Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perdas endógenas e coeficientes de absorção aparente e real do magnésio em caprinos

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar a absorcao aparente, estimar as perdas endogenas fecais e a absorcao real do Mg e determinar a ingestao ad libitum da agua de beber e a concentracao de Mg no soro sanguineo de caprinos da racas Anglonubiana (AN) e Saanen (SN). Foram usados doze caprinos, seis de cada raca, com 19,8 kg PV medio. Dietas semipurificadas (baixo teor de Mg) a base de quirera de arroz, gluten de milho e celulose foram suplementadas com MgO, para se obterem os niveis de 0,05 (sem supplementacao) 0,20 e 0,35% Mg (%MS). Os niveis de Mg influenciaram os coeficientes de absorcao aparente de Mg e Ca, com valores medios de 57,8; 73,9; e 73,2% para Mg e 55,7; 39,6; e 49,5% para Ca, para dietas com niveis 0,05; 0,20; e 0,35% de Mg, respectivamente. Entretanto, para os coeficientes de absorcao aparente de P, Na e K, nao houve efeito de niveis de Mg na dieta. Os resultados de absorcao real de Mg apresentaram interacao de niveis de Mg e racas. A media para raca NA, no nivel 0,05% Mg, foi de 61,0% e para os niveis 0,20 e 0,35% Mg, 77,2 e 73,2%, respectivamente. Entretanto, para a raca SN, as medias foram 73,3; 75,5; e 76,0%, para os mesmos niveis, sem diferencas. A digestibilidade de materia seca, proteina bruta e extrato nao-nitrogenado diminuiu com os niveis crescentes de Mg nas dietas. As excrecoes fecais (7,0; 20,8; e 34,4 mg/kg PV0,75.d) e urinarias (3,9; 30,8; e 44,6 mg/kg PV0,75.d) de Mg elevaram-se com o aumento dos niveis crescentes de Mg nas dietas. Houve, tambem, influencia dos niveis de Mg dietetico sobre as concentracoes de Mg do soro sanguineo (1,74; 2,23; e 2,80 mg/dL para niveis de 0,05; 0,20; e 0,35% de Mg, respectivamente).
Evolution, domestication and neo-domestication of the genus Vigna

In this paper, we discuss stress-adapted wild Vigna plants and several important Vigna crops. Seeds, young shoots and/or tubers of many wild Vigna species are edible and are eaten by people in some locations where they grow. We propose the concept of ‘neo-domestication’ of stress-adapted wild edible Vigna species. As the causative change of the mutation resulting in a domestication gene is usually ‘loss-of-function’ type, ‘neo-domestication’ could be achieved by conventional mutation breeding together with screening by TILLING. The ‘neo-crops’ could play an important role in areas unsuitable for growing other crops to increase world food production. We also propose that wild Vigna species can be ‘new model plant species’ for the genetic study of natural adaptation to stresses (e.g. salt, acid, alkali, drought, flood, pests and diseases). To facilitate this, the Vigna Genome Project has been initiated. In addition, sustainable cropping systems may be enhanced by analysis of the nitrogen-fixing systems of stress-adapted Vigna species. Stress-adapted symbiotic bacteria produce nodules on stress-adapted Vigna species. Therefore, analyses of the genetic diversity of symbiotic bacteria and the process of symbiosis under stress environments should be conducted.
Can potential for dark cutting be predicted by phenotype? Relationship between sex, carcass characteristics, and the incidence of dark cutting beef

Abstract: Recent research indicated that reduced carcass muscling and weight are associated with beef dark cutting. Existing data from a single farm (44 heifers, 136 steers) from three normal beef quality grades (Canada AAA, AA, A) and the dark cutting grade (Canada B4) (n = 35, 106, 28, and 11, respectively) were used to identify relationships between sex, live animal, and carcass characteristics and the incidence of dark cutting. Categorical modelling showed a trend (P = 0.106) for heifer carcasses to have a greater probability [11.36 ± 4.78% standard error of the mean (SEM)] of dark cutting than carcasses from steers (4.4 ± 1.76% SEM). Mixed model analysis of variance indicated dark cutting heifers weighed less than cattle from normal grades at weaning (P = 0.0229) and slaughter (P = 0.0295). Logistic regression revealed that the probability of each carcass grade occurring was influenced by dry matter intake (DMI) (P = 0.0034), and the probability of dark cutting was lowest (P = 0.0286) in cattle with carcasses greater than 300 kg. Results suggested that cattle at risk of dark cutting may be identified by weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed intake.
Origin of the Helminth Community of an Exotic Invasive Lizard, the Brown Anole, Anolis sagrei (Squamata: Polychrotidae), in Southwestern Taiwan

Abstract: Composition of the helminth community of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, an exotic invasive species in Taiwan, was studied to identify the emigration point of this lizard. A total of 5,757 helminths was found, of which 5,734 (99.6%) were the nematode Cyrtosomum penneri. Also found were the digenean Mesocoelium monas (21, 0.4%) and one each of the nematodes Parapharyngodon sp. (female) and Acuariidae gen. sp. (larva). Cyrtosomum penneri has previously been reported in A. sagrei in Florida, supporting the contention that the Taiwan population of A. sagrei originated from Florida. This report provides a basis upon which future A. sagrei parasite studies in Taiwan can be based, and a helminth list for A. sagrei is included for future reference.
Root cortex : structural and functional variability and responses to environmental stress

