Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic studies of eucalypts: fossils, morphology and genomes

The eucalypt group includes seven genera: Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora, Eucalyptopsis, Stockwellia, Allosyncarpia and Arillastrum. Knowledge of eucalypt phylogeny underpins classification of the group, and facilitates understanding of their ecology, conservation and economic use, as well as providing insight into the history of Australia’s flora. Studies of fossils and phylogenetic analyses of morphological and molecular data have made substantial contributions to understanding of eucalypt relationships and biogeography, but relationships among some genera are still uncertain, and there is controversy about generic circumscription of the bloodwood eucalypts (genus Corymbia). Relationships at lower taxonomic levels, e.g. among sections and series of Eucalyptus, are also not well resolved. Recent advances in DNA sequencing methods offer the ability to obtain large genomic datasets that will enable improved understanding of eucalypt evolution.
Interactions between Air and Root Temperatures on Greenhouse Tomato: I. Growth, Development, and Yield

Greenhouse tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Vendor) were grown at 5 root temperatures (12°, 18°, 24°, 30°, and 36°C) and 4 night air temperatures (12°, 15°, 18°, and 21°) for 3 months. Low root and low night air temperatures contributed to high root dry weight. However, under warm soil temperature conditions (30° and 36°), roots were most efficient in sustaining shoot growth and in absorbing water as indicated by the percentage of shoot dry weight. Shoot growth was maximum at 15° night air temperature and 30° root temperature. High root temperatures are required at low night air temperature for maximum shoot growth. Maximum yields were obtained at a combination of 18° night air temperature and 24° root temperature. An increase in soil temperature partly offsets the detrimental effects of low night air temperatures.
Hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes in Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius Kessler, 1877) following exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos

Abstract The main objective of this study was to survey the acute and sublethal effect of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius). Toxicity tests were performed for the determination of 96 h median lethal concentration (96hLC50). For this purpose, nominal concentrations of CPF including 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mgL− 1. The 96hLC50 value of CPF was 0.026 mgL−1. The sublethal effect was determined on the basis of acute toxicity, hematological effects, biochemical plasma profile, behavioral and histopathological changes. The experimental group exposed to CPF at nominal concentration of 0.0026 mgL−1 (10% 96hLC50) for 30 days showed significant changes in hematological and biochemical profiles and caused histopathological changes in liver, gill and kidney. Based on these data, CPF is acute toxic for Caspian trout.
Phylogeny of Chinese Allium (Liliaceae) using PCR-RFLP analysis

Eighteen representative species were selected from all the nine sections of Chinese Allium on the basis of the classification of morphology and cytotaxonomy. The trnK and rpL 16 gene fragments of chloroplast DNA were amplified from 18 species by PCR method. The two cpDNA fragments were digested by 26 restriction enzymes, and 303 polymorphic restriction sites were found, of which 163 were informative. The restriction site data were analyzed with PAUP (version 3.1.1) and MEGA (version 1.01) as well as PHYLIP. As a result, the genus Allium could be classified into six subgenera. The recognition of Sect. Anguinum in the Flora of China is reasonable, Sect. Rhizirideum , Sect. Haplostemon and Sect. Cepa are not monophyletic. The infrageneric system of this genus was also discussed.
Exploring the future use of forests: perceptions from non-industrial private forest owners in Finland

ABSTRACT The transformation of the forest sector toward a bioeconomy calls for finding new sources of competitive advantage for the whole sector to retain its future viability. Non-industrial private forest owners are an important group of actors in the Finnish forest-based sector, as they supply 80% of industrial roundwood and control numerous other tangible and intangible forest-based ecosystem services. Our study analyzes forest owner views on the future use of forests in Finland, their perceptions on the evolving sectorial interlinkages and the position of the forest sector now and in the future bioeconomy. The data were collected in two phases: through telephone interviews of forest owners (n = 278) and four focus group (FG) discussions (n = 17), and were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The interviews showed that forest owners consider the highest potential for strengthening the sector toward bioeconomy to come from collaboration with energy and construction businesses. During the FG phase, we identified new possibilities founded on forest-based recreational services, cooperation with nature-based tourism and in increasing value-added wood products. In total, forest owners as a high-involvement group emphasized future value creation to be based upon forest ecosystem services and in diversifying the utilization of forests beyond the dominant raw material-driven mindset.
Agronomic evaluation of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) resistance in Italian durum wheat cultivars and screening of advanced lines MAS selected for FHB resistance

