Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of rat‐poisoning operations on abundance and diet of mustelids in New Zealand podocarp forests

Abstract This study aimed to quantify the changes in numbers and diet of stoats, weasels and ferrets following rat and possum poison operations in two podocarp‐hardwood forests between 1989 and 1995. Poison operations were classified according to their success in reducing rat numbers, and if they used an acute toxin (1080) or an anticoagulant (brodifacoum or pindone). Stoat catch rates followed the same seasonal patterns as rat footprint tracking rates, and stoat catch rates were positively correlated with rat catch rates. Rat numbers in spring had no significant relationship with the number of juvenile stoats caught in summer. Stoat catch rates did not vary significantly with poison‐operation type over a six month period, but all three successful anticoagulant operations resulted in lower stoat catch rates than did unsuccessful operations. Brodifacoum in bait stations may have lowered stoat numbers by secondary poisoning for the first 2–3 months, but thereafter there was no apparent effect. The sex ratio.
Isolation, identification and characterization of bacteriocin from Lactobacillus lactis and its antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties

Bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus lactis strain isolated from the marine environment, showed broad range of antibacterial activity against some major food borne pathogens. Maximum bacteriocin production was observed at 30°C, pH 6.0 and 1.5% sodium chloride solution. The enzymes -amylase, DNase, RNase and lipase had a positive effect on bacteriocin production. Proteinase K and pepsin strongly inhibited bacteriocin production. Among detergents, Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Tween 80 and Tritone X-100 stimulated bacteriocin production. EDTA and urea strongly inhibited bacteriocin production. The bacteriocin was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and ion exchange (DEAE cellulose) chromatography. The molecular weight was 94 kDA. The purified bacteriocin showed strong cytotoxicity in brine shrimp lethality assay and the LC50 value was 21.54 μg/ml. The study revealed the possibility of using the bacteriocin as a food preservative and the L. lactis strain as a probiotic.
Reversible G1 arrest by dimethyl sulfoxide as a new method to synchronize Chinese hamster cells

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a well-known differentiation inducer in several myeloid cells, also induces a reversible G(1) arrest in many cell lines. We recently showed that DMSO induces a G(1) phase arrest in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, by restoring contact inhibition and preventing high density-dependent apoptosis. CHO cells are frequently used in cell biology and mutagenesis studies due to their good growth capacity and ease of manipulation but are very difficult to synchronize by serum starvation since they detach from monolayers when they reach confluence. In this study we investigated the possibility of using DMSO to reversibly synchronize CHO cells in the G(1) phase of the cell cycle and analysed whether toxic effects follow the arrest using growth curve, sister chromatid exchange and micronuclei assays. We carried out a kinetic analysis of the arrest by DMSO and re-entry into the cell cycle after drug release by cytofluorimetric analysis of DNA content and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. We show that CHO cells are efficiently and reversibly arrested in G(1) by DMSO in concentrations ranging between 1 and 2%. In our experiments, >90% of cells grown for 96 h in presence of the drug were arrested in G(1) and synchronously re-entered S phase approximately 8-12 h after release. Furthermore, expression levels of p27 were down-regulated during G(1) progression and cyclin D3 and E expression patterns were similar to those observed after serum starvation. No detectable cytotoxicity or genetic damage were induced in G(1) released cells as revealed by the tests employed. Our results show that DMSO is a very powerful inducer of G(1) synchronization in CHO cells without detectable cytotoxic or genetic effects in cell populations released from G(1) arrest. DMSO synchronization represents a model system in which to analyse protein activities regulating G(1) progression and investigate the response of G(1) cells to mutagen treatments.
Woody colonization on unmanaged urban and ex-industrial sites

