Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of HTLV-II Isolate NRA: Comparison of Envelope Sequence Variation of HTLV-II Isolates from U.S. Blood Donors and U.S. and Italian IV Drug Users

Abstract The entire nucleotide sequence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) from a previously described isolate of patient NRA (HTLV-II NRA ) was determined. Clones encoding the 5′ LTR and gag, pol, env and tax/rex open reading frames were subcloned and sequenced on both strands. The provirus consisted of 8957 nucleotides and showed 95.2% homology with the HTLV-II Mo prototype at the nucleotide level. Less than 5% amino acid variation between HTLV-II NRA and HTLV-II Mo was observed for coding regions. Although isolate HTLV-II NRA had an additional 25 amino acids at the 3′ end of the tax/rex, this region was 96% homologous with the 5′ end of HTLV-II Mo 3′ LTR. To further investigate HTLV-II variability, a portion of the env gp46 gene derived from 9 HTLV-II infected persons was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Sequenced was obtained for 320 nucleotides corresponding to HTLV-II Mo position 5291 to 5610. Isolates similar to the HTLV-II Mo and HTLV-II NRA prototypes were identified, and sequences were highly conserved.
SEMI-ARTIFICIAL REARING OF THE LARVAE OF ANASTREPHA OBLIQUA (DIPTERA : TEPHRITIDAE) IN MANAUS, AMAZONAS-BRAZIL

Larvae of the West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), were successfully reared on a meridic diet of: agar, wheat flour, sucrose, nipagin, antibiotic, sodium benzoate, yeast, water and different amounts from 10 to 50 percent of powdered dehydrated araca-boi (Eugenia stipitata) (Myrtaceae). For each evaluated diet, 100 larvae were reared. Anastrepha obliqua F1 were successfully reared. The meridic diets with 20 to 40 percent of powdered dehydrated araca-boi were observed to provide the optimum growth medium for larval development. Under these conditions, 38% of the larvae completed development at 26 1C, 88 6% RH, and a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D). The average life cycle was 43.3 days (eggs, 4 days, larvae, 26.3 days, pupae, 13 days). These results provide a basis for rearing A. obliqua in semi-artificial conditions. However more studies are needed to better understand pupal humidity requirements.
IFN-β Inhibits T Cell Activation Capacity of Central Nervous System APCs1

We have previously investigated the physiological effects of IFN-β on chronic CNS inflammation and shown that IFN-β−/− mice develop a more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis than their IFN-β+/− littermates. This result was shown to be associated with a higher activation state of the glial cells and a higher T cell cytokine production in the CNS. Because this state suggested a down-regulatory effect of IFN-β on CNS-specific APCs, these results were investigated further. We report that IFN-β pretreatment of astrocytes and microglia (glial cells) indeed down-modulate their capacity to activate autoreactive Th1 cells. First, we investigated the intrinsic ability of glial cells as APCs and report that glial cells prevent autoreactive Th1 cells expansion while maintaining Ag-specific T cell effector functions. However, when the glial cells are treated with IFN-β before coculture with T cells, the effector functions of T cells are impaired as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and NO productions are decreased. Induction of the T cell activation marker, CD25 is also reduced. This suppression of T cell response is cell-cell dependent, but it is not dependent on a decrease in glial expression of MHC class II or costimulatory molecules. We propose that IFN-β might exert its beneficial effects mainly by reducing the Ag-presenting capacity of CNS-specific APCs, which in turn inhibits the effector functions of encephalitogenic T cells. This affect is of importance because activation of encephalitogenic T cells within the CNS is a prerequisite for the development of a chronic progressive CNS inflammation.
The seasonal course of frost resistance in some New Zealand pteridophytes