Для оцінки стійкості до фузаріозу колоса в 2009 році 41 сорт твердої та м’якої пшениці, переважно з Італії, пройшов сортовипробування у CIMMYT (Міжнародний центр поліпшення кукурудзи та пшениці). Крім того, виконано оцінку впливу одного з основ­них QTL стійкості до фузаріозу колоса ( Qfhs.ndsu-3BS QTL), вперше виявленого у китайського сорту пшениці м’якої ‘Sumai 3’, на хромосомі 3В, у 125 удосконалених ліній пшениці твердої BC4F6, отриманих шляхом схрещування з вихідним сортом пшениці м’якої ‘Sumai 3’ (68 ліній з ‘Sumai 3’ QTL та 57 ліній без цього QTL), були досліджені в однакових умовах штучного зараження. Для обох груп ділянки заражували під час цвітіння суспензією односпорових культур F. graminearum , підтримуючи вологість до 100%, щоб сприяти розвитку захворювання за допомогою системи дрібнодисперсного зволоження. Через тридцять днів після зараження підрахували кількість колосків, інфікованих F. graminearum , на колосі десяти рослин на кожній ділянці; пошкодження виразили показником зараження фузаріозом (кількість випадків ураження × ступінь ураження / 100, де ступінь ураження = кількість інфікованих колос­ків / загальна кількість випадків ураження × 100 та кількість інфікованого колосся / загальна кількість колос ­ся × 100). В обох випадках пізнє цвітіння було ключовим чинником, здатним обмежити ураженість хворобою. Попередні дані стосовно впливу Qfhs.ndsu-3BS QTL не виявили відмінності між двома групами вдосконалених ліній.
Effectiveness of Nicosulfuron and Primisulfuron on Wirestem Muhly (Muhlenbergia frondosa) in No-Till Corn (Zea mays)

Field experiments were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to evaluate wirestem muhly control in no-till corn with application of glyphosate, nicosulfuron, and primisulfuron. Glyphosate was applied preplant at 1.1 kg ai/ha. Nicosulfuron and primisulfuron were applied at 0.018, 0.036, and 0.072 kg ai/ha and 0.020, 0.040, and 0.080 kg ai/ha, respectively, at four postemergence timings that included a split application. Similar experiments were conducted with wirestem muhly grown from rhizomes and seed in the greenhouse. Glyphosate was the most effective herbicide in the greenhouse, providing at least 96% control. However, preplant application of glyphosate in the field was ineffective in controlling wirestem muhly. On average, nicosulfuron and primisulfuron never exceeded 72% control of wirestem muhly in the greenhouse or in the field. Nicosulfuron was generally more effective than primisulfuron. Control with split application timings was more uniform over a 12-wk period than single applications and late postemergence applications were often too slow acting to affect wirestem muhly growth. Although neither nicosulfuron nor primisulfuron controls wirestem muhly, both can provide suppression of this weed where other alternatives do not exist.
Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Phytochemical Contents of Indigenous Nigerian Softwoods

The phytochemical contents of some milled Nigerian softwood chips were carried out in a quest to evaluate their potentials as sources of alternative medicine as well as uses in other industrial applications. The qualitative and quantitative analysis were ascertained. Tannin was found in all the Nigerian softwoods examined with the highest quantities obtained in Sterculia oblonga (1240 mg/100 g) and Barteria nigritiana (1230 mg/100 g). Highest quantities of alkaloid were obtained in Cordia millenii (11.2%) and Sterculia oblonga (10.4%). Barteria nigritiana (14.2%) and Moringa oleifera (12.2%) recorded more flavonoid content than other individual softwoods. Saponin was more in Anogeissus leiocarpus (12.5%) and Dichrostachys cinerea (9.8%). Oxalate was found to be higher in Combretodendron macrocarpum (5.84 g/100 g) and Glyphaea brevis (3.55 g/100 g). Pentaclethra macrophylla (890 mg/100 g) and Moringa oleifera (880 mg/100 g) contained more cyanogenic glycosides. Sacoglottis gabonensis (4.68 mg/g) and Pentaclethra macrophylla (4.04 mg/g) showed the highest contents of phenol, while more lipids (8% and 7.2%) were found in Anogeissus leiocarpus and Kaempferia galanga, respectively. The results showed that these Nigerian softwoods grains could be a source for the exploitation of these phytochemicals beneficial in the pharmaceutical and alternative medicine industries.
Gonadal Maturation and Spawning of River Puffer Takifugu obscurus Indoor Cultured in Low Salinity

Monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of wild river puffer Takifugu obscurus, and water quality environment in spawning area during breeding season were investigated from March 1995 to February 1996. Monthly changes in GSI and HSI of T. obscurus, that was cultured in low salinity, were calculated. The external morphology of the gonads, germ cell differentiation during gametogenesis and the reproductive cycle with the gonad developmental phases were investigated by histological analysis. The optimum water quality environment in Ganggyung, Choongcheongnam-do, where is spawning ground of wild T. obscurus, was (water temperature) and 0 psu (salinity). Monthly changes in the GSI in females and males reached a maximum in May, and then rapidly decreased. Therefore, it is assumed that in the natural condition the spawning period of wild T. obscurus is May to June. In females and males, it showed a negative correlationship between the GSI and HSI. The external morphology of the gonads in female and male T. obscurus, that was cultured in low salinity, is composed of a pair of saccular structure. Based on monthly changes in the GSI, it is assumed that in female T. obscurus, that was cultured in low salinity, spawn from March through May. Therefore, it showed a negative correlationship between changes in the GSI and HSI. On the whole, in females and males, it showed a similar pattern between wild and cultured T. obscurus. The reproductive cycle with the gonad developmental phases can be classified into successive five stages in females: the early growing stage, late growing stage, mature stage, ripe and spent stage, and recovery and resting stage. In males, that can be divided into successive four stages: the growing stage, mature stage, ripe and spent stage, and recovery and resting stage. In case of wild T. obscurus, the spawning period has once a year, however, those cultured in the high water temperature () - low salinity (under 3.3 psu) condition have reproductive characteristics having possibilities of discharge of eggs and sperms year-round as a multiple spawner.
Health risks of heavy metals to the general public in Hengyang, China, via consumption of rice

ABSTRACT This investigation was conducted to survey the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in polished rice collected at supermarkets located in Hengyang, China. The surveyed rice samples were grouped according to their production areas into four different groups—Hunan, Jiangxi, Jilin, and Thailand. The data showed that the highest means of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn contents were in rice samples produced from Hunan (0.215 mg/kg), Thailand (0.537 mg/kg), Hunan (0.348 mg/kg), Jiangxi (2.472 mg/kg), Thailand (17.259 mg/kg), and Jinlin (9.326 mg/kg), respectively. Average daily intake dose for the six elements through consumption of rice was lower than the oral reference dose. Although the hazard quotient values for all six elements were <1.0, hazard index values in all the production areas (except Thailand) were >1.0, and cancer risk (CR) and total CR values were >10−4, respectively. Certainly, there are inherent limitations for these health risk values, including actual ingestion rate, exposure duration, and bioavailability of heavy metals. These results indicate that long-term heavy metal exposure by consumption of rice in Hengyang could pose both potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to the local residents.
Characterization of the Roles of TopoIIIα-RMI1 in Maintaining Genome Integrity

Bloom syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that is caused by mutations in the BLM gene. BLM associates with TopoIIIα and RMI1 to form a complex that is essential to maintain genome integrity. This complex catalyzes a dissolution reaction that resolves recombination intermediates containing two Holliday junctions without crossing over of genetic material. Dissolution activity is remarkable because it accounts for the in vivo role of BLM-TopoIIIαRMI1 in suppressing sister chromatid exchanges. To further understand the biochemical roles that each member of the BLM complex plays in dissolution, I generated single-stranded catenanes that resemble the proposed intermediates at the latest steps of dissolution. Using this substrate, I demonstrated that TopoIIIα is a single-stranded DNA decatenase that is specifically stimulated by BLM and RMI1. Interaction between TopoIIIα and RMI1 is essential for the optimal decatenase activity. Furthermore, binding of RPA to single-stranded DNA substrate inhibits TopoIIIα decatenase activity. However, complex formation between BLM, TopoIIIα and RMI enables TopoIIIα to displace RPA and catalyze decatenation. Since the decatenase activity is presumed to be involved in many aspects of DNA metabolism, I investigated the roles of RMI1 and TopoIIIα in DNA replication in vivo. Using the molecular combing technique, I showed that RMI1 functions downstream of BLM to promote normal replication fork progression. In addition, BLM, TopoIIIα and RMI1 colocalize with one another in response to replication stress. Finally, interaction between TopoIIIα and RMI1 is essential for nuclear localization of the complex and for the complex to promote recovery from replication stress. This work defines molecular functions for RMI1 and TopoIIIα in DNA replication and repair, providing insight into their roles as suppressors of genome instability.
Annual production to biomass (P/B) ratios of pelagic ciliates in different temperate waters

Abstract In aquatic environments, ciliates integrate the energy flowing through bacteria, smaller protozoa, and the prevailing fraction of algae and are further grazed upon by metazooplankton. Ciliates are incorporated into budgets and models describing ecosystem functioning. However, data for the parameterization and validation of models remain insufficient. In this study, annual production to biomass (P/B) ratios of pelagic ciliates were estimated in four lakes of different trophic status and at two sites located in the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea. All study sites were located in the temperate zone. The calculations were based on bulk data reflecting seasonal changes in ciliate production, which was estimated using an allometric equation. The annual ciliate P/B ratio for surface waters was 308 ± 81 yr-1 (mean ± standard deviation). There was no statistically significant relationship between the mean annual ciliate biomass in particular water bodies and the annual P/B ratio. In the near-bottom waters, the annual P/B ratio was 78 ± 39 yr-1. Because of the possible food limitation of ciliate growth and reconstructions of the community due to changes in environmental conditions, the ciliate P/B ratio applied in models of temperate waters should range from 50% to 100% of the P/B ratios estimated in this study.
FST and kinship for arbitrary population structures II: Method of moments estimators