The cortex is the basic part of the primary root body and represents an important constituent of the root, both structurally and functionally. In monocotyledons, it might persist during the entire life of the root. In dicotyledons, with limited secondary thickening it might persist for a long time and be subject to dilatation growth. In intensively secondary-thickening roots, the cortex gradually deteriorates and is replaced by secondary tissues-the periderm. The functions of cortical tissues are diverse. The endodermis, and to some extent the exodermis, represent apoplastic barriers that control the uptake and radial transport of water and solutes by the root. However, these layers have several additional functions such as mechanically protecting the stele and protection against pathogens and parasites. Although the mid-cortex (or mesodermis) is primarily the site for reserve material deposition, it can also have several different functions that depend on the species and growth conditions. These include aeration in hypoxia (aerenchyma formation), and the location for symbiosis and even photosynthesis. The cortex varies widely amongst species and even in various root types of the same species. It might be designated as a root buffer zone, especially under stress conditions. Some aspects of the development, structure and function of cortical tissues are discussed in this report.
Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Organic Frameworks for Gas Storage

This research demonstrates the preparation of a metal-organic framework (MOF-199) using the solvothermal method. The solvothermal conditions for synthesis and activation were investigated by changing the synthesis time (24 - 48 h), the solvothermal temperatures (85 and 100 °C), and the effect of the ethanol: water solvent ratio (within the solvents range from 1:1 to 1:2 ratios). All synthesized samples were characterized using of x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and specific surface area (BET). The prepared MOF-199 at the optimal conditions (100 °C for 48 h, 1:1 of the ethanol: water) has up to 5518 m2/g m2/g surface area (BET), 0.693 cm3 g−1 specific volume, a 11.8 Å porous size, and 103 crystallinity. All MOF-199 samples were activated for 21 h at 60 °C.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND RESIN ON HATCH OF EGGS OF THE MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE (DENDROCTONUS PONDEROSAE)

Abstract Effects of temperature and resin on hatch of mountain pine beetle eggs were investigated. Per cent hatch was related to total degree-hours above 40°F, the average being 5113 for 50% hatch under field conditions. Average supercooling point was 1.3°F. Higher temperatures in the freezing range were lethal with long exposure. Atmosphere saturated with volatiles from liquid resin had very little effect on egg hatch, but direct contact with liquid resin greatly reduced egg hatch.
Egg dimensions of the great Tit [Parus major L.] in Croatia

This study took place in the rural area (Hrvatsko Zagorje), in north-western Croatia.The study period lasted from March to April 1999. Only the first clutch was analysed. On an area (614 ha) of deciduos wood 90 nest-boxes were used. There was no statistically significant correlation between clutch size and the dimensions of eggs, as well as between egg dimensions and reproductive variables. There is nosignificant correlation between female body weight and clutch size as well. So we can conclude that the results of our research do not support predictions based on the theory of optimal clutch/egg size.
Chemical Control and Bioeconomics of Smicronyx fulvus on Cultivated Sunflower in North Dakota

Endosulfan, fenitrothion, and phosmet at 1 and 2 kg AI/ha, and methidathion at 0.5 and 1 kg Al/ha were evaluated for efficacy in managing populations of a seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte, on cultivated sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. Insecticidal control of S. fulvus was directed at adults. Two applications of insecticides, at the lowest rates tested, significantly reduced damage when compared to controls. S. fulvus larvae consumed 31% by weight of a seed in hybrid 894, and larval feeding subsequently reduced oil content by 25% in damaged vs. non damaged seed. Calculation of an economic injury level for 22 S. fulvus adults/plant is also presented.
Floral Composition and Diversity Pattern in Open and Closed Dry Deciduous Forest

Forests are the important source of subsistence, employment, revenue earning and raw material to various industrial uses. Above all they are most important component of life support system on the earth. The present study was conducted to analyze the impact of biotic disturbance on composition and diversity of dry deciduous forests of Barnawapara wild life sanctuary, Chhattisgarh, India. For this, two sites viz. open canopy forest and closed canopy forest were selected. Floristic analysis of tree vegetation was done and density, Important Value Index, diversity index etc. were determined for both the sites. Regeneration status of tree species was analysed by developing population structures. Species number was high in closed canopy forest as compared to open canopy forest. Tree density (1520 trees ha−1) and basal area (50.35 m2ha−1) were higher in closed canopy forest than in open canopy forest (650 trees ha−1 density and 48.29 m2ha−1 basal area). In sapling layer species number (14), density (590 saplings ha−1) and basal area (2.46 m2ha−1) were higher in closed canopy forest as compared to open canopy forest. Seedling layer also follow the similar trend. Generally, Shannon index, species richness and equitability were higher in closed canopy forest than open canopy forest. Thus, it can be concluded that biotic disturbance adversely affect the forest composition and diversity.
Plasticity of the T Cell Receptor Repertoire in TCR β-Chain Transgenic Mice