Summary Forty-six unmanaged urban and ex-industrial sites in the county of Avon, South Staffordshire and the West Midlands were visited in 1992/93 during a survey which aimed to relate site factors with natural colonization by trees and shrubs. The factors observed included: type and texture of substrate; the predominant type of vegetation; aspect; the presence of parents in the near vicinity of the site and the numbers and species of colonizing woody plants. The extent of woody colonization was very variable and despite an average stocking density of 1500 stems ha"1, only 19 per cent of the land surveyed was colonized to an acceptable woodland standard. Woodland produced by natural colonization was species poor with an average of three per site; the most abundant species were ash, birch, goat willow and hawthorn, which made up 85 per cent of the colonization recorded. Although there was variation between species, the presence of the parent was usually the most important factor associated with colonization; when potential parent trees were visible from the site there was, on average, a 58 per cent probability of finding colonization of the corresponding species. In general, colonizing plants were positively associated with subsoil, small stony substrates such as gravel and ballast, and a weak grass sward. Conversely colonization was negatively associated with loam soils, sand, unfractured rock/concrete substrates, and sites with grazed sward or no vegetation.
Detoxification of Commercial Linseed Meal for Use in Broiler Rations

Abstract A method for the detoxification of commercial deoiled linseed meal was standardized that involved water boiling of powdered meal and subsequent removal of water solubles by centrifugation. The hot-air dried sludge was evaluated for its possible use as a protein supplement in broiler chick rations. Growth studies of chicks showed that water-boiled linseed meal at 50% protein replacement level was superior to, and at 75% protein replacement level was on par with, the control diet based on expeller pressed groundnut cake. Raw linseed meal at 20% protein replacement level was significantly inferior. Chicks fed on processed linseed meal showed no gross histopathological and biochemical changes. Increased weight of the heart, lungs, pancreas, liver, kidney, brain and adrenals, higher serum globulin content, and a marked accumulation of cystathione in kidney, liver, and brain were observed in chicks fed raw linseed meal.
A Breeding Program to Reduce the Diameter of the Major Xylem Vessel in the Seminal Roots of Wheat and its Effect on Grain Yield in Rain-fed Environments

It is thought that the man xylem vessel in the seminal roots of wheat crop will regulate crop water use if water is available in the subsoil but the top soil is dry. This should result in more water being used after anthesis, and a higher harvest index and yield. A backcross breeding program using two Australian commercial wheat varieties is described that reduced their xylem vessel diameter from about 65 8m to less than 55 8m. In field trials conducted on fallow land in eastern Australia over five years, comparing selections with narrow xylem vessels against unselected controls, narrow vessel selections yielded between 3 and 11% more than the unselected controls, depending upon their genetic background, in the driest environments. Yield differences in the wetter environments were largely not significant. This yield increase in the narrow vessel selections was associated with a significantly higher harvest index, also higher biomass at maturity and kernel number.
Time of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine Application Influences Preharvest Drop and Fruit Quality of 'McIntosh' Apples

AVG was applied as the ReTain formulation over three harvest seasons to deter- mine the infl uence of time of application on drop control effi cacy and its infl uence on fruit maturity of 'McIntosh' apples. Effective drop control was achieved through the commercial harvest season with application of AVG made from 1 to 6 weeks before the anticipated start of harvest for untreated fruit. Drop control extended beyond the normal harvest period when application was made either 2 weeks or 1 week before anticipated harvest. Applica- tion made between 6 and 4 weeks before anticipated harvest generally delayed parameters associated with ripening, such as softening, degradation of starch, and development of red color, more than applications made on later dates. While AVG consistently and effectively retarded abscission, the length of time it controlled drop varied from year to year, even when used on similar trees in the same block. Once applied, it required 10 to 14 days be- fore AVG started to retard fruit abscission. AVG controlled drop linearly with increasing concentration. AVG was a superior drop control compound than NAA. Chemical names used: aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) is a natu- rally occurring compound that was found in the early 1970s to inhibit ethylene biosynthesis (Boller et al., 1979). Early in its development
Digestibility of nutrients and metabolisability of energy in broiler diets with different ME level and supplemented with exogenous enzyme

