Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A quantitative analysis of leaf form in woody plants from the world's major broadleaved forest types

The results of a compilation and analysis of pub- lished data on average leaf characteristics from multi-species samples of the world's major broadleaved woody vegetation types are presented. Highly significant linear regressions indi- cate several important trends across the major forest types. As lamina thickness increases, outer epidermal wall and cuticle thickness increases and specific leaf area (SLA) decreases. Thick leaves tend to have a lower thickness ratio of palisade to non-palisade mesophyll. Foliar concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are closely correlated with SLA. Crude fibre concentration and sclerophylly index (crude fibre/ crude protein) exhibit similar non-linear trends with leaf P concentration, the latter being governed by a negative expo- nential relationship where the degree of sclerophylly increases rapidly below 0.1% P. Together these represent a trend of increasing sclerophylly, a convergence point in leaf design shared by diverse vegetation types including Mediterranean shrublands, tropical heaths and tropical upper montane forests. The analysis shows that there is considerable variation both within and between vegetation types in leaf form. It does not satisfactorily distinguish any major groups within the sclero- phyllous communities. Further studies of community leaf form are required before we can have a quantitative understanding of these biogeographically important variables.
Nitrogen accumulation and nitrate reductase activity in MM. 106 apple trees as affected by nitrate supply

The effect of nitrate supply in the nutrient solution on N accumulation was investigated in various organs of MM.106 apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.). Increasing nitrate supply increased the concentration and amount of total N in leaves and stems, but there was a saturation point of total N accumulation in response to the nitrate supply. The increased accumulation of total N in leaves and stems with increasing nitrate supply were due to increases in reduced N, since nitrate N remained relatively constant. Reduced N contents of trunk bark and trunk wood were significantly decreased when low nitrate was supplied, whereas that of roots was changed insignificantly. Most organs contained only a small portion of their total N as nitrate. The activities of nitrate reductase (NR) were measured using an in vivo assay either with or without nitrate for estimating reduced N accumulation. The in vivo —N03- NR assay may be a better way to estimate the accumulation of reduced N than the in vivo +N03- NR assay since.
Biometric Analysis on Classification of Weed, Wild and Cultivated Azuki Beans.

The variation pattern of morphological traits and precocity among weed, wild and cultivated races of azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi et Ohashi) was biometrically analyzed using ten accessions per race. Weed azuki beans showed intermediate features between wild and cultivated azuki beans in several traits of plant architecture, pod and seed traits, and precocious growth habit. A factor analysis clearly recognized a variation pattern in plant architecture and size of reproductive organs in the three races and showed a high variability among accessions of the weed race. Seed size including weight and pod size is differentiated along with first leaf differentiation, less branching habit and shorter internode in higher nodal position are associated with the domestication of cultivated azuki beans. It is assumed that the great difference in traits among the races have occurred through adaptation to a disturbed environment and deliberate human selection.
Uncovering the trophic relationship between Themisto gaudichaudii and Salpa thompsoni in the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone

: Trophic dynamics of 2 abundant macrozooplankton species Salpa thompsoni and Themisto gaudichaudii were studied during the austral summer at 2 locations near the Antarctic Polar Front with contrasting low and high chlorophyll a (chl a ) concentrations. Compound-specific stable isotope analysis, complemented by gut content and bulk isotope analyses, were used to investigate trophic interactions between species, and to assess their trophic positions in the pelagic food web. The results of the compound-specific stable isotope analysis placed S. thompsoni at the second trophic level and approx. 1 trophic level below T. gaudichaudii . Two forms of T. gaudi chaudii appeared to feed at different trophic levels, with T. gaudichaudii bispinosa feeding at a higher trophic level (~3.3) than T. gaudichaudii compressa (~2.8). Isotope data coupled with gut content analysis indicated a regular consumption of salps in both areas, although a higher contribution of gelatinous prey was encountered in a chl a poor area. The food web baseline values (bulk δ 13 C) varied regionally, highlighting 2 independent food webs albeit with a similar trophic structure. Overall, our findings suggested that in areas where S. thompsoni is highly abundant, T. gaudi chaudii may be a significant predator of this species.
NON-RANDOM DNA SEGREGATION AND LINEAGE COMMITMENT OF CARDIAC STEM CELLS