Abstract The frost resistance of fronds or pinnae of three native ferns (Blechnum penna-marina, Phymatosorus diversifolius, Polystichum vestitum), one introduced fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), and one introduced club-moss (Selaginella kraussiana), grown at low altitude in Dunedin, was examined over a 13-month period. Vegetative material of all species except Dryopteris showed similar patterns with little annual fluctuation and a maximum frost resistance of between −5°C and −7°C attained towards the end of winter. Fertile fronds of Blechnum and cones of Selaginella showed less resistance than their vegetative parts. Dryopteris showed marked winter hardening (to -11°C that was significantly associated with low temperatures. In contrast the other species showed a gradual increase in resistance as the season progressed and the leaves matured (which was not obviously associated with any of the major fluctuations in temperature and daylength), although low resistance in fronds of Blechnum and pinnae of Polystichu.
Relationships among Richards Growth Curve Parameters, Reproductive and Milk Production Traits in Brown Swiss Cattle

Abstract Bayram, B. , Yanar, M. and Akbulut, Ö. 2004. Relationships among Richards growth curve parameters, reproductive and milk production traits in Brown Swiss cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 26: 29–32. Weight-age data from 207 Brown Swiss cows from birth to 72 months of age located in the eastern region of Turkey were fitted to Richards function to determine the relationship between growth curve parameters and reproduction as well as milk production traits. Parameter estimates from Richards growth model were perfectly correlated to each other. Additionally, mature weight (A) estimated from Richards function was significantly related with body weight at first calving (r=0.301), first calving age (r =0.171) and birth weight of calves (r-0.348). Maturation rate (k) was also significantly associated with first calving age (r=0.358) and calving interval (r=0.202). However, parameters of Richards growth model were not significantly correlated with milk production characteristics. There was only a positive phenotypic correlation (r=0.249) between A value and lactation length.
Factors influencing integrated reporting practices among Malaysian public listed real property companies: a sustainable development effort

This study examines the integrated reporting practices among the public listed real property companies in Malaysia. Specifically, this study examines the level of integrated reporting disclosure and subsequently, the effect of firm structure, firm performance and market structure in influencing integrated reporting disclosure among the Malaysian public listed real property companies. Using content analysis, this study shows that although the level of integrated reporting disclosure among the real property companies has increased over time, their level of integrated reporting practices is still low. This study also shows that only company size and audit firm size significantly influence the level of integrated reporting practices among the real property companies in Malaysia. Leverage, returns on asset, returns on equity and liquidity show no significant association with the level of integrated reporting disclosure. These findings would be of interest to the policy makers and regulators on strategising ways in improving integrated reporting practices.
Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Equisetum arvense L.

Equisetum arvense L. is known as Horsetail. E. arvense extracts are important areas in drug development with numerous pharmacological activities in many countries. For a long time, E. arvense has been used in traditional medicines for the treatment of brittle fingernails, loss of hair and for rheumatic diseases. E. arvense has recently been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, cytotoxic and anticonvulsant activities. Apigenin, luteolin, equisetumoside A, equisetumoside B and equisetumoside C, nicotine, palustrine and palustrinine are phytochemical compounds which are reported from this plant. Due to the easy collection of the plant and being widespread and also remarkable biological activities, this plant has become medicine in many countries. This article presents comprehensive analyzed information on the botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of E. arvense. Key words: Equisetum arvense, Equisetaceae, pharmacology, phytochemistry.
Growth of Streptomyces Isolates from Four Soils in Morogoro, Tanzania, Under Culture-Media pH Conditions Other Than Their Original Environmental pH