This experiment was carried out to assess the effects of exogenous enzyme (ROXAZYME®, G2G) supplementation on digestibility of nutrients and metabolisability (ME/GE) in 28-31 days old male Ross 308 broilers. A total of 96 Ross 308 hybrids were allocated randomly to 6 dietary treatments with 4 replicates per treatments, and 4 birds per replicates. In this 3×2 factorial design trial with three different levels of metabolizable energy (13.4, 13.00, 12.6 MJ/kg), with and without exogenous enzyme, the nutrition density was reduced by introducing sunflower meal in different percentages to diet (0, 8 and 16%). The methods used to determine digestibility of nutrients and energy were total and partial collection method and ileal digesta (one percent of Celite was added to the diet for this purpose). Metabolizable energy level had a significant effect (p<0.05) on digestibility of DM, hemicelluloses and ME/GE. By lowering metabolizable energy level, the digestibility decreased. Enzyme supplementation significantly (p<0.05) improved the digestibility of NDF, hemicelluloses and ash determined by partial and total collection method, while statistically significant improvement in digestibility of crude protein was observed only by total collection method. Digestibility determined by ileal digesta showed only significant improvement (p<0.05) in digestibility of hemicelluloses, while the other nutrients had a certain improvement that was not significant. The results suggested that exogenous enzyme, used in this trial, increased digestibility of crude proteins, NDF, hemicelluloses and ash (р<0.05). However, the effects were most evident in diets with reduced level of metabolizable energy level and were determined by total and partial collection method. It can be concluded that the ME level affected digestibility of nutrients and energy, and that enzymes supplementation had the most profound effect on digestibility of nutrients and energy in diets with reduced ME level. Key words: Exogenous enzymes, digestibility, broilers.
Pepino mosaic virus isolates and differential symptomatology in tomato

Based on a survey conducted in commercial tomato production in Belgium in 2006, four Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) isolates that differed in symptom expression in the crop of origin were selected for greenhouse trials. The selected isolates were inoculated onto tomato plants grown in four separate plastic tunnels. PepMV symptom development was assessed regularly and extensive sampling followed by ELISA analyses, genotyping and sequencing was performed to study viral presence and variation in PepMV sequences throughout the trial period. Two isolates (EU-mild and CH2-mild) that were selected based on mild symptom expression in the crop of origin caused only mild symptoms in the trial, while two other isolates (CH2-aggressive and EU + CH2) that were selected for severe symptom display, caused considerably more severe symptoms. Sequence homology between CH2-mild and CH2-aggressive was as high as 99·4%. Results of this study show that differential symptom expression can, at least partially, be attributed to the PepMV isolate, which may be related to minor differences at the nucleotide level between isolates.
A Novel Cross-layer Mobile Data-gathering Protocol for Underwater Sensor Networks

In this paper, a novel Cross-Layer Mobile Data gathering (CLMD) scheme for Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSNs) is presented to improve the performance with a cross-layer design in the MAC and routing layer. CLMD develops a distributed cross-layer mobile data gathering solution that allows multiple sensors to efficiently and fairly share the bandwidth-limited high-delay underwater acoustic medium and aggregate data packets in a group of cluster heads which are visited by Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) in the periodic tours. The network lifetime is prolonged by reselecting the cluster heads in the different operational phases while the tour length is kept short to reduce the latency. The effectiveness of CLMD is validated through an extensive simulation study which reveals the performance improvement in the energy-saving, network lifetime, and packet delivery ratio.
Small Auxin Up RNAs in�uence the distribution of indole-3-acetic acid and play a potential role in increasing seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb.

