural methods and, perhaps, minimal use of modern pesticides in an integrated approach, offer the greatest potential for a long term solution. The lack of critical scientific evaluation of non-chemical control makes it a field wide open for research.
The penetration of light through soil

Abstract There has been little written on the penetration of light through soil. In this review, we attempt to collate most of the work that has been published on this topic in order to stimulate further research and to clarify the often-confused literature. Light penetration can be measured directly with, for example, a spectroradiometer, or indirectly by using germination of light-sensitive seeds or the presence of growing algae as bioindicators. Although the penetration of light through soil is greatly affected by factors such as soil moisture content and particle size and colour, it generally appears that physiologically and ecologically significant amounts of light rarely penetrate more than 4–5 mm through the soil, and may often penetrate much less than this. Any penetration beyond 10 mm would generally not be significant, especially as most soils are covered with litter, algae or lichens, or are shaded from direct sunlight. However, for some light-stimulated geo-tropic responses of roots, which can be sensitive to very low fluences, the penetration of light to greater depths could well be significant. The role of light in soil in directing root growth is also discussed.
Acrobates pygmaeus (Diprotodontia: Acrobatidae)

Abstract: Acrobates pygmaeus (Shaw, 1794) is a gliding possum commonly known as the feather-tailed glider or the narrow-toed feathertail glider. It is the world's smallest mammal capable of gliding flight and is also one of the smallest marsupials. It is distinguished by gliding membranes between fore and hind limbs and by a conspicuous fringe of stiff hair on each side of a flattened tail that resembles the barbs of a feather. This is a tiny, arboreal, nocturnal species that lives colonially in the tall forests and woodlands of eastern mainland Australia. Although probably common in many of areas of suitable habitat, they are rarely seen. A. pygmaeus is noteworthy for its ability to undergo multiday torpor bouts and its likely role as a pollinator.
Interleukin-1β modulates endogenous thyroid hormone receptor α gene transcription in liver cells

One of the main characteristics of nonthyroidal illness (NTI) is a decrease in serum tri-iodothyronine, partly caused by a decrease in liver deiodinase type 1 (D1) mRNA and activity. Proinflammatory cytokines have been associated with NTI in view of their capability to decrease]:)I and thyroid hormone receptor (TR)beta 1 mRNA expression in hepatoma cells. Proinflammatory cytokine induction leads to activation of the inflammatory pathways nuclear factor (NF)kappa B and activator protein (AP)-1. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin decreases thyroid hormone receptor (TR)beta 1 mRNA in an NF kappa B-dependent way. The aim of this Study was to unravel the effects of IL-1 beta on endogenous TR alpha gene expression in an animal model and in a liver cell line. The TR alpha gene product is alternatively spliced in TR alpha 1 and TR alpha 2, TR alpha 2 is capable of inhibiting TR alpha 1-induced gene transcription. We showed that both TR alpha 1 and TR alpha 2 mRNA decreased not only after lipopolysaccharide administration in liver of mice, but also after IL-1 beta stimulation of hepatoma cells (HepG2). Using the NF kappa B inhibitor sulfasalazine and the AP-1 inhibitor SP600125, it became clear that the IL-1 beta-induced decrease in TR alpha mRNA expression in HepG2 cells can only be abolished by simultaneous inhibition of NF kappa B and AP-1. The IL-1 beta-induced TR alpha 1 and TR alpha 2 mRNA decrease in HepG2 cells is the result of decreased TR alpha gene promoter activity, as evident from actinomycin D experiments. Cycloheximide experiments showed that the decreased promoter activity is independent of dc novo protein synthesis and therefore most likely due to posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation or subcellular relocalization
CHANGES PRODUCED IN MUSCLE PROTEINS DURING INCUBATION OF MUSCLE HOMOGENATES

Under some experimental conditions, considered analogous to those which may exist in postmortem muscle, changes in the extractability of sarcoplasmic proteins and the composition of myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins were examined. During incubation at neutral pH, degradation of myofibrillar proteins hardly occurred in the absence of Ca++, but or-actinin was released and troponin components were degraded in its presence. Myosin was degraded at acidic pH value regardless of the presence or absence of Ca++, which no such effect was observed at the neutral pH value. From these results, the degradation pattern of myofibrillar proteins can be classified as of two types: (1), the degradation of regulatory proteins which is Ca++-dependent; and (2), that at acidic pH which preferentially includes the degradation of myosin heavy chain. Phosphorylase, which occurs in the sarcoplasm, appears to have an affinity for myofibrils which depends on pH and temperature.
Sensitivity of wild and genetic sexing strain Ceratitis capitata to high‐temperature disinfestation of Valencia oranges