A study was conducted to assess the ability of Streptomyces isolates to grow under pH conditions other than their original environmental pH. The study involved isolation of Streptomyces from soils in four different locations in the Magadu area, Morogoro, Tanzania. The Streptomyces were isolated using the starch-case in agar medium and subsequently grown under different simulated pH conditions, both buffered and unbuffered, in the oat-meal medium. The results of the isolation revealed that the soils had a diversity of Streptomyces isolates, growth of each of which was favoured by particular pH conditions. For the soils with an original pH of 5.0 the growth of two cultures increased and one seemed to show a peak growth when the pH was decreased to 4.5. Others did not show much change in growth. The soils which had a pH of 6.3 had three cultures whose growth was improved when pH was increased beyond pH 6.3. Others were almost unchanged. Almost all cultures from soils of pH 7.0 had their growth decreased when pH of the growth medium was increased pH 7.0. The Streptomyces isolates from soils with an original pH of 8.1 showed little change in growth as pH was altered. The colors of the mature colonies that formed when the Streptomyces were grown at various pH levels were cream, white, blue, gray, brown and red, with the cream color being the dominant one. When results of growth of Streptomyces on an unbuffered medium were compared to that on buffered medium, there was generally poor growth of Streptomyces with the latter medium. It was concluded that these Streptomyces which would grow at the buffered pH levels were those that were adapted to those pH conditions. However the unbuffered medium could allow the development of micro-sites with different pH and wider range of pH values conducive to growth of a wider variety of strains. Keywords : Streptomyces , unbuffered medium, buffered medium, simulated soil pH, Morogoro, Tanzania
LOCAL VARIATION IN CEREAL APHID FLIGHT ACTIVITY IN CANTERBURY

Autumn-winter flight activity of aphids, vectors of barley and cereal YDV, measured in 7.5 m high suction traps, was compared from four sites in Canterbury between 1997–2003. For weekly trap catches, the relationship between traps was usually poor (R 2 0.75) when combining weekly into monthly, seasonal (April-July), and winter (June-July only) values, except for the monthly comparisons with Hilton (R 2 <0.54). In general, suction trap catches at Hilton were most dissimilar from other traps. Courtenay and Rokeby were the most similar. Internet usage in 2003 indicated that users were least interested in the Courtenay trap data. This analysis suggests that not all suction traps are needed to provide useful information to cereal farmers. However, the utility of a particular trap is also influenced by its use for other aphid pest/crop combinations.
Use of Imazethapyr in Water-Seeded Imidazolinone-Tolerant Rice (Oryza sativa)1

Abstract: A study was established to evaluate weed control and crop response of imidazolinone-tolerant (IMI-tolerant) rice in water-seeded culture with imazethapyr at 70, 105, and 140 g ai/ha at four different soil application timings with or without 70 g/ha imazethapyr postemergence (POST). Application timings included preplant incorporated (PPI), surface application prior to seeding (SURFACE), following seeding (SEED), and at pegging (PEG). The PEG treatments were applied when green leaf tissue had emerged from the seed and the root had begun to extend downward into the soil. Response of barnyardgrass, red rice, and rice injury was not affected by the addition of an imazethapyr POST application. Barnyardgrass control was above 90% at 28 d after treatment (DAT) for both years. At 42 DAT, barnyardgrass control decreased to 88% in 1998, compared with 94% control in 1999. Averaged over years, Indian jointvetch control ranged from 44 to 74% at 28 DAT and 41 to 71% at 42 DAT. Indian jointvetch control was inconsistent and lacked uniformity over all factors. Rice injury increased as application timing was delayed from PPI to PEG in 1998 at both rating dates. In 1999, injury was not observed with imazethapyr at 28 DAT, and 1% injury was observed at 42 DAT with all imazethapyr application timings. Nomenclature: Imazethapyr; Barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. #3 ECHCG; Indian jointvetch, Aeschynomene indica L. # AESIN; rice Oryza sativa L, ‘93 AS-3510’. Additional index words: ALS, acetolactate synthase, Clearfield rice, soil-applied herbicide. Abbreviations: ALS, acetolactate synthase (E.C. 4.1.3.18); DAT, d after POST treatment; IMI-tolerant, imidazolinone-tolerant; PEG, pegging; POST, postemergence; PPI, preplant incorporated; PRE, preemergence; SEED, following seeding; SURFACE, surface application prior to seeding.
Long‐distance wolf recolonization of France and Switzerland inferred from non‐invasive genetic sampling over a period of 10 years

