Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of liveweight and pasture height on cattle bite dimensions during progressive defoliation

Five experiments each with a different forage species (wheat, oats, forage sorghum, millet, and lucerne) were performed to determine the effects of cattle liveweight and pasture height, created by progressive defoliation, on bite dimensions and bite weight. In each experiment, 3 levels of liveweight and 3 levels of initial sward heights were used. Sward height had a positive effect on bite depth and bite area, although the effect on bite weight differed among forage species. In general, the effect of liveweight on bite dimensions was not significant. It is concluded that bite area and bite weight are determined principally by pasture structure (e.g. height and bulk density) rather than by mouth dimensions. According to our results, when forage intake or ingestive behaviour are to be explained, pasture measurements should describe successive horizons equal to 50% of pasture height to reflect the bite depth measured in cattle. Also, the results indicate that lighter animals could get a nutritional advantage since they may achieve a relative high bite weight per kg liveweight.
Molecular fingerprinting methods for studies involving oral Candida albicans

OBJECTIVE: This review was aimed to discuss the literature concerning the fingerprint methods for epidemiological studies of oral-borne Candida albicans. DISCUSSION: Interest in obtaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics and evolution of Candida albicans has led to the development of innumerable investigations. These studies have employed fingerprinting systems, such as multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, electrophoretic karyotyping, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, and restriction length fragment polymorphism, with and without hybridization. The efficacy of these systems has been examined at different levels of discrimination. A validation strategy has been delineated which compares two or more unrelated methods. Moreover, the different fingerprinting patterns produced could be registered in database programs and submitted to comparison with parameters of the host and characteristics of the pathogen. These procedures permit urrent and retrospective comparison of a selection of clinical and epidemiologically important strains, which could show one or several characteristics of the host or pathogen. Additionally, the sum of this growing amount of information could contribute even more to the understanding of the dynamics of infectious organisms in human populations, the complex relationship between commensalism and infection, and genetic and evolutionary mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple molecular systems are available for studies involving C. albicans. This growing amount of information contributes to the understanding of the dynamics of this fungus in human populations.
Understanding Sex Differences in Parental Effort in a Migratory Songbird: Examining a Sex-Specific Trade-Off between Reproduction And Molt

Abstract. Migratory birds are expected to experience a trade-off between reproductive effort, the timing and pace of molt, and initiation of fall migration. The purpose of this study was to investigate if males and females of a songbird that migrates to the neotropics, the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), experience a trade-off between parental care and the timing of molt. We determined the relative contribution of males and females in feeding young, assessed how reproductive effort influenced timing of molt, and tested the prediction that the sex provisioning nestlings at the higher rate should molt later. Males fed significantly more than females throughout the breeding period, and males with higher feeding rates had greater nesting success. Males compensated for females' reduced provisioning rate at late nests, and females initiated molt earlier than males. We found a significant negative relationship between the timing of molt and the number of young fledged per season. Males that began molt earlier than females and late-molting males also increased their pace of molt. For males, the cost of reduced parental care is likely higher than the benefit of earlier molt, but delayed onset of molt is partially mitigated via a faster pace of feather growth.
Root Initiation in Cuttings of Pinus radiata Seedlings II. GROWTH REGULATOR INTERACTIONS

Effects of exogenous growth regulators are related to the histological events in adventitious root initiation in hypocotyls of Pinus radiata D. Don. Indolebutyric acid (IBA) is required both for the pre-initiative and post-initiative phases in root development. Kinetin has a marked inhibitory effect over the pre-initiative phase, with escape from inhibition following establishment of meristemoids. Gibberellie acid (GA3) has three distinct effects depending on time of application. While inhibitory during the pre-initiative phase, it strongly enhances rooting if applied at a time coincident with the first observable stage of root initiation. If applied following establishment of meristemoids, GA3 inhibits root formation.
EFFECT OF SODIUM CHLORIDE SALINITY ON SEED GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING GROWTH OF TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM L. VAR. PEB

Triginella foenum-graecum, is commonly known as methi or fenugreek. It is a cool season crop, cultivated for its leaves and seeds. Salinity exists naturally in arid and semiarid regions of the world. Under saline conditions, crop yield is reduced hampering agricultural productivity. The effect of different salinity levels on germination and early seedling growth of Triginella foenum-graecum were studied. Seeds were placed for germination and the seedlings were allowed to grow for seven days at different levels of NaCl salinity (0mM to 100mM). Though the lower concentrations of NaCl (upto 40mM) did not affect percentage germination, the germination was found to be delayed. At higher salinity levels, inhibitory effect on germination was recorded to an extent that seeds did not germinate at 80mM and above concentrations of NaCl. Gradual decrease in root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight of the seedlings was observed with increasing concentrations of NaCl in the growth medium.
Carbon sequestration and stoichiometry of motile and nonmotile green algae