FST and kinship are key parameters often estimated in modern population genetics studies. Kinship matrices have also become a fundamental quantity used in genome-wide association studies and heritability estimation. The most frequently used estimators of FST and kinship are method of moments estimators whose accuracies depend strongly on the existence of simple underlying forms of structure, such as the island model of non-overlapping, independently evolving subpopulations. However, modern data sets have revealed that these simple models of structure do not likely hold in many populations, including humans. In this work, we provide new results on the behavior of these estimators in the presence of arbitrarily complex population structures. After establishing a framework for assessing bias and consistency of genome-wide estimators, we calculate the accuracy of FST and kinship estimators under arbitrary population structures, characterizing biases and estimation challenges unobserved under their originally assumed models of structure. We illustrate our results using simulated genotypes from an admixture model, constructing a one-dimensional geographic scenario that departs nontrivially from the island model. Using 1000 Genomes Project data, we verify that population-level pairwise FST estimates underestimate differentiation measured by an individual-level pairwise FST estimator introduced here. We show that the calculated biases are due to unknown quantities that cannot be estimated under the established frameworks, highlighting the need for innovative estimation approaches in complex populations. We provide initial results that point towards a future estimation framework for generalized FST and kinship.
Population Biology of Monarch Butterflies, Danaus plexippus (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), at a Milkweed-Rich Summer Breeding Site in Central Washington

ABSTRACT. The population biology of adult Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) was studied during regular visits over three years (June–September 2013–15) at a milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)-rich site in central Washington. Small numbers of spring migrants colonized the site during June 5–17 each year and produced two adult generations one in early July and the other in late July–August, increasing the population at the site until mid–late August in 2013 and 2014. Greatest numbers of adults occurred in late July and August (20–24 per hour). In 2015 the population fell substantially in early August apparently as a consequence of heat wave conditions in late June–early July adversely affecting survival of second generation immature stages. Mark, release and recapture provided maximum population estimates at the site of 160–190 males, a recapture rate of 25–32% and intervals between tagging and recapture of 5–39 days. Sex ratio was imbalanced in favor of males on all dates ranging from 57–100%. Males patrolling milkweed patches was the most common behavior observed. Nectaring on A. speciosa and the exotic Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) was frequently observed and the introduced Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) was used for resting during the day. Dispersal from the site occurred in late August or early September. The use of large, dense areas of milkweed in relatively moist locations with some shade may be an important component of summer breeding of D. plexippus in the arid western United States. Expanding and/or creating additional such sites may be a useful conservation strategy for D. plexippus in the arid west.
Evaluation of telomerase activity in lymphoproliferative disorders

BackgroundA lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) is a medical condition that is characterized by the dysfunction of the immune system, often resulting in excessive production of lymphocytes or white blood cells. Many cases of LPDs originate from inherited conditions, and sometimes they are caused by acquired immune system dysfunction. The RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, telomerase, is essential in regulating telomere length by acting as a reverse transcriptase. The majority of human somatic tissues do not display telomerase activity, whereas human tumors demonstrate increased telomerase expression, suggesting an increase in its activity. To maintain telomeres, cells with highly proliferative capacity express telomerase, thus maintaining their length. Materials and methodsWe used quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR on total RNA to determine the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA and GAPDH (RNA, as reference gene) in blood of 38 cases having different LPDs, including leukemia and disseminated lymphomas, and 17 age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals. ResultsThe present investigation showed that the relative telomerase mRNA expression levels of the patient groups (acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymhocytic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphomas) were significantly higher than those of the control group (P=0.02, 0.002, 0.02), respectively, with the highest value in the chronic lymhocytic leukemia group. ConclusionThe usefulness of hTERT mRNA expression as a tumor marker in LPDs was shown. Therefore, blood hTERT mRNA is a novel and available marker for LPD diagnosis.
Effect of double-muscling in Belgian Blue young bulls on the intramuscular fatty acid composition with emphasis on conjugated linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids

The effect of double-muscling (DM) genotype (double-muscling, mh/mh; heterozygous, mh/+; normal, +/+) of Belgian Blue (BB) young bulls on the intramuscular fatty acid composition, in particular conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was examined in five different muscles. The relative fatty acid composition showed only minor differences between muscles within genotypes. However, the DM genotype had a large effect on both the intramuscular total fatty acid content and on the relative fatty acid composition. Across muscles, the mh/mh animals had a lower total fatty acid content compared with the +/+animals (907 v: 2656 mg/100 g muscle; P P P P