In the early 1900s, the wolf (Canis lupus) was extirpated from France and Switzerland. There is growing evidence that the species is presently recolonizing these countries in the western Alps. By sequencing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region of various samples mainly collected in the field (scats, hairs, regurgitates, blood or tissue; n= 292), we could (1) develop a non‐invasive method enabling the unambiguous attribution of these samples to wolf, fox (Vulpes vulpes) or dog (Canis familiaris), among others; (2) demonstrate that Italian, French and Swiss wolves share the same mtDNA haplotype, a haplotype that has never been found in any other wolf population world‐wide. Combined together, field and genetic data collected over 10 years corroborate the scenario of a natural expansion of wolves from the Italian source population. Furthermore, such a genetic approach is of conservation significance, since it has important consequences for management decisions. This first long‐term report using non‐invasive sampling demonstrates that long‐distance dispersers are common, supporting the hypothesis that individuals may often attempt to colonize far from their native pack, even in the absence of suitable corridors across habitats characterized by intense human activities.
Stomach contents of a megamouth shark Megachasma pelagios from the Kuroshio Extension: evidence for feeding on a euphausiid swarm

More than 50 specimens of the megamouth shark Megachasma pelagios have been reported so far, but biological obser- vations on the species are still limited. We examined a female megamouth specimen that was captured by the bonito purse seine fishery in the Kuroshio Extension in July 2007 and donated to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The specimen was an immature female, 3,667 mm in total length and 361 kg in weight. The stomach contents measured 2,200 mL excluding the portion that was lost from the specimen before measurement. Detailed examination of a small part (14.6 mL) of the stomach contents revealed un- damaged worm-like organisms, 10 partially damaged euphausiids and abundant fragmented pieces of euphausiids. The worm-like organisms were probably parasites such as tapeworms. The partially damaged euphausiids were identified as Euphausia pacifica except for one individual of Nematoscelis difficilis. Based on the number of fragmented right mandibles, which were less damaged than the other fragmented appendages, the total number of euphausiids in the stomach contents is estimated to be at least 18,000 in- dividuals. The high abundance of euphausiids in the stomach contents suggests that the present specimen has fed on a swarm of E. pacifica in an oceanic area.
Systemic elevation of phosphatidic acid and lysophospholipid levels in wounded plants

Summary Plants develop systemic defense responses upon exposure to pathogens or wounding by herbivores. Lipids and lipid metabolites have previously been implicated in induction of defense molecules during plant responses to physical wounding. Possible involvement of changes in lipid composition in systemic wound signal transduction was examined in leaves of seedlings of several different plant species. In the wounded tomato leaf, phosphatidic acid increased approximately fourfold within 5 min whereas lysophosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine increased over twofold within 15 min of wounding. Similar changes in these lipids were observed in the neighboring non-wounded leaf. In broad bean, soybean, sunflower and pepper seedlings phosphatidic acid levels increased rapidly and systemically upon wounding. The results suggest that the role of phospholipid hydrolysis and accumulation of lipid metabolites in the early events are responsible for systemic wound signal transduction in plants. Furthermore, they indicate that the wound signal propagates outside the wounded leaf within 5 min in these plants.
Soil carbon stocks and changes after oil palm introduction in the Brazilian Amazon

As oil palm has been considered one of the most favorable oilseeds for biodiesel production in Brazil, it is important to understand how cultivation of this perennial crop will affect the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the long term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in soil C stocks after the conversion of forest and pasture into oil palm production in the Amazon Region. Soil samples were collected in March 2008 and September 2009 in five areas: native forest (NARF), pasture cultivated for 55 years (PAST), and oil palm cultivated for 4 (OP‐4), 8 (OP‐8) and 25 years (OP‐25), respectively. Soils were sampled in March 2008 to evaluate the spatial variability of SOC and nitrogen (N) contents in relation to the spacing between trees. In September 2009, soils were sampled to evaluate the soil C stocks in the avenues (inter rows) and frond piles, and to compare the total C stocks with natural forest and pasture system. Soil C contents were 22–38% higher in the area nearest the oil palm base (0.6 m) than the average across the inter row (0–4.5 m from the tree), indicating that the increment in soil organic matter (SOM) must have been largely derived from root material. The soil C stocks under palm frond piles were 9–26% higher than in the inter rows, due to inputs of SOM by pruned palm fronds. The soil carbon stocks in oil palm areas, after adjustments for differences in bulk density and clay content across treatments, were 35–46% lower than pasture soil C stocks, but were 0–18% higher than the native forest soil C content. The results found here may be used to improve the life cycle assessment of biodiesel derived from palm oil.
Vertebrate intelligence: the null hypothesis

