Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Total sulphur amino acid requirement of the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

The quantitative dietary sulphur amino acid requirement of the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), was determined by conducting a growth study. The experimental diets contained 400 g crude protein kg(-1) from casein, gelatine and supplemental crystalline amino acids. Diets containing six graded levels of methionine (3.2, 6.5, 9.0, 11.5, 14 and 16.5 g kg(-1)) with a constant level of cystine (1.4 g kg(-1)) were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of Labeo rohita fingerlings twice a day to satiation for 60 days. The optimum dietary requirement for methionine was estimated using the break-point regression analysis at 11.5 g kg(-1) of diet or 28.8 g kg(-1) of dietary protein. Thus the total sulphur amino acid (Met + Cys) requirement was determined to be 12.9 g kg(-1) of diet or 32.3 g kg(-1) of protein. Higher survival, specific growth rate and food conversion efficiency values were observed for fish fed the diet containing optimum levels of sulphur amino acids.
Dive times and ventilation patterns of singing humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)

The dive times and ventilation rates of individual singing humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, are compared. All singers in this study were alone and moving slowly, so the behavioral states of the whales were imilar. For individual whales, longer dives are clearly followed by more exahalations. Therefore, the longer a singer holds his breath, the greater the need to breathe must be. However, some singers dived for longer periods than did others, and singers with longer mean dive times did not necessarily breathe more often upon surfacing than did singers with short dives. Long dives, then, appear to be less stressful for some whales than for others. The data suggest that some singers are in better physical condition than others. I speculate that by singing, a male humpback may be conveying information about his diving ability and general physical condition.
Antibiosis In vitro of Trichoderma Strains Metabolic Extract on Mycelial Growth and Reproductive Capacity of Fusarium oxysporum Isolated from Pepper Plants (Capsicum annuum L.)

Aims: To inhibit the mycelia growth inhibition and reproductive capacity of important phyto-pathogen fungus: Fusarium oxysporum by cell-extracts from submerged cultures of Trichoderma. Study Design: A complete randomized experimental design with factorial fix was used. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of plant-pathology, Department of Agricultural Parasitology, Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro (UAAAN), Mexico, between August 2012 and March 2012. Methodology: Metabolic extract of Trichoderma asperellum produced in liquid medium and Trichoderma dual cultures on F. oxysporum isolated infected plant pepper was Original Research Article British Biotechnology Journal, 4(4): 387-399, 2014 388 evaluated; both strains were subsequently activated in PDA and tested in dual culture and poisoned culture with Trichoderma strains and metabolic extracts against F. oxysporum to determine their growth inhibition potential. Results: Strains Trichoderma were able to inhibit the growth of the plant pathogen, demonstrating to be an attractive alternative for biological control assays. Similar results were obtained with metabolic extracts, where the inhibition was affected up to 29%, the conidiogenesis by 30% and spore viability by 60% at the highest concentration tested. Conclusions: Metabolites produced have the power to reduce the reproductive capacity of F. oxysporum, decreasing sporulation and inhibit the germination of conidia, and this is extremely important, as reducing the quantity and viability of conidia, it is reducing the secondary inoculum of the pathogen.
Endocrine and Behavioural Responses of Male Greylag Geese "Anser anser# to Pairbond Challenges during the Reproductive Season

Although greylag geese Anser anser establish long-term monogamous pairbonds, some of the existing pairs do split up (divorce) and new pairs are formed during the annual spring mating period. In this study, male greylag geese which were involved in the challenge of an existing pairbond (challenged males and challengers) were regarded as ‘natural experimental’ groups and compared with males in stable pairbonds (unchallenged males and male-paired males, a common male strategy when the availability of females is low). In total, 37 males were investigated. The analysis included a description of the seasonal patterns of hormone levels, aggression and courtship. We tested whether hormone levels correlated with aggressive and courtship behaviours. Finally, we compared hormonal and behavioural patterns amongst the four groups. Immunoreactive testosterone (T) and corticosterone (B) equivalents were measured in faecal samples. Individual hormone levels were correlated with frequencies of agonistic male-male interactions and with frequencies of male-female courtship. During early mating and pre-laying phases, T was at its seasonal maximum, which may have masked hormone-behaviour correlations. During egg-laying, at the onset of seasonally decreased T, agonistic male-male interactions and the frequencies of courtship behaviour were significantly correlated with T. Unchallenged males had higher rates of agonistic interactions than any other males. However, unchallenged and challenged males tended to excrete T at higher levels than challengers. The high rates of being attacked and elevated levels of faecal B were indicative of the social conflict experienced by challengers. No hormonal differences were observed between heterosexually paired males and male-paired males. In summary, pairbond status and situations of social conflict had a modulating effect on T and B; however, in this study, the two hormones seem to be affected independently of one another.
On the Anatomy of the Roots of Apple Seedlings