OF THE THESIS Non-Random DNA Segregation and Lineage Commitment of Cardiac Stem Cells by Balaji Sundararaman Master of Science in Biology with a Concentration in Molecular Biology San Diego State University, 2012 Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) present in the adult heart are used for cell-based treatment of myocardial damage but factors determining stemness, self-renewal and lineage commitment are poorly understood. Immortal DNA strands are inherited through non-random or asymmetric chromatid segregation (ACS) of non-sister chromatids containing ‘old’ and newly synthesized DNA strands. ACS correlates with self-renewal of adult stem cells, but whether CPCs asymmetrically segregate chromatids to retain immortal strands is unknown. Cardio protective kinase Pim-1 increases asymmetric cell division in vivo, proliferation and commitment of CPCs after adoptive transfer in pathological injury model but its role in ASC is unknown. The hypothesis of the thesis is CPCs asymmetrically segregate immortal strand inheriting chromatids and Pim-1 kinase increases asymmetric segregation. Asymmetric segregation was tracked by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), a thymidine analogue labeling newly synthesized DNA strands. In label retention assay, CPCs were labeled for many generations and blocked in second cytokinesis during chase in BrdU free media to determine distribution of immortal versus newly synthesized strands. Two daughter nuclei within a CPC cell-body had asymmetric BrdU intensity. Density measurements showed 4.57% of CPCs have 70:30 or higher BrdU intensity ratio between daughter nuclei indicative of asymmetric segregation of BrdU labeled chromatids. Non-random segregation was further demonstrated by asymmetric segregation of BrdU labeled chromatids in anaphase cells from second mitotic shake off during chase. Genetic engineering of CPCs to over express Pim-1 kinase enhanced asymmetric segregation by nearly two fold (9.19% vs. 4.79% eGFP expressing cells). Future studies are warranted to understand the direct role of Pim-1 in asymmetric chromatid segregation and stem cell self-renewal and fate determination.
A revision of the genus Tetratheca (Tremandraceae)

139 Thompson, Joy (National Herbarium 0/ New South Wales, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) 1976. A revision o/the genus Tetratheca (Tremandraceae). Telopea 1 (3): 139-215. -An account is given of all species of the genus Tetratheca, in the endemic Australian family Tremandraceae. Thirty-nine species are recognized. New taxa described are T. retrorsa, T. paucifolia, T. similis, T. /asciculata, T. remota, T. deltoidea, T. parvifolia, T. elliptica, T. rupicola, T. decora, T. neglecta, T. insularis and T. pilosa ssp. lali/olia. A new name T. labillardierei is provided and four overlooked names have been typified and correctly applied. [Plant Systematics].
Variations in total width-weight relationships of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, in relation to sex, maturity, molt stage, and carapace form

ABSTRACT Equations expressing total width-weight relationships of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun (Decapoda: Portunidae), from the Ashley River, South Carolina, were calculated for each sex in relation to molt stage and for intermolt (Stage C) crabs of each sex in relation to maturity and carapace form. Sex, maturity, molt sign, and carapace form significantly affected width-weight relationships. Overall, males were heavier than females of equal width. Mature males weighed more than similar-sized immature males; in contrast, mature females weighed less than immature females of equal size. Crabs with short lateral spines were heavier than those of the same sex and width with long spines. Intermolt (Stage C) and premolt (Stage D) blue crabs of both sexes were heavier than recently molted (Stages A and B) crabs of the same sex. Premolt females were heavier than intermolt females; this difference was not observed for males. Ashley River crabs were generally heavier than crabs reported from Florida, Texas, or Virginia. These differences may not be real, however, because many variables affect width-weight relationships of blue crabs and only sex differences were reported in all but the present study. Geographical variation is known to exist in crab populations, but only well-defined comparisons between populations should be considered.
Genotypic tolerance of selected dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar s to soluble Al and to acid, low P soil conditions

Twelve dry bean cultivare were grown for seven days on filter paper soaked with nutrient solution containing a range of up to 10 mmol Al dm−3. Differential response to Al toxicity, measured as taproot elongation, occurred at Al concentrations of ≧ 2 mmol dm−3. Fifteen cultivare (including four cultivare classified in terms of Al tolerance by the nutrient-solution method) were grown in pots containing an acid (64% acid saturation of CEC), P-deficient clay loam subsoil (Plinthic Paleudult), differentially treated with Ca(OH)2 and CaHPO4. 2H2O. After 35 days the plants were classified in terms of tolerance to acid, low P soil conditions, on the basis of relative topgrowth yields. Three of four cultivare screened by both methods were classified identically: lapar-Rai-54 and W126 as tolerant, and BAT331 as sensitive. S. Afr. J. Plant Soil 1985, 2: 115–119
Effect of integrated nutrient management on yield parameters of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) cv. Pusa KTS-1

A field experiment was conducted during 2017-18 to examine the impact of integrated nutrient management on growth parameters of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) cv. Pusa KTS-1. The experiment comprised of twelve treatments consisting of different combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The experimental field was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. All variable parameters regarding yield behaviour were significantly influenced by integrated nutrient management practices. Results indicated that combined application of 80% NPK + 2 t/ha vermicompost gave the significant effect on yield attributing parameters viz., head diameter (21.33 cm), number of spear per plant (13.00), head weight (332.33 gm) and yield (162.84 q/ha) as compared to other treatments.
Epidemiology of gastro-intestinal parasites in naturally infected dairy animals ofcentral plain zone, Punjab