Human cognitive capacities have so evolved that man is able to solve an extensive range of problems having very different properties. Comparative psychologists have endeavoured to throw light on the evolution and nature of this general intellectual capacity by exploring performance of non-human vertebrates in a variety of learning tasks, in the expectation of demonstrating superior intelligence in species more closely related to man. It has, however, proved difficult to establish that any observed difference in performance is due to a difference in intellectual capacity rather than to a difference in such contextual variables as, for example, perception or motivation. Three hypotheses that might account for the lack of experimentally demonstrable differences in intelligence amongst non-humans are discussed. The first proposes that the data currently available may have been misinterpreted: that, for example, the potential role of contextual variables has been exaggerated. According to the second hypothesis, the questions posed by comparative psychologists have been inappropriate: learning mechanisms are adaptations evolved for life in a specific ecological niche, so that mechanisms available to species from different niches are not properly comparable. It is argued that neither of these two hypotheses receives convincing empirical support. A third hypothesis proposes that there are, in fact, neither quantitative nor qualitative differences among the intellects of non-human vertebrates. It is argued that this null hypothesis is currently to be preferred, and that man's intellectual superiority may be due solely to our possession of a species-specific language-acquisition device.
Experiments on the Nutrition of Zootermopsis. III. The Anaerobic Carbohydrate Dissimilation by the Intestinal Protozoa

The researches of Cleveland ('24), Trager ('32) and Hungate ('38) have established that the termite, Zooterrnopsis, is dependent upon its intestinal protozoa for the digestion of a large part of the carbohydrate material necessary to satisfy its energy requirements. Most of the carbohydrates (cellulose and hemicellulose) utilized in the termite are digested by the protozoa. Glucose, which has been shown to be the end product of this digestion (Trager, '32) has usually been postulated as the material liberated by the protozoa and absorbed by the termite (Trager, '34). Another hypothesis as to the nature of the materials liberated by the protozoa and absorbed by the termite is as follows: The protozoa in the alimentary tract digest the carbohydrates of wood to glucose (other simple sugars may also result) and then utilize the glucose in an anaerobic metabolism. The products of this metabolism are absorbed by the termite and further oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. The large size of the damp-wood termites, Zootermopsis nevadensis and Z. awgutsticollis, and the profusion with which the protozoa occur in them have made it feasible to obtain enough of the intestinal protozoa so that the above hypothesis could be tested by a study of their carbohydrate metabolism. Termites were collected in the vicinity of Pacific Grove, California, taken to the laboratory, and their gut contents utilized for most of the following experiments. For some experiments termites maintained in laboratory cultures at Austin, Texas, were used. For the use of space and equipment in the microbiology laboratory of the Hopkins Marine Station and for many helpful suggestions the author is deeply indebted to Dr. C. B. van Niel.
Growth Characteristics of Two Populations of Pinus rigida Mill. from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey

The Outer Coastal Plain of New Jersey is largely dominated by pitch pine (Pinus rigida) forests. Most of the area supports trees of normal stature (Barrens) but fairly extensive areas of pygmy forest (Plains) also are present. We compared germination and growth charac- teristics of two populations representing these types. Seeds derived from trees of the contrasting forms were grown under greenhouse-nursery and phytotron conditions for periods up to 51/, yr. Height, growth form, and biomass comparisons were made. Significant height differences were found in both studies while significant biomass differences were found primarily in the greenhouse-nursery study. Where significant differences existed, Plains progeny were shorter and lighter than their Barrens counterparts. Height and biomass differences were greater in older plants but statistical differences were present in seedlings < 1 yr old. Plains progeny also included a larger percentage of poor, shrubby growth forms and were markedly more precocious in regard to cone production. We conclude that inherent characteristics of Plains trees, whether physiological or genetic, contribute in part to the stunted nature of the Plains.