1. Differentiation in the apple root proceeds in an acropetal direction. Although vacuolation occurs in the metaxylem region first, this tissue is the last to mature. Sieve tubes are the first vascular elements to mature, followed by xylem. 2. Thickenings occur on the radial and transverse walls of the cortical cells just outside the endodermis. These thickenings develop simultaneously with the first protoxylem elements. The phloroglucin-hydrochloric acid test indicated that they become lignified at the same time and to the same degree as the protoxylem elements. 3. The layer of cells immediately outside the primary vascular tissue was designated as pericycle, and the next layer of cells as endodermis. 4. Suberin lamellas develop on the walls of the cells of the endodermis. The deposition takes place at first in the cells outside the primary phloem poles and then proceeds toward the primary xylem poles. 5. The number of xylem arcs which develop is not constant but appears to be correlated with the diameter of the root.
Heavy metals in marine turtle eggs and hatchlings in the Mediterranean

Abstract The concentrations of cadmium, lead, iron, copper and zinc were analysed in Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchling samples (eggshells, remaining yolk, and liver) from beaches of southwest Turkey. Cd, Pb, Fe, and Cu concentrations were higher in embryo liver than in yolk. Zn concentration was higher in yolk. Hg concentrations in all yolk samples were below the detection limit, but levels could be measured in some embryo livers.
Weed management in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

There are currently no broadleaf herbicides registered in Canada for use in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.). Greenhouse and field studies were conducted from 1994 to 1997 at Morden and Brandon, Manitoba, to investigate potential herbicide treatments for buckwheat when cultural methods fail to control broadleaf weeds. Dose-response studies conducted in the greenhouse showed that buckwheat tolerance to desmedipham was three to five times greater than that of volunteer canola (Brassica napus L. and B.rapa L.), lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium album L.), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.). A separate experiment showed that buckwheat cultivars did not differ in tolerance to desmedipham. Another greenhouse study demonstrated that low dosages of bentazon caused severe injury in buckwheat. In field studies, 500 to 700 g a.i. ha−1 of desmedipham effectively suppressed the annual broadleaf weed biomass in buckwheat without reducing seed yields. At a low do.
Effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) on strawberry PAL (phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase) and TAL (tyrosine ammonia‐lyase) enzyme activities

Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) treatments (30 and 60 μg litre -1 ) were applied to young plants (Fragaria ananassa cv Chandler). Fruits were harvested at various developmental stages (14, 21, 28 and 35 days from fruit set). Weight and size, phenolic compounds (total polyphenols and anthocyanins) and enzyme activities, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) were determined. Our aim was to obtain detailed information about PAL and TAL activities related to the strawberry colour during development and ripening processes and to determine the effects of exogenous treatments of GA 3 on PAL and TAL activities. Exogenous treatments of GA 3 improve weight, size and colour of strawberry fruits, and affect PAL and TAL activities. We found that the anthocyanin content and PAL activity are enhanced by the exogenous treatment of GA 3 in the range of 30 μg litre -1 . However, with the higher GA 3 treatment, only the anthocyanin content is affected in that way. These findings suggest that gibberellic acid effect on PAL, TAL and ultimately anthocyanin enhancement is dosage related and saturation of the response occurs at 30 μg litre -1 .
The Alleviation Effect of Silicon on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato Under Salinity Stress