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate post‐harvest heat treatment of Valencia oranges as an effective disinfestation protocol (fast, no fruit damage) for the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Forced high‐temperature air was applied under the following conditions: (a) exposure to air temperature of 56°C, for fast increase of temperature in the interior of the fruit, (b) reduction in air temperature to 47°C when the fruit centre reached 47°C and (c) maintenance of fruits in the chamber for another 30 min. Relative humidity in the treatment chamber was kept between 50% and 65% during treatment. Forced air at 47°C applied for 30 min on eggs before hatch or late third instar larvae (the most heat‐tolerant stages) resulted in complete kill. Egg and larval sensitivity to high temperature differed between a wild strain and a laboratory genetic‐sexing strain based on white pupa mutation. In this strain males emerge from brown pupae and females from white pupae. In particular, mature eggs from the wild strain were significantly more temperature resistant than eggs from the laboratory strain. Exposure of Valencia oranges of a diameter of 7–7.5 cm to 56°C forced air for about 86 and 99 min was required to increase temperature to 47°C at 1.5 cm depth and the fruit centre respectively. Treated oranges showed no substantial peel or interior deterioration, or change in colour and taste when kept at 25°C and 50–60% RH for a period of up to 1 month following treatment. Treatment in 1% O2 atmosphere, produced by flushing of CO2 into the treatment chamber, resulted in about 1°C reduction in killing temperature and faster increase in temperature inside the fruit to a lethal level.
Availability of Minerals in Fish Meal to Fish

Recent investigations on mineral nutrition in fish have demonstrated that the bioavailability of minerals contained in fish meal varies among species. The bioavailability of phosphorus in fish meal appears to correlate with the presence of acidic gastric juice in the stomach, because it is low in atom.achleB& fish like common carp, and high in fish with a stomach BUch as rainbow trout. On the other hand, the bioavailability of magnesium in white fish meal to fish is very low. Since the content of trace minerals and their inorganic forms vaiy in different kinda of fish meal, their bioavailability will also vary due to the kind of fish meal. The bioavailability of zinc contained in various fish meals depends on the tricalcium phosphate content of the meal in the case of rainbow. trout. Zinc availability is lowest in white fish meal which contains the highest level of tricalcium phosphate, and slightly better in brown fish meal which contains les■ tricalcium phosphate. On the other hand, the effect of tricalcium phosphate on the availability of zinc to stomachleBB fish like the common carp is less than to fish with a stomach such as the rainbow trout. The availability of manganese in fish meal is relatively high for carp and unaffected by the tricalcium phosphate levels in the fish meal.
DIFFERENTIAL HABITAT SELECTION BY MOOSE AND ELK IN THE BESA-PROPHET AREA OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Elk (Cervus elaphus) populations are increasing in the Besa-Prophet area of northern British Columbia, coinciding with the use of prescribed burns to increase quality of habitat for ungu- lates. Moose (Alces alces) and elk are now the 2 large-biomass species in this multi-ungulate, multi- predator system. Using global positioning satellite (GPS) collars on 14 female moose and 13 female elk, remote-sensing imagery of vegetation, and assessments of predation risk for wolves (Canis lupus) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), we examined habitat use and selection. Seasonal ranges were typi- cally smallest for moose during calving and for elk during winter and late winter. Both species used largest ranges in summer. Moose and elk moved to lower elevations from winter to late winter, but subsequent calving strategies differed. During calving, moose moved to lowest elevations of the year, whereas elk moved back to higher elevations. Moose generally selected for mid-elevations and against steep slopes; for Stunted spruce habitat in late winter; for Pine-spruce in summer; and for Subalpine during fall and winter. Most recorded moose locations were in Pine-spruce during late winter, calv- ing, and summer, and in Subalpine during fall and winter. Elk selected for mid-elevations except in summer and for steep slopes in late winter. Use and selection of 3 habitat classes were prominent for elk: Deciduous and Elymus burns, and Subalpine. Highest overlap between moose and elk occurred during fall and winter when both species used and strongly selected for Subalpine habitat. Neither elk nor moose selected areas to minimize the risk of wolf predation, but elk selected areas with lower risk of predation by grizzly bears and higher vegetation quality during calving and summer. ALCES VOL. 44: 41-63 (2008)
Modeling the action of technical mashing enzymes on extracts and free-amino nitrogen yields of the Madjeru sorghum cultivar

