Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lysine N-hydroxylase and N-acetyltransferase of the aerobactin system of pColV plasmids in Escherichia coli

The time course of formation of lysine N-hydroxylase and N-transacetylase in Escherichia coli bearing cloned genes derived from pColV-K311 was followed and the influence of iron concentration on the enzyme induction was studied. Specific activities of both enzymes were determined for 8 strains prepared by Braun and coworkers [1,2] comprising the separated genes on the vectors pBR322 or pACYC184. The assignment of genes aerA and aerB to the first two enzymes of aerobactin biosynthesis [2] was confirmed. The active enzyme encoded by aerA (N-hydroxylase) has an Mr of 52 000 and that of aerB (N-transacetylase) an Mr of 70 000, as determined by gel filtration. The Mr of the N-transacetylase was 35 000 in sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).
SOURCES OF IMPORTATION, ESTABLISHMENT AND SPREAD IN AUSTRALIA, OF MICROCTONUS AETHIOPOIDES LOAN (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE), A PARASITOID OF SITONA DISCOIDEUS GYLLENHAL (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

From 1975 to 1979, biotypes of the braconid wasp Microctonus aethiopoides were forwarded from the Mediterranean region to be reared and released in south‐eastern Australia for control of the weevil Sitona discoideus. The origins of the various biotypes of the parasitoid are indicated. M. aethiopoides was recovered from most of the liberation sites. At sites where early releases were made, parasitisation rates of up to 62% per parasitoid generation, and initial dispersal of about 10 km per annum were recorded. The conditions influencing establishment and spread of the parasitoid are discussed.
Optimisation of tobacco rattle virus-induced gene silencing in Arabidopsis.

Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. is a model plant species in which to study plant gene functions. Recently developed virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) offers a rapid and high-throughput technique platform for gene function analysis. In this paper we report optimisation of tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-induced gene silencing in Arabidopsis. The parameters potentially affecting the efficiency of VIGS in Arabidopsis were investigated. These included the concentration and pre-incubation of Agrobacterium inocula (agro-inocula), the concentration of acetosyringone included in agro-inocula, the Agrobacterium inoculation (agro-inoculation) method, the ecotypes and the growth stages of Arabidopsis plants for agro-inoculation, and the growth temperature of agro-inoculated plants. The optimised VIGS procedure involves preparing the agro-inocula with OD600 of 2.0, pre-incubating for 2 h in infiltration buffer containing 200 μm acetosyringone, agro-inoculating by vacuum infiltration, and growth of agro-inoculated plants at 22 -24°C. Following this procedure consistent and highly efficient VIGS was achieved for the genes encoding phytoene desaturase (PDS) and actin in Arabidopsis. The silencing phenotype lasts for at least 6 weeks, and is applicable in at least seven ecotypes, including Col-0, Cvi-0, Sd, Nd-1, Ws-0, Bay-0 and Ler. TRV-induced VIGS was expressed not only in leaves, but also in stems, inflorescences and siliques. However, VIGS was not transmissible through seed to the subsequent generation. The optimised procedure of the TRV-induced gene silencing should facilitate high-throughput functional analysis of genes in Arabidopsis.
Genotypic Differences in the Temperature Responses of Tropical Crops II. SEEDLING EMERGENCE AND LEAF GROWTH OF GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA L.) AND PEARL MILLET (PENNISETUM TYPHOIDES S. & H.)

In greenhouse trials, seedling emergence and leaf growth of 5 pearl millet [P. americanum] and 7 groundnut cultivars were measured at soil temp. of 7-27°C. Rate of seedling emergence varied greatly between pearl millet cultivars, but was very similar in all groundnut cultivars. In pearl millet there were strong correlations between germination rate and leaf production rate, hourly leaf extension and seedling emergence. The thermal time requirements of various processes are discussed
Oviposition preference and larval performance within a diverging lineage of lycaenid butterflies