Actively motile, flagellated phytoplankton taxa often exploit vertical gradients in the availability of light and nutrients. The ability to move actively usually goes along with low investment in structural carbon components and should entail costs in terms of increased energy expenditure. This should be reflected in higher metabolic rates and higher light requirements for growth and, consequently, in lower light‐dependent specific production rates, carrying capacities, and carbon‐to‐phosphorus (C : P) ratios (during phosphorus limitation) of flagellated compared to nonmotile taxa. Laboratory experiments with four flagellated and five nonmotile species of green algae, performed over a light gradient, corroborated these expectations. Parameter fits to short‐term production‐irradiance measurements suggest that flagellated taxa had higher respiration rates and higher light requirements for growth than nonmotile taxa. Accordingly, both short‐term photosynthetic rates and longer‐term (14 d) biomass accrual were lower for flagellated than for nonmotile taxa. While most of the variance in algal C: P ratios was explained by species‐specific effects, there was also a tendency for algal C: P ratios to be lower in flagellated that in nonmotile taxa. Collectively, these results point at significant costs of motility, which may explain why flagellated taxa are often outcompeted by nonmotile taxa in turbulently mixed environments, where active motility is of little use.
Assessment of genetic diversity in brinjal genotypes using multivariate analysis.

Genetic divergence of germplasm was studied for 35 brinjal genotypes. The first principal component largely accounted for the variation among the brinjal genotypes (29.90%) followed by second principal component (20.35%) and third (20.08%). The first three principal components accounted (70.33%) of the total variation among eight characters describing 35 genotypes, while the first two accounted (50.25%). The traits which contributed more positively to PC1 were fruit weight, fruit width and yield per plant, while remaining traits in this PC1 did not contributed rather their effects were distributed among other PCs. The genotypes in the PC1 were more likely to be associated with higher fruit weight, fruit width and fruit yield whereas the genotypes with higher plant height, plant spread and number of primary branches were contributing to PC2. Based on the cluster means the important cluster was Cluster I for fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width and yield per plant. Cluster II for plant height, plant spread, and number of primary branches. Cluster III for number of fruit per plant. The maximum inter-cluster distances were recorded between the cluster I and II (278.26) followed by the distance between I and V (245.32) may be uses for hybridization. The lowest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (35.26) followed by III and V (45.75) suggesting a close relationship among these three clusters.
Morphallaxis in an epimorphic system: size, growth control and pattern formation during amphibian limb regeneration

An essential component of most theories of pattern formation in epimorphic systems is that growth and pattern formation are strictly linked. Furthermore it has been assumed that epimorphic systems display size dependence, i.e. the pattern elements are always of a fixed size. These assumptions are challenged in the work described here on amphibian limb regeneration. The sizes of elements regenerating from small and large limbs and from normal and partially denervated limbs have been measured along with a detailed study of their subsequent growth stages. It is shown that the size of elements within one group of animals is remarkably constant even though their final, adult size is very different. But between groups of animals (large versus small or normal versus partially denervated) their sizes vary considerably. Therefore this classical epimorphic system is not size dependent, calling for a revision of current theoretical concepts. The similarities between this type of behaviour and that in morphallactic systems is discussed as well as similarities with growth control in limb development.
Safety of Malaysian marine endophytic fungal extract S2 from a brown seaweed Turbinaria conoides

Objective: To evaluate the in vivo acute toxicity and antioxidant activity of the marine endophytic fungus extract S2 isolated from Turbinaria conoides. Methods: Two doses (100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) of the S2 extract were administered to rats orally for acute toxicity and antioxidant test. The body weight, relative weight of six organs, haematological, biochemical and antioxidant properties were investigated on Day 14. Results: A single oral dose treatment did not cause any mortality or observable adverse effects in rats. No significant variations in the body and organ weights between the control and the treated groups were observed. Heamatological analysis and clinical blood chemistry also did not reveal any toxic effects of the extract. The total white blood cell count and haemoglobin levels were increased. The levels of total serum cholesterol in males treated with 100 and 400 mg/kg were significantly (P<0.05) decreased (1.28 and 1.34 mmol/L respectively) compared to control (1.55 mmol/L) rats. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed. This study showed strong evidence of the non-toxic effects of S2 extract. Furthermore the extract exhibited significant (P<0.05) antioxidant activity through increased levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes in serum, liver and kidney. Conclusions: The research findings from the present study showed the potential of marine natural products particularly in Malaysia as a source of bioactive compounds. Marine endophytic fungi as a potential source of anticancer drugs with great potential as they are potent yet safe, thus deserving further extensive investigation.
Respuesta funcional de diferentes instares larvales de Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) sobre ninfas de Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Homoptera: Psyllidae)

Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Homoptera: Psyllidae) es una plaga importante de solanaceas en Mexico; para su control, la utilizacion de plaguicidas es el principal metodo, por lo que el uso de enemigos naturales bajo un sistema de manejo integrado, ha sido poco utilizado. Tal es el caso de Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), agente de control biologico reportado para esta plaga; sin embargo, se carece de estudios para conocer su potencial. El objetivo del presente trabajo consistio en determinar el tipo y los parametros de respuesta funcional de C. carnea sobre ninfas de B. cockerelli. El analisis de regresion logistica revelo que la respuesta funcional de los tres instares larvales de C. carnea sobre ninfas de B. cockerelli fue de tipo II. Los tres instares consumieron ninfas de B. cockerelli, sin embargo el tercer instar tuvo mayor consumo, menor tiempo de manipuleo y mayor coeficiente de ataque. Estos resultados demostraron que C. carnea fue voraz y su capacidad depredadora esta en funcion de su estado de desarrollo. El tercer instar revelo altas posibilidades para reducir las poblaciones de esta plaga, lo que sugiere que puede ser incluido en sistemas de manejo integrado de plagas basados en el control biologico aumentativo.
CAMBIOS EN LA COMPOSICIÓN DE LÍQUENES EPÍFITOS RELACIONADOS CON LA CALIDAD DEL AIRE EN LA CIUDAD DE LOJA (ECUADOR)

A pesar de que la contaminacion del aire constituye uno de los principales problemas en la ciudad de Loja, actualmente no existe una estrategia para monitorear las emisiones de contaminantes. Los liquenes epifitos han sido ampliamente utilizados como bioindicadores de la contaminacion atmosferica, debido a que obtienen la mayor parte de nutrientes del aire, lo que los hace muy sensibles a los cambios derivados de la contaminacion. Se evaluo la calidad del aire en siete parques de la ciudad, donde se registro la presencia y cobertura de liquenes epifitos sobre arboles de Salix humboldtiana . Se determinaron los niveles de contaminacion con el Indice de Pureza Atmosferica (IPA) y se establecieron diferencias en la composicion de especies de los parques mediante analisis de escalamiento multidimensional no metrico (NMDS) y PERMANOVA. Nuestros resultados mostraron la existencia de una mayor calidad ambiental en las zonas norte y sur de la ciudad, mientras que se observa un patron contrario para los parques ubicados en la zona central de la urbe, muy relacionados con un aumento de trafico vehicular. Las comunidades de liquenes epifitos resultaron ser excelentes indicadores biologicos para detectar la contaminacion del aire en la ciudad.
New Zealand species of Fungitarsonemus Cromroy (Acari: Tarsonemidae)

Abstract New Zealand Fungitarsonemus Cromroy (Acari: Tarsonemidae) comprises four species: F. kawakawa sp. nov. from Macropiper excelsum at Levin; F. tawa sp. nov. from Ripogonum scandens at Tawa, Wellington; F. kohia sp. nov. from Passiflora tetrandra at Levin, and F. kerikeri sp. nov. from Citrus limon leaves at Purerua, Kerikeri. Keys to world species of Fungitarsonemus are provided.
Strategy for combining heat treatment, calcium infiltration, and biological control to reduce postharvest decay of 'gala' apples

The viability of Penicillium expansum Link conidia in sporulating culture declined rapidly when exposed to 38 °C, and when conidia were exposed to 38 °C prior to inoculation of apple fruits ( Malus ×domestica Borkh.), the resulting lesions were smaller than those on fruit inoculated with nonheated conidia. 'Gala' apples were heated after harvest (38 °C for 4 days), pressure infiltrated with a 2% solution of CaCl 2, or treated with the antagonist Pseudomonas syringae van Hall, alone or in combinations to reduce postharvest decay caused by Penicillium expansum. After up to 6 months in storage at 1 °C, no decay lesions developed on fruit that were heated after inoculation with P. expansum, or any combination of P. expansum, antagonist, or Ca. Parallel lots of heat-treated and nonheated fruit that were either infiltrated or not infiltrated with Ca were stored up to 6 months. They were then inoculated with P. expansum alone, or with the antagonist followed by P. expansum. Prior heat treatment did not influence lesion size. Calcium alone, the antagonist alone, and heat plus Ca all reduced the incidence of decay by ≈25%, whereas heat plus the antagonist reduced it by 70%. Calcium plus the antagonist or Ca plus the antagonist and heat reduced decay incidence by 89% and 91%, respectively. The inte- grated strategy of heat-treating fruit, followed by Ca infiltration and then treatment with an antagonist, may be a useful alternative to controlling postharvest decay with fungicides.
Information value of the infectious diseases outbreak on biotechnology