A total of 2283 faecal samples were collected from cattle and buffaloes reared in central plain zone comprising of districts Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and Kapurthala of Punjab. The prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections in adult animals was found to be 45.52% and strongyle (24.44%) was the most prevalent GI parasite followed by Eimeria sp. (19.73%), amphistomes (5.39%), Monieziaexpansa (2.79%), Strongyloides papillosus (1.73%), Fasciola sp. (1.15%) and Trichuris sp. (0.67%). Similarly, in calves the prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum, strongyle, S. papillosus, Eimeria sp. and M. expansa was 7.72, 21.22, 27.01, 52.57 and 4.90%, respectively. In calves the overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections was found to be more (69.85%) as compared to adults and T. vitulorum was recorded only from calves of less than six months of age. A significantly higher (p<0.01) prevalence of coccidia, S. papillosus and T. vitulorum infection was recorded in buffalo calves in comparison to cow calves. The baseline data on the prevalence of various GI parasites of dairy animals generated in the current study would be of immense help in formulating control strategies against these parasites in the central plain zone of this state.
A Flotation Method for Extracting Collembola from Organic Soils

Flotation methods for separating small animals from mineral soils have been described by Ladell (1936), Salt & Hollick (1944), Raw (1955) and Satchell & Nelson (1962). These methods are based on the principle that organic materials float in solutions of specific gravity 1 20, whereas mineral matter sinks. Clearly these methods are not suitable for organic soils of the type encountered by the present writer during studies on the Collembola of peat moorland. The extraction apparatus described in this paper was designed specifically for the extraction of Collembola from peat soils, although it would probably be suitable for other groups of animals.
In vitro propagation of cherry birch (Betula lenta L.)

Abstract: An efficient procedure for the micropropagation and conservation of cherry birch (Betula lenta L.), an endangered species in Canada, is reported. The model utilizes in vitro proliferation of fresh and dormant buds from both greenhouse and mature trees. Various factors were evaluated to optimize the protocol, including plant growth regulators, type and concentration of carbohydrates, and the composition of basal salts. 6-benzylaminopurine was the most effective cytokinin for shoot multiplication, with an optimal concentration of 5 µM. Sucrose was a more effective carbohydrate source than glucose, with the highest multiplication rate occurring at 3% sucrose (w/v). Shoot multiplication was similar on Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Driver and Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) basal salts, but significantly lower on Woody Plant medium (WPM). Culture media with half-strength DKW basal salts and 20 µM indole-3-butyric acid was found to be the best for rooting (80%). Rooted plantlets were acclimatized to the greenhouse environment with a 37% survival rate. The micropropagation technology developed in the study offers excellent opportunities and tools for rapid replenishment of cherry birch trees in their natural environment, long-term conservation, and provides a platform for further research of this nationally endangered species.
Phylogeny of the genus Plicaria and its relationship to Peziza inferred from ribosomal DNA sequence analysis

Controversy exists as to whether Plicaria, which has spherical spores, should be maintained as a separate genus from Peziza, which has elliptical spores. The objectives of this study were to determine if Plicaria represented a phylogenetic grouping of taxa distinct from Peziza, and to clarify Plicaria spe- cies concepts. To determine phylogenetic relation- ships, DNA sequences were obtained from the 5' In- ternal Transcribed Spacer region, the divergent do- mains D1 and D2 of the 28S gene, and a region near the 5' end of the 18S gene of the nuclear-encoded ribosomal DNA. We also examined ascospore orna- mentation using scanning electron microscopy. Anal- ysis of spore morphology and molecular characters revealed that the smooth spored Plicaria endocarpo- ides and the rough-spored Plicaria trachycarpa, Pli- caria carbonaria and Plicaria acanthodictya could be distinguished. Parsimony analysis showed that Plicar- ia forms a monophyletic group. However, several Pe- ziza taxa that share a number of morphological char- acters with Plicaria are closely related. We suggest that Plicaria be recognized as a separate genus, al- though Peziza is paraphyletic if Plicaria is maintained.
The influence of cereal harvest on the home-range use of the European hare (Lepus europaeus)

Abstract In farming areas predominated by one field crop, harvest changes food and cover availability for European hares (Lepus europaeus) within a short time frame. In this study, we tracked European hares by GPS (n=9) and VHF (n=19) in an agricultural area with 54% of cereal cropping before, during, and after harvest. In particular, we focused on the question whether and how harvest affects European hares’ space use. We found that, during activity, hares’ 24-h home-ranges were significantly larger after harvest than before, whereas on weekly home-range size, harvest had only a significant effect when calculated by the Minimum Convex Polygon method. We suggest that the effect of harvest on the species’ home-range size is time scale dependent. Changes in home-range use were mainly due to hares using less cereal fields after harvest. Furthermore, after harvest, active hares stayed further away from field edges, whereas resting animals were closer to field edges. In conclusion, our results show that cereal harvest influenced European hares’ space use, but this influence might only be discernible on the small time scale.
Leaf ageing and plateau effects on seasonal pressure-volume relationships in three sclerophyllous Quercus species in south-eastern USA