Abstract. 1. The butterfly genus Mitoura in Northern California includes three nominal species associated with four host plants having parapatric or interdigitated ranges. Genetic analyses have shown the taxa to be very closely related, and adults from all host backgrounds will mate and produce viable offspring in the laboratory. Oviposition preference and larval performance were investigated with the aim of testing the hypothesis that variation in these traits can exist in a system in which non‐ecological barriers to gene flow (i.e. geographic barriers and genetic incompatibilities) appear to be minimal.
Jinfengopteryx Compared to Archaeopteryx, with Comments on the Mosaic Evolution of Long‐tailed Avialan Birds

Abstract: Jinfengopteryx is a newly uncovered Archaeopteryx‐like avialan bird outside Germany, which was found from the Jehol Biota of northern Hebei in northeastern China. It shares many characters only with Archaeopteryx by the possession of three fenestrae in the antorbital cavity, 23 caudal vertebrae and long tail feathers attached to all the caudal vertebrae. But the former differs from the latter in the relatively short and high preorbital region of skull, more and closely packed teeth, much shorter forelimb compared to hindlimb. Such differences indicate Jinfengopteryx is even slightly more primitive than Archaeopteryx, although both birds can be placed at the root position of the avialan tree based on cladistic analysis. Shenzhouraptor is suggested to be slightly more advanced than Jinfengopteryx + Archaeopteryx, supported by some derived features in teeth, shoulder girdles and forelimbs such as the reduction of tooth number, dorsolaterally directed glenoid facet, very long forelimb and comparatively short manus. Meanwhile, the tail of Shenzhouraptor shows more primitive characters than those of Jinfengopteryx and Archaeopteryx, e.g., the strikingly longer tail composed of more caudal vertebrae and the long tail feathers attached only to distal caudal segments. The mixed primitive and advanced characters reveal the evident mosaic evolution among long‐tailed avialan birds.
The interference of methods in the collection of teredinids (Mollusca, Bivalvia) in mangrove habitats

In the estuary of the Mamanguape River (Paraiba, Brazil), a new collection technique was developed and applied with virgin poles of mangrove trees Avicennia schaueriana (Verbenaceae), Rhizophora mangle (Rhizophoraceae), and Laguncularia racemosa (Combretaceae), taking into account wood preference, water salinity and depth influence during teredinid larval settlement. Sets of poles were vertically fixed in the riverbed at three sites along a decreasing salinity gradient, where they stayed for four months. The poles were collected and divided into upper, median, and lower segments, in agreement with different immersion regimes. An increase of 239% was obtained in the number of individuals when compared to a previous study in the same area using a different methodology. The species Teredo bartschi (Clapp, 1923), Nausitora fusticula (Jeffreys, 1860) and Bankia fimbriatula Moll & Roch, 1931 were registered in both studies, and the species Psiloteredo healdi (Bartsch, 1931) is here registered for the first time as occurring in that estuary. The species Neoteredo reynei (Bartsch, 1920), previously registered on tree branches of the mangrove habitat, was not found in the present work. Bankia fimbriatula, the most abundant species, did not show preference for any substratum but occurred significantly on the lower segment of the poles. N. fusticula, second in abundance, preferred to settle on poles of A. schaueriana and on any of the three segments. Aiming to assess the habitat variations, a more accurate study on teredinids diversity in mangrove ecosystems should be performed through a concomitant analysis from tree branches of the mangrove habitat, as well as from poles of mangrove trees or panels made of pine wood or mangrove trees wood. These collection devices should be maintained along a decreasing salinity gradient exposed to different tide levels.
Rat skeletal muscle in culture expresses the α1 but not the α2 protein subunit isoform of the Na+/K+ pump