Background: Aquatic Euryale ferox Salisb. is an economically important crop in China and India. Unfortunately, low yield limitations seriously hinder market growth. Unveiling the control of seed size is of remarkable importance in improvement of crops. Here, we generated a new hybrid line (HL) with larger seeds by crossing South Gordon Euryale and North Gordon Euryale (WT) which hasn’t been reported before. However, the functional genes and molecular mechanisms controlling the seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb. remain unclear. In this study, we focused on the differentially expressed genes in the auxin signal transduction pathway during fruit development between HL and WT to explore candidate regulatory genes participated in regulating seed size. Results: Both concentration and localization of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at two growth stages of fruits of WT and HL were detected by LC-MS and immuno�uorescence. Although IAA content between the two lines did not differ, IAA distribution was signi�cantly different. To elucidate the mechanism and to seek the key genes underlying this difference, RNA-seq was performed on young fruits at the two selected growth stages, and differentially expressed genes related to the auxin transduction pathway were selected for further analysis. Conclusion: Hybrid Euryale ferox Salisb. expressed signi�cant heterosis, resulting in non-prickly, thin-coated, large seeds, which accounted for the signi�cantly larger yield of HL than that of WT. Our study indicated that Small Auxin Up RNAs (SAURs) -mediated localization of IAA regulates seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb. We found that some SAURs may act as a positive mediator of the auxin transduction pathway, thereby contributing to the observed heterosis.
Screening of Secondary Metabolites of Underutilized Species of Cyperaceae

Phytochemicals are important constituents of plants to improve economic values of species. These studies were neglected in the members of cyperaceae. Hence the aim of the study to screen the South Indian grass plants of cyperaceae for phytochemical constituents. The results obtained in the present study suggest that preliminary phytochemical analysis detuned the presence of Alkaloids, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Lignins, Phenols, Quinones, Saponins, Steroids, Tannins and Terpenoids. Results of quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that high content of Alkaloids, followed by Phenols, Tannins, Saponins and Flavonoids receptively. The results suggest that the plant species posses the properties for curing various ailments and may be the source for potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Which may leads to isolation of new and novel compounds.
Effect of equilibration period on post thaw semen quality of Indian yak

35°C to 5°C @ 1°C/3 min. The extended semen was then split into 3 parts and equilibrated at 4°–5°C for 3 different periods i.e. 3, 4 and 5 hours. Sperm motility, live sperm percentage, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and acrosomal changes were studied in the fresh semen, after equilibration and freezing. The ALT and AST activities were estimated after equilibration and freezing by enzymatic colorimetric method using commercial KIT for ALT or AST and was expressed in IU/L.
Coexistence in Mediterranean warblers: ecological differences or interspecific territoriality?

We studied the coexistence of four species of Sylvia warblers living in Mediterranean matorral in order to identify the respective role of ecological segregation and of interspecific territoriality in explaining the local distribution of these four species. Data on habitat use, foraging behaviour and interspecific spacial segregation were collected on Corsica and on Spargi (Sardinia) islands. Despite large overlap in patch selection and in foraging behaviour the four species did segregate ecologically and behaviourally while foraging (differences in the choice of plant species used for foraging, in the height of the plant selected, in the selection of the portion of the plant volume used and in the selection of the plant structure explored). Complementarity in foraging behaviour was observed in the morphologically and ecologically closest species: the Dartford (Sylvia undata) and the Marmora's (Sylvia sarda) warblers. We did not observe any evidence of direct interspecific interactions in song, alarm, or aggressive behaviour. Nor did we observe patterns of spatial distribution that would support the idea of coexistence by interspecific territorial exclusion. These results contrast with the results of Cody & Walter (1976) suggesting interspecific territoriality in Mediterranean Sylvia warblers. They are consistent with other published results emphasizing ecological differences as explanation for species coexistence.
Breeding progress in the pasta-making quality of durum wheat cultivars released in Italy and Spain during the 20th Century