The Alleviation Effect of Silicon on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato Under Salinity Stress This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of silicon (Si) application under salinity levels on seed germination and growth characteristics of tomato seeds. A laboratory experiment was performed on completely randomized design with two levels of salinity (25 and 50 mM NaCl) and 2 concentration of Si (1 and 2 mM) with 4 replications. Germination percentage, germination rate, seedling shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of seedling and mean germination time was measured. Seed germination of Lycopersicon esculentum L. was significantly affected by salinity levels, Si and their interaction. Germination characteristics of tomato seeds decreased drastically by increasing NaCl concentrations. However, 1 mM Si had positive effects on seed germination characteristics and improved germination percentage, germination rate and mean germination time. Si alleviated the harmful effect of salinity stress on tomato seed germination at almost all germination characteristics. Pozytywny Wpływ Krzemu Na Kiełkowanie Nasion I Wzrost Siewek Pomidora W Warunkach Stresu Zasolenia Badania przeprowadzono w celu oceny skuteczności stosowania krzemu (Si) w warunkach zasolenia na kiełkowanie nasion i cechy wzrostu siewek pomidora. Wykonano doświadczenie laboratoryjne w układzie kompletnie losowym z dwoma poziomami zasolenia (25 i 50 mM NaCl) i dwoma stężeniami Si (1 i 2 mM) w 4 powtórzeniach. Określano procent kiełkowania, zdolność kiełkowania, długość pędu i korzenia siewek, świeżą i suchą masę siewek oraz średni czas kiełkowania. Na kiełkowanie nasion Lycopersicon esculentum L. w istotny sposób oddziaływały poziomy zasolenia, krzem i ich interakcja. Kiełkowanie nasion pomidora zmniejszało się znacznie w miarę zwiększania stężenia NaCl. Dodatek 1 mM Si miał pozytywny wpływ na kiełkowanie, zwiększając procent skiełkowanych nasion, zdolność kiełkowania i średni czas kiełkowania. Si łagodził szkodliwy wpływ stresu zasolenia na kiełkowanie nasion pomidora pod względem niemal wszystkich parametrów związanych z kiełkowaniem.
THE INTERRELATED EFFECTS OF FEEDING DIET COMBINATIONS WITH DIFFERENT PROTEIN AND ENERGY LEVELS TO MALES AND FEMALES OF COMMERCIAL BROILER GENOTYPES

Two nutritional experiments were conducted involving 6,000 broiler chickens using diets with protein ranging from 14.1 to 26.0%, and metabolizable energy from 2,976 to 3,265 kcal/kg. These diets were used in different combinations to evaluate the genotypic response and their effects on the performance of male and female broiler chickens. Diet × sex interactions were demonstrated. These interactions, however, were not demonstrated in the practical dietary regimens. Genotype × diet interactions were estimated in experiment 1 only and were found to be of no importance. The dietary combinations that supported performance equal to or better than other dietary regimens for either males or females consisted of a starter diet with 24% protein and 2,976 kcal/kg coupled with a finisher diet with 15.9% protein and 3,175 kcal/kg.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in Pinus armandii (Pinaceae), an endemic conifer species to China

Premise of the study: Pinus armandii (Pinaceae) is an important conifer tree species in central and southwestern China, and it plays a key role in the local forest ecosystems. To investigate its population genetics and design effective conservation strategies, we characterized 18 polymorphic microsatellite markers for this species. Methods and Results: Eighteen novel polymorphic and 16 monomorphic microsatellite loci of P. armandii were isolated using Illumina MiSeq technology. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to five. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.061 to 0.609 with an average of 0.384, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.063 to 0.947 with an average of 0.436. Seventeen loci could be successfully transferred to five related Pinus species (P. koraiensis, P. griffithii, P. sibirica, P. pumila, and P. bungeana). Conclusions: These novel microsatellites could potentially be used to investigate the population genetics of P. armandii and related species.
Transcriptional Response Of E. coli Upon FimH-mediated Fimbrial Adhesion

Functionalities which may be genetically programmed into a bacterium are limited by its range of possible activities and its sensory capabilities. Therefore, enhancing the bacterial sensory repertoire is a crucial step for expanded utility in potential biomedical, industrial or environmental applications. Using microarray and qRT-PCR analyses, we have investigated transcription in E. coli (strain CSH50) following FimH-mediated adhesion to biocompatible substrates. Specifically, wild-type FimH-mediated adhesion of E. coli to mannose agarose beads and His-tagged FimH-mediated adhesion to Ni2+-NTA beads both led to induction of ahpCF, dps, grxA and marRAB genes among bound cells relative to unbound cells. The strongly-induced genes are known to be regulated by OxyR or SoxS cytoplasmic redox sensors. Some differentially altered genes also overlapped with those implicated in biofilm formation. This study provides an insight into transcriptional events following FimH-mediated adhesion and may provide a platform for elucidation of the signaling circuit necessary for engineering a synthetic attachment response in E. coli.
Physiological Signal Variability in hMT+ Reflects Performance on a Direction Discrimination Task