Studies from this laboratory have shown that the physiological expression of the Na+/K+ pump in primary cultures of rat skeletal muscle increases with development. The molecular mechanisms underlying these changes are not known. Therefore, we have examined the expression of α and β subunits of the Na+/K+ pump at both the protein and mRNA levels during myogenesis of primary skeletal muscle cell cultures obtained from newborn rats. Protein isoforms were identified by Western blotting techniques with specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and subunit mRNA was studied with specific cDNA probes. Freshly isolated skeletal muscle from newborn rats expressed both α1 and α2 protein subunits. From day 1 after plating, primary cultures expressed only the α1 protein isoform. In contrast, both β1 and β2 isoforms were expressed in freshly isolated muscle and in primary cultures, with β1 expression being stronger in both preparations. Studies on RNA expression showed that mRNA for α1, α2, β1, and β2 isoforms was identified both in freshly isolated muscle and after plating of cells in culture. These findings indicate that the lack of α2 protein expression in primary muscle cell cultures reflects a form of posttranscriptional regulation. There did not appear to be a quantitative difference in isoform expression as a function of age or of fusion in spite of developmental increases in Na+/K+ pump activity and its dependence on cell fusion. The lack of expression of the α2 subunit isoform suggests that the developmental changes in physiological expression of the Na+/K+ pump in primary cultures of skeletal muscle may be attributable either to the changes in activity of the α1 subunit or to differential activities of αβ complexes involving either of the β subunits. J. Cell. Physiol. 180:236–244, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A note on changes in egg‐shell porosity with flock age and season during the first breeding cycle of domestic ducks

1. — Changes in egg weight and egg‐shell porosity with flock age and season are presented for domestic duck flocks in their first laying cycle. 2. — The first eggs laid are of low weight and shell porosity but generally by the fifth week of lay both characteristics have increased to the values found in the mature flock. 3. —For mature flocks porosity decreases in the summer and the consequences of this are considered in relation to the observed decrease in hatch‐ability at this time.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in Labeo rohita and their cross‐species amplification in related species

The major Indian carps namely rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and calbasu (Labeo calbasu) are important freshwater species of the Indian subcontinent constituting over 65% of the fish produce. In the present study, isolation of 12 microsatellite loci from rohu has been reported. Cross-species amplification in related carps and their implication in population genetic studies as well as selective breeding program were discussed.
Sun skink diversification across the Indian–Southeast Asian biogeographical interface

Widespread, transcontinental vertebrate groups represent ideal systems for biogeographical studies, because they can shed light on a wide range of questions relating to species diversification across the geographical template. We combined extensive geographical and genetic sampling from across multiple biogeographical realms to examine the timing and location of diversification in Asian sun skinks, a clade characterized by problematic species boundaries and a particularly enigmatic evolutionary history.
Evaluation of two management options to improve the water quality of Lake Brunner, New Zealand

Abstract Lake Brunner, located on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, has been identified as threatened by phosphorus (P) inputs from neighbouring dairy farms. A two-year study was undertaken to determine if the application of reactive phosphate rock (RPR) with or without the addition of aluminium (Al) sulphate (alum) at 20 kg Al ha−1 could decrease P losses in surface runoff from dairy pastures compared to the same rate of P applied as superphosphate (30 kg P ha−1). The study was conducted on nine humped and hollowed plots (1100–3500 m2). Frequent and reliable rainfall year round (totalling 4000–5000 mm yr−1) translated into more than 50 surface runoff events per year and large losses of P from superphosphate-treated plots (flow-weighted mean filterable reactive P (FRP) = 0.072 mg l−1; mean load 8.2 kg P ha−1 yr−1). In contrast, the flow-weighted mean FRP concentration in the RPR-treated plots was significantly less (0.034 mg l−1; mean load 4.0 kg P ha−1 yr−1). No effect was found on other P forms. Alum did not decrease P losses, most likely due to Al being washed off in surface runoff before it could bind to the soil. Enhanced P losses from superphosphate-treated plots were attributed to the greater availability of P within 21 days of application (water solubility 80–95%) compared with RPR (≈1% water soluble), and the occurrence of surface runoff during this period (especially in year 1). The use of RPR is recommended as one management practice to decrease FRP inputs to Lake Brunner and may be useful in other regions where rainfall and soil pH allow.
Ecophysiology of papaya: a review