Abstract. Genetic improvement of quality traits of durum wheat achieved in Italy and Spain during the 20th Century was investigated using an historical series of 12 cultivars from each country. The European Union durum wheat quality index increased by 6.25% (0.13% year–1 in Italian and 0.06% year–1 in Spanish cultivars). Protein content decreased by ∼10% (–0.14% year–1 in Italian and –0.19% year–1 in Spanish cultivars) but protein per ha increased at a rate of 0.35% year–1 (0.41% year–1 in Spanish and 0.26% year–1 in Italian cultivars). Yellow colour index increased by 9.9% (0.15% year–1 in Italian and 0.10% year–1 in Spanish cultivars). Test weight and vitreousness did not suffer significant changes over time. Gluten strength increased by 32.1% or 0.54% year–1 in Italian, and 27.9% or 0.33% year–1 in Spanish cultivars. Much larger genetic control on gluten strength was found in Italian than in Spanish cultivars. Changes in sedimentation index (41.1% or 0.64% year–1 in Italy, and 41.6% or 0.49% year–1 in Spain) were the consequence of the progressive incorporation into recent cultivars of favourable low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS). Breeding increased the frequency of the LMW-GS combination aaa, which was present in 75% of all intermediate cultivars and in 100% of the modern Italian cultivars. A LMW-GS combination not previously reported (d? b) was identified in two modern Spanish cultivars. Breeding programs were also successful in increasing the stability of gluten strength and the sedimentation index.
Trajectories of Morbidity, Disability, and Mortality among the U.S. Elderly Population

Abstract This article employs a longitudinal form of the Grade of Membership (GoM) model to specify and estimate a multivariate model of the trajectories of morbidity, disability, and mortality among longitudinally followed elderly respondents to the National Long-Term Care Survey (NLTCS) of 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1999. A distinct trajectory was constructed for each individual respondent to the survey. The trajectories described the progressive declines over time in physical and cognitive functioning among a nationally representative sample of the U.S. elderly population. The model was structured to represent simultaneously the essential features of the fixed frailty model of Vaupel, Manton, and Stallard and Strehler and Mildvan’s model of linearly declining vitality. Unlike those models, however, the longitudinal GoM model was designed for easy and direct application to existing longitudinal data sets. The measurement space in the NLTCS application included from one to four sets of repeated measures for each survey respondent on 95 independent variables characterizing the nature and intensity of limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), physical functioning, and cognitive functioning, as well as indicators of behavioral characteristics, medical conditions, subjective health, age, race, sex, institutional status, and survival status. The application showed that the model can be fitted to existing data and that the results were interpretable as generalizations of fixed frailty with linearly declining vitality.
Early Growth of Muskmelon in Mulched Minitunnels Containing a Thermal Water Tube. II. Air, Soil, and Water Tube Temperatures and Vegetative Growth

Field experiments were conducted during 1997, 1998, and 1999 to determine effects of 10 combinations of mulched minitunnel and thermal water tube on air, soil, and water-tube temperatures and on vegetative growth of 'Earligold' netted muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. Reticulatus Group) within the tunnels. Use of mulched minitunnels significantly increased air, soil and water temperatures during the preanthesis phase in all years compared with control treatments. Inclusion of water tubes and venting the tunnels decreased air temperature fluctuations in the tunnels. During the first 10 to 15 days after transplanting, plants grown in nonperforated tunnels had higher relative growth rates (RGRs), net assimilation rates (NARs), and dry weights (DWs) than those grown under perforated tunnels and control plots. Plants in tunnels containing thermal water tubes generally had higher RGRs, NARs, and DWs than those without tubes. During the later part of the experiment, from 11 to 16 days after transplanting until anthesis, however, there were no consistent effects of mulched minitunnels on RGR, NAR, and plant DW. Tunneled muskmelons had significantly higher RGRs, but generally lower NARs than those grown without tunnel. Use of mulched minitunnels significantly increased plant DW at anthesis in 1997, but not in 1998 and 1999. Plants grown in the minitunnels containing a thermal water tube generally had higher RGRs, NARs, and DWs than those without water tubes. Ventilating nonperforated tunnels generally increased RGR, NAR, and plant DW. Plants grown in the tunnels reached anthesis 10 days earlier than those without tunnels.