Seasonal plant and tissue-water relations were examined in fully expanded twigs of three sclerophyllous, evergreen Quercus species (Q. chapmanii, Q. inopina and Q. myrtifolia) in south-central Florida, USA. In these species we observed plateau effects when obtaining pressure-volume curves. Such effects may cause significant interpretational errors in osmotic potentials and elastic moduli, and be confounded with seasonal changes in these parameters. New leaves are produced and mature in late-March to early-May of each year (.)
Changes in Inorganic Phosphorus Levels in Shell Gland Fluid during the Oviposition Cycle and at Progesterone-and Acetylcholine-induced Oviposition in the Hen

The secretion of shell gland fluid and inorganic phosphorus concentration in the fluid were examined in regularly laying hens and progesterone- and acetylcholine-treated hens. In normally laying hens, the rate of secretion of the fluid decreased as the time goes to oviposition, and phosphorus concentration in the fluid increased near the time of oviposition. A significantly negative correlation (P<0.01, r=-0.77) was found between the rate of fluid secretion and phosphorus concentration in the fluid.In progesterone-treated hens, which showed premature oviposition followed by ovulation, the secretion rate of the fluid was significantly (P<0.01) lower and phosphorus level in the fluid was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in control hens.On the other hand, in the case of acetylcholine-treated hens, there was no significant difference in the rate of fluid secretion and phosphorus concentration in comparison with control hens despite the fact that premature oviposition was induced by the treatment with this reagent, but in this case no ovulation was observed after induced oviposition. The results obtained from this experiment suggest that a decrease in the rate of fluid secretion and an increase in phosphorus concentration in the fluid near the time of oviposition might be regulated by the factor(s) which is concerned with ovulation, rather than oviposition associated with the contraction of uterine muscle.
Energy Losses in the Waste Products of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta L.)

The total energy content of the food intake of a fish is either lost in the faeces and the excretory products or used for metabolism, growth and any reproductive products released during the period concerned. Winberg (1956) first proposed that about 15% of the total energy intake is lost in the faeces and about 3% in the excretory products. He suggested that a slightly higher value of 20% probably represents the total energy losses in the waste products and this value has been used by many workers. Few workers have measured energy losses in salmonids. Brocksen, Davis & Warren (1968) obtained a value of 14'5%o for cutthroat trout Salmo clarki (Richardson) at 10? C, and and Brocksen & Bugge (1974) obtained values ranging from 28-2% at 5? C to 15-2% at 20? C for rainbow trout S. gairdneri Richardson. None of these values include energy losses in the excretory products: ammonia and urea. Ammonia is the chief excretory product in freshwater teleosts and is excreted primarily from their gills. Kleerekoper & Mogensen (1959) found that 98%0 of amino-derived nitrogen was excreted as ammonia in brown trout S. trutta L. and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill). Except for the work of Burrows (1964) on chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tschawytcha (Walbaum), only small quantities of urea have been recorded in the excreta of teleosts (Black 1957; Brett 1962; Forster & Goldstein 1969). Other excretory products appearing in very small quantities in the urine are uric acid, creatine, creatinine, amines and amino acids. The present paper is one of a series dealing with feeding and growth in brown trout (Elliott 1972, 1975a, b, c, d, 1976). Its chief purpose is to examine energy losses in the faeces and excretory products of brown trout and to develop equations to estimate these losses.
Structural analysis of beta-lactamase and resistant transpeptidase inhibition

ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iv LIST OF TABLES.x LIST OF FIGURES.xi LIST OF EQUATIONS.xiii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xiv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . xvii DEDICATION.xix STATEMENT OF CO-AUTHORSHIP . xx CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Overview of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance. 1 1.1.1 Context: The Antibiotic Age. 1 1.1.2 Overview of Antibiotic Mechanisms of Action. 2 1.1.3 Overview of Antibiotic Resistance Strategies. 4 1.2 ß-Lactams: Antibiotics Targeting the Cell Wall . 5 1.2. 1 Cell Wall Structure . 5 1.2. 2 Cell Wall Biosynthesis: Penicillin-Binding Proteins. 9 1.2. 3 ß-Lactam Antibiotics and Mechanism of Action. 21 1.3 ß-Lactamase Enzymes. 24 1.3. 1 Origins . 25 1.3. 2 Class A ß-Lactamases: TEM-1. 28 1.3. 3 Class D ß-Lactamases: OXA-10. 32 1.3. 4 Overcoming Resistance: ß-Lactamase Inhibitors . 38