The action of three technical mashing enzymes (hitempase 2XL, bioglucanase-TX and brewers protease) on yields of extract and free amino nitrogen (FAN) of the worts of mashes of unmalted and malted Madjeru sorghum was modeled and analyzed using the response surface methodology. The analysis showed that increasing amounts of hitempase 2XL considerably increased yields of extract during mashing of unmaltedMadjeru sorghum grist. The use of bioglucanase-TX was not indispensable, while Brewers’ protease contributed very little. Increasing amounts of hitempase contributed approximately 45% of the free amino nitrogen, while Brewers’ protease influence amounted to not more than 15%. Bioglucanase’s action was globally nil. Addition of the three enzymes into malted Madjeru sorghum mashes had no significant effect on the yields of extracts and FAN, but the milling operation singularly liberated more than 50% of FAN for both mash types. Optimization of the concerted actions of the three enzymes for extract yield for unmalted Madjeru sorghum mash gave a combination of (1960.5 U; 132.61 BGU and 28.86 mg) for hitempase, bioglucanase and brewers protease respectively). This gave a maximal extract yield of 16.55 °P. This combination was: 2610 U; 0 BGU and 40.44 mg for malted Madjeru sorghum mash, giving a maximal extract yield of 16.35 °P. Optimization for free amino nitrogen for unmalted Madjerusorghum mash gave a combination of: 3000 U; 0 BGU and 100 mg for hitempase, bioglucanase and brewers protease respectively). This gave maximal FAN of 93.55 mg/L. The combination was: 3000 U; 0 BGU and 100 mg for malted Madjeru sorghum mash, giving a maximal FAN of 144.48 mg/L. Key words: Modeling, technical mashing enzymes, yields of extract, free-amino-nitrogen, Madjeru, optimization.
Mutation in a valine residue induces drastic changes in 3D structure of human prion protein

Misfolding and aggregation of the prion protein (PrP) result in prion diseases, which can occur infectiously, genetically and sporadically in humans. V210I is one of many disease-associated missense mutants of PrP, which occurs within the hydrophobic core of the protein. In the present study, we have performed molecular dynamic simulations of this PrP mutant in order to compare its dynamics and structural conformations with those of the wild-type PrP. Performed simulations illuminate the changes that occur when valine is substituted by isoleucine at position 210 of PrP. Changes can occur in helix 1 (H1), helix 2 (H2), helix 3 (H3) and around the mutation site. The V210I mutation, especially, leads to increased flexibility in parts of the H1, H2, H3 structures that are normally stable. Overall, V210I mutation in the hydrophobic core significantly affects the dynamics and stability of PrP. The simultaneous changes in different secondary structure elements together with perturbations in the hydrophobic core induce the drastic changes in the overall 3D structure of human prion protein.
Use of Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography to Monitor Bone Healing After Radial Osteotomy in Three-week-old Chickens (Gallus domesticus)

Abstract Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), a noninvasive method for measuring bone characteristics, was used to evaluate bone healing in 3 white leghorn chickens (Gallus domesticus) after radial osteotomy at 22 days of age. The time sequence for callus formation and mineralization over a 45-day period was examined by performing serial cross-sectional scans of the osteotomized radius of each bird daily from day 2 to day 29 and on days 42 and 45 after surgery. Complete data were available for 2 birds. Formation of a new marrow cavity was apparent by 4 weeks after surgery, and union of the bone ends appeared complete by day 42. Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured at the radial osteotomy site, at 3 mm proximal to it, and at the corresponding areas on the ulna. The radial osteotomy site began to mineralize by day 4, and BMC and CSA increased approximately 100% in both birds between days 5 and 10. In bird 2, BMC and CSA continued to increase (55% and 74%, respectively). Peak radial levels of both BMC and CSA were followed by plateaus lasting approximately 7 days, then both levels decreased during callus resorption. The radial BMD increased during these plateaus, then decreased as the callus was remodeled. Between days 29 and 42, the BMD of the radial osteotomy site increased and approached that of the corresponding ulna. The sequences of changes in BMC, CSA, and BMD after day 10 were similar in each bird. These results indicate that pQCT is a useful tool to monitor postosteomy bone healing in chicks.
FoxO3 Gene Expression in Neural Stem Cells Isolated From Mice Brain

FoxO3 gene is associated with longevity in invertebrate and vertebrates. It has been shown to affect the functions of neural stem cells (NSCs) that generate new neurons in the adult central nervous system. This study was aimed to investigate the changes in FoxO3 gene expression in NSCs isolated from mice brain at different ages. The NSCs were isolated from mice brain of five ages (fetus E17, newborn 3 days, young 1 month, adult 6 months, and aged 18 months) and maintained in culture at 37ᵒC and 5% CO2. RNA was isolated from these NSCs, and real time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine FoxO3 gene expression. The results indicated that FoxO3 gene was expressed in NSCs at all age groups of mice. Also there was upregulation in FoxO3 gene expression in NSCs isolated from both young mice (1.9 fold) and adult mice (2.4 fold) over fetal and newborn mice. The greatest upregulation of FoxO3 gene was observed in the aged group, 5 folds higher than fetal group. In conclusion, these results indicated that FoxO3 gene was expressed in NSCs at all age groups of mice, and it is expression was upregulated due to aging.