Statutory infectious diseases breakout not only affects people's health and lives, but also stagnates the economic growth. However, in order to prevent or strain infectious diseases, the prevalence of infectious diseases also provides the development opportunities of biotechnology corporations. The impact of substantial diseases to stock prices had been investigated in previous literature. The effect of the statutory infectious diseases outbreak on Taiwanese biotechnology stock price movements is examined in this paper by using an event study. After observing nearly 10 years of major statutory infectious diseases in Taiwan, sample events include ENTEROVIRUS 71 in 1998, DENGUE FEVER in 2002, SARS in 2003 and H1N1 in 2009. There are 39 observations and the event periods are 15 trading days following the first confirmed case respectively. The empirical results point out that there exists a significantly positive abnormal return of Taiwan's biotechnology industry because of the statutory infectious epidemic. Key words: Biotechnology industry, infectious diseases, event study, abnormal returns.
Forelimb bone growth and mineral maturation as potential indices of skeletal maturity in sheep

The aim of this study was to characterise the allometric growth and bone mineral maturation of forelimb bones in sheep throughout the growth phase. Forelimb bones (scapula to proximal phalanx) were measured in 84 Merino sheep from similar genetic stock of approximately 12, 32, 64, 84, 116, and 168 weeks of age, with approximately equal numbers of wethers and ewes in each age cohort (n = 14). Sheep were selected for divergence of size, body weight, and condition, in order that the effects of age and body size could be assessed independently. Bone magnesium was measured in the metacarpal and humerus. Results demonstrate the highly coordinated, allometric nature of linear bone growth within the ovine forelimb, though allometric growth patterns differed from those previously published for bone weights. We propose that estimates of maturity proportion (M) based on relative limb bone length or limb proportions may present significant advantages over weight- or composition-based maturity indices, or qualitative variables such as dental eruption or USDA-type maturity scores. Sex differences in growth gradients were minimal, although the higher variability and greater gender divergence of metacarpal bone length casts doubt on the use of its growth plate (breakjoint) to indicate maturity. Bone magnesium content was found to decrease rapidly during the growth period and may represent a useful independent estimate of physiological maturity.
Phylogeography of co-distributed dune scorpions identifies the Amu Darya River as a long-standing component of Central Asian biogeography

Abstract Although only distantly related, Anomalobuthus and Liobuthus are monotypic and sympatric scorpion genera with psammophilic phenotypes well-suited to the dune communities of the Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts of Central Asia. We predicted that this unique combination of phenotypic convergence and sympatry should have resulted in shared phylogeographic histories. We tested this hypothesis by using mitochondrial DNA data and molecular dating techniques to reconstruct the matrilineal genealogies of A. rickmersi and L. kessleri. We also developed current and late-glacial species distribution models and landscape interpolations of genetic distances to assess the influence of historical barriers and Pleistocene climates on the phylogeography of each species. Both genera exhibited signals of restricted gene flow across the Amu Darya River, supporting our prediction of mutual histories. Levels of initial genetic differentiation within each genus date to the Late Miocene to late Pliocene. Distribution models indicate that suitable habitat may have fragmented during the Pleistocene, generally in an east-west orientation. Although the observed genetic differentiation at the Amu Darya River could be a coincidental product of lineage sorting, the fact that both species display this pattern suggests that the river has been an important biogeographic element in the development of Central Asian biotas.
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Yield Attributing Characters in Two Varieties of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Seeds of two varieties of Pisum sativum, P. sativum var. hortense (garden pea) and var. arvense (field pea) were subjected to different doses of gamma irradiation to evaluate the effect on yield attributing characters. The effect of mutagen was studied with regard to percent germination, plant height, maturation period, number of branches, and number of flowers per plant, number of pods per plant, pod size, number of seeds per pod and per plant, weight of 100 dried seeds, and number of seeds per 100 grm. Data recorded from the population raised exhibited significant variability in different characters. Most of the physiological parameters viz. percent germination, maturation period and number of flowers showed dose dependent decrease in irradiated plants. Lower doses of gamma irradiation had stimulatory effect on yield attributing parameters such as number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, and pod size, in both the varieties. P. sativum var. arvense (leafy) was found to be high yielding than var. hortense (leafless) and the genotype of first variety was observed to be more sensitive to gamma irradiation than the latter. Pisum sativum, gamma irradiation, yield, sensitivity, mutagens, genotype