Our ability to perceive visual motion is critically dependent on the human motion complex (hMT+) in the dorsal visual stream. Extensive electrophysiological research in the monkey equivalent of this region has demonstrated how neuronal populations code for properties such as speed and direction, and that neurometric functions relate to psychometric functions within the individual monkey. In humans, the physiological correlates of inter-individual perceptual differences are still largely unknown. To address this question, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while participants viewed translational motion in different directions, and we measured thresholds for direction discrimination of moving stimuli in a separate psychophysics experiment. After determining hMT+ in each participant with a functional localizer, we were able to decode the different directions of visual motion from it using pattern classification (PC). We also characterized the variability of fMRI signal in hMT+ during stimulus and rest periods with a generative model. Relating perceptual performance to physiology, individual direction discrimination thresholds were significantly correlated with the variability measure in hMT+, but not with PC accuracies. Individual differences in PC accuracy were driven by non-physiological sources of noise, such as head-movement, which makes this method a poor tool to investigate inter-individual differences. In contrast, variability analysis of the fMRI signal was robust to non-physiological noise, and variability characteristics in hMT+ correlated with psychophysical thresholds in the individual participants. Higher levels of fMRI signal variability compared to rest correlated with lower discrimination thresholds. This result is in line with theories on stochastic resonance in the context of neuronal populations, which suggest that endogenous or exogenous noise can increase the sensitivity of neuronal populations to incoming signals.
Hibernation of the northern diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin terrapin

Studies of adult northern diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) in the salt marshes on the Atlantic Ocean side of Cape May Peninsula reveal that from mid-November through December, terrapins gradually migrate from the open waters of the sounds into the marsh creeks. Within the creeks, hibernating diamondbacks hibernate as isolated individuals or in small groups. Three hibernating methods are used: 1) resting on the bottom under water, 2) burial atop creek banks, and 3) taking refuge beneath undercut banks. Hibernating diamondbacks apparently remain dormant all winter.
Relapse Prevention of Painful Vertebral Syndromes in Follow‐up Treatment with a Combination of Vitamins B1, B6, and B12

Vertebral pain syndromes occupy a major portion of the medical practice of specialists as well as of general practitioners. In the United States, for example, this syndrome is observed in 1 1 %of all men and 9.5% of all women consulting general practitioners. The therapeutic efficacy of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) is well known in this context. In clinical studies, the additional therapeutic use of the vitamins B,, B,, and B,, together with NSAID diclofenac could be shown to be of superior clinical efficacy in the treatment of acute vertebral syndromes showing a more rapid analgesic potency and leading to a reduced need for diclofenac owing to a shortening of the therapeutic This study was performed after successful therapy of the acute vertebral syndromes as a continuation of therapy in order to investigate the possibility that B vitamins may be useful in prevention of a relapse.
Influence of felling season, drying method and within-tree location on the brinell hardness and equilibrium moisture content of wood from 27–35-year-old Betula pendula

The Brinell hardness and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) were measured from thinning-aged silver birch wood. Wood material both from the trees harvested in the first commercial thinning and from trees remaining on site after the thinning was included. The average Brinell hardness was 19.40 MPa. It correlated significantly with the basic density of wood. With respect to the distance from the pith, the Brinell hardness of air-dried wood was higher than that of artificially dried wood. The average EMC of the conditioned (20°C, 65% relative humidity) wood was 12.0%. The EMC of the wood also varied, with the EMC being higher for air-dried wood than for kiln-dried wood. EMC was the highest at a distance of 30–40 mm from the pith, decreasing towards both pith and log surface. Seasonal variation in both the Brinell hardness and the EMC of the wood was found. It was presumed to be a consequence of season-dependent physiological changes in trees.
Comparative Study of the Drying of Pears Using Different Drying Systems

Different methods for the drying of pears, namely a solar stove, a solar dryer, and a tunnel dryer, were studied. All processes were conducted in three consecutive years to analyze if the behavior of each drying method showed evidence of a similar pattern, along with producing products similar to the traditional pears that are dried using direct sun exposure. The results showed that all methods led to a considerable reduction in drying time as compared to open-sun drying. Indeed, the drying time for the solar stove and the solar dryer showed a reduction of more than 40% while in the drying tunnel this reduction increased to more than 60%. In addition, it was also possible to conclude that the properties of the dried pears obtained by the three processes correspond to dried fruits similar to the traditional dried pears.
Determination of Serum Protein Concentrations in the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) Using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Abstract Hussein, M.F. , Mohammed, H.E. and Gar-Elnabi, A. 2010. Determination of serum protein concentrations in the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) using agarose gel electrophoresis. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 38: 143–144. Serum proteins of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) were quantified in 19 healthy male and female oryxes, using agarose gel electrophoresis. The mean protein concentrations were as follows: total protein 83.58±9.55 g/l; albumin 43.44±9.06 g/l; α-globulin 9.30±3.01 g/l; β-globulin 12.30±6.58 g/l and γ-globulin 18.24±6.09 g/l indicating a wide variation in all parameters. No significant differences were found between male and female oryxes in any of these proteins. This baseline information will be useful for researchers and clinicians.