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a principal horticultural crop of tropical and subtropical regions. Knowledge of how papaya responds to environmental factors provides a scientific basis for the development of management strategies to optimize fruit yield and quality. A better understanding of genotypic responses to specific environmental factors will contribute to efficient agricultural zoning and papaya breeding programs. The objective of this review is to present current research knowledge related to the effect of environmental factors and their interaction with the photosynthetic process and whole-plant physiology. This review demonstrates that environmental factors such as light, wind, soil chemical and physical characteristics, temperature, soil water, relative humidity, and biotic factors such as mycorrhizal fungi and genotype profoundly affect the productivity and physiology of papaya. An understanding of the environmental factors and their interaction with physiological processes is extremely important for economically sustainable production in the nursery or in the field. With improved, science-based management, growers will optimize photosynthetic carbon assimilation and increase papaya fruit productivity and quality.
Yield and Yield Components of Corn Interseeded with Cover Crops

The rising costs of pesticides, soil erosion, and environmental pollution associated with corn (Zea mays L.) production have led to consideration of alternative production methods. Growing cover crops with corn could address these problems. Field experiments were conducted in 1993 and 1994 at l'Assomption and Macdonald in Quebec to determine the effects of interseeding 12 cover crops on corn yield and yield components. Fall rye (Secale cereale L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), a mixture of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), a mixture of white clover (T. repens L.) and ryegrass, subterranean clover (T. subterraneum L.), yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis Lam.), black medic (Medicago lupulina L.), Persian clover (T. resupinatum L.), strawberry clover (T. fragiferum L.), crimson clover (T. incarnatum L.), alfalfa (Med. sativa L.), and berseem clover (T. alexandrinum L.) were seeded 10 and 20 d after corn emergence. The experimental design was a split-plot, randomized complete block with four replications at each site. The mainplots were the cover crop planting dates; the subplots were the 12 cover crop treatments and 3 controls (hand weeding, chemical weeding, and no weeding). Seeding the cover crops either 10 or 20 d after corn planting did not affect corn grain yield. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements (F v /F m ) indicated that corn plants were stressed when interseeded with crimson clover (P < 0.05). When there was competition for moisture, crimson clover was found to be too competitive with corn at the seeding rates used in this experiment. Corn yield was less affected by the interseeded cover crops under conditions of adequate rainfall. No consistent differences in corn grain yield components were found for cover crop treatments.
Environmental factors affecting larval fish community in the salt marsh area of Guadiana estuary (Algarve, Portugal)

Salt marsh areas in the Guadiana estuary are important nursery sites for many fish species of commercial and recreational value. More effective protection measures should be adopted as the area is highly affected by anthropogenic and natural threats. Studying larval fish communities in these impacted nursery areas will be relevant to the management of local ecosystems and to larval fish ecology in general. Spatial and seasonal distribution and the effect of environmental factors on the larval fish community of this ecosystem were studied for one year (April 2010 to March 2011). Larvae were sampled monthly in parallel with phytoplankton and zooplankton. Hydrological data and physical parameters were monitored. A decision tree model was used to assess the influence of environmental factors on the larval fish community. A total of 130 larvae and 1171 eggs were caught. Diplodus sargus, Sardina pilchardus , and Pomatoschistus microps were the most abundant larval fish species. The peaks of fish larvae abundance occurred in March and April. The output of the model demonstrates that the abundance of larval fish is determined by the abundance of eggs, zooplanktonic food, and water flood and flow. This study shows the importance of the Guadiana salt marsh as an area for fish nursery and highlights the need for conservation of this area.
LOW LEVELS OF INTRASPECIFIC GENETIC VARIATION AT A RAPIDLY EVOLVING CHLOROPLAST DNA LOCUS IN NORTH AMERICAN DUCKWEEDS (LEMNACEAE)

Although most previous studies on chloroplast (cp) DNA variation in plants have concentrated on systematics and evolution above the species level, intraspecific variation in cpDNA is common and has provided useful insights into populationlevel evolutionary processes. Polymerase chain reaction methods were used to examine restriction site and sequence variation in the chloroplast rpL16 gene within and among populations of duckweed species (Spirodela and Lemna) from the southern and eastern United States. To our knowledge, the rpL16 region has not previously been used to investigate cpDNA variation in nature. While considerable restriction site and sequence variation were detected among species, no variation was found within populations of either of the two species (S. punctata and L. minor) selected for sequence analysis, and S. punctata showed no interpopulational variation. Two cpDNA haplotypes were identified in L. minor, with one haplotype restricted to three sites in Louisiana and the other found in all other populations sampled. This paucity of variation cannot be readily explained as the result of a low mutation rate. In general, group II introns appear to be subject to very little functional constraint, and extensive sequence differences have been found between species in the chloroplast rpL16 intron in particular. However, factors such as historical range expansions and contractions, founding effects, fluctuations in local population size, and natural selection may play a role in reducing cpDNA sequence variability in these species.
Transfer Cells and Vascular Tissue Distribution in the Vegetative Nodes of Rice

The structure of the vascular bundles in the vegetative nodes of rice has been studied in serial transverse sections. Three types of bundles are present in the vegetative nodes: (1) elliptical bundles containing numerous xylem transfer cells; (2) diffuse bundles; (3) tiny anastomosing bundles. The latter two types of bundles do not contain any xylem transfer cells. In the vegetative nodes of rice, phloem transfer cells do not occur and nodal plate bundles are absent. The significance of the distribution of the vascular tissue and the transfer cells in the rice node is discussed in particular reference to that reported earlier for wheat.
HOME RANGE, BEHAVIOUR, AND RECRUITMENT RATES OF TWO BLACK RHINOCEROS POPULATIONS

Summary During the period 1964 – 1966 biological studies were conducted of two black rhinoeeros Diceros bicornis L. populations in northern Tanzania. One population occupies the caldera of Ngorongoro and the other the area in the vicinity of Olduvai Gorge. Detailed records were made of each rhinoeeros observatson and 182 individuais were seen in the two study areas during the three-year period. The black rhinoeeros is a very sedentary species, and the size of the home range is governed by several factors which are described in the^text. The home range of an immature rhinoeeros is larger than that of an adult individual. The adult rhinoeeros, especially the male, is essentially a solitary animal, but immatures frequently join up with a companion. Activity patterns are described and illustrated, and are similar in the two study areas. Behaviour of the species follows welldefined patterns, and territorial behaviour is uncommon. Vocal communication in the species is described. The significance of dung piles, used regularly by the species, is considered and the results of experiments iflsing faecal samples are described. Relations with two carnivores are discussed. The recruztment rates of the two populations are almost identical, i.e. 7.0% at Ngorongoro and 7.2% at Olduvai. Various reproductive characteris-tics affecting recruitment rates, such as age at maturity, gestation period and interval between successive calves are described using records obtained from zoological gardens and from field observations. The results of the studies indIcate that the rhinoeeros population of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is considerably higher than was formerly believed. The future of the species in the area appears favourable, providing its habitats are not destroyed through encroaching cultivation.
Time of Appearance of Photosystems I and II in Chloroplasts of Greening Jack Bean Leaves

The time of appearance of photochemical activities together with the chlorophyll-protein complexes associated with photosystems I and II was followed in greening primary leaves of jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. ). When greening of the etiolated leaves occurred under high relative humidity conditions, no lag phase in chlorophyll accumulation was observed. These environmental conditions also promoted rapid and uniform development of the chloroplast lamellar system. Chlorophyll-protein complexes of the lamellae were separated by means of sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by hvdroxylapatite chromatography. The photosystem II complex, containing chlorophyll a/o-protein, was detected after 2 h of greening. Its appearance was correlated with a sharp decrease in the chlorophyll a/6 ratio and with the onset of oxygen evolution. Subsequently, the photosystem I complex, containing a chlorophyll ra-protein, was detected—after 6 h of illumination. Its appearance coincided with the detection of light-induced bleaching of P700 and the beginning of a rising chlorophyll ajb ratio that plateaued some time later.