Abstract The potential αβ T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in normal mice is extremely large and estimated by M. M. Davis and P. J. Bjorkman ( Nature 334, 395, 1988) to include 5.2 × 10 18 different receptor molecules. This tremendous diversity provides the basis for T cell recognition of the universe of antigens including bacterial, viral, and allogeneic epitopes. Expression of a single TCR β-chain transgene should alter the repertoire by limiting the available diversity, therefore, creating holes in the repertoire or producing TCR with decreased affinity. To determine the effect of drastically decreasing the size of the repertoire, we investigated T cell responses in TCR β-chain transgenic mice expressing the Vβ8. 2 transgene. Previous results showed that >98% of T cells in these mice express the transgene; thus, the TCR repertoire is reduced by orders of magnitude. We tested the T cell responses of the transgenic mice and nontransgenic littermates to nine different MHC haplotypes in mixed lymphocyte reactions, five protein antigens, and eight immunogenic peptides. Surprisingly, the transgenic mice responded to all antigenic stimuli tested indicating the lack of a hole in the TCR repertoire. Interestingly, however, the response in every case was quantitatively lower than the response by the nontransgenic littermates. In contrast, transgenic and nontransgenic T cells responded equivalently to stimulation with mitogens or to stimulation with immobilized α-TCR mAb indicating that the transgenic T cells had a normal capacity to respond. To differentiate between decreased TCR affinity and decreased precursor frequency, we performed a limiting dilution analysis to the peptide antigens CI:NP and OVA 324–339 . The results showed approximately a three- to eight-fold decrease in the frequency of transgenic T cells responding to the peptide compared to nontransgenic littermates. We previously showed that the response to cI 84–98 and PLP could be blocked with anti-Vβ8 mAb indicating that Vβ8. 2-bearing T cells are capable of responding to peptide antigen. Analysis of TCR Vα chain expression by PCR and flow cytometry showed similar Vα expression in both the transgenic and the nontransgenic mice. These results demonstrate tremendous plasticity in the TCR repertoire permitting T cell responses by the transgenic mice to all antigens tested. However, the decreased magnitude of the responses may impair the capacity to defend against natural pathogens. Therefore, although the large TCR repertoire of normal mice may not be necessary to produce in vitro responses to many experimental antigens, it may confer survival benefits in natural environments.
Systematics of Australian and New Guinean Microplitis Foerster and Snellenius Westwood (Hymenoptera : Braconidae : Microgastrinae), with a review of their biology and host relationships

The Australian and New Guinean species of the genera Microplitis Foerster and Snellenius Westwood are revised. Twenty species of Microplitis and three species of Snellenius are described as new, while Microplitis basalis (Bingham), M. demolitor Wilkinson, M. manilae Ashmead, M. perelegans (Bingham), Snellenius maculipennis (Szepligeti), S. philippinensis (Ashmead) and S. vollenhovii Westwood are redescribed. The genus Glabromicroplitis Papp (type species, Glabromicroplitis mahunkai Papp) is placed into synonymy with Microplitis. Information on the distribution of each species, host relationships where known, and taxonomic relationships are provided, along with an illustrated key to species. Aspects of the biology and host relationships of both genera are critically reviewed.
Contribution to the Taxonomy and Distribution of Six Shark Species (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from the Gulf of Thailand

A collection of nine shark specimens from six different species, obtained in 1993 from the Gulf of Thailand, was examined in this study. The sharks were determined, morphometrically and meristically analyzed, photographically documented, and compared with relevant literature. Additionally, further available material from the fish collections of the Zoological Museum Hamburg, the Senckenberg Naturmuseum Frankfurt, and the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, was examined by way of comparison. Contrary to most references, prominent dorsal ridges were detected in several specimens of Chiloscyllium griseum. Additionally, one of the specimens had a very unusual big ocellar blotch on the head which had not been reported for this genus before. For Paragaleus randalli, it could be proven that the teeth morphologically deviate strongly from those shown in literature due to having much larger cusps. Furthermore, the known distribution area of Paragaleus randalli could be extended considerably eastwards by about 2000 km. For a seventh species, Paragaleus tengi, differences between the actual morphology of upper lateral teeth and those drawn in the original description were detected.
Reduced coccolith calcite production under light-limited growth: a comparative study of three clones of Emiliania huxleyi (Prymnesiophyceae)

Abstract Three clonal isolates of Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) Hay et Mohler of different geographical origins were grown in semicontinuous culture under irradiances ranging from 8 to 330 μmol quanta m−2 s−1, resulting in growth rates between < 5% and 100% of the maximum rate. Coccolith calcium and cell carbon were determined by chemical analysis. Counts of cells and of attached plus detached coccoliths were obtained by microscopy. The molar ratio of calcium in coccoliths to organic carbon in cells (the Ca : org.C ratio) declined by 30–40% when irradiance was reduced from 100 to 18 μmol m−2 s−1. This decline was due to two separate effects: in two of the clones, fewer coccoliths were produced by each cell; and in all three clones, less calcium carbonate was deposited in each coccolith. Electron microscopy showed that the latter effect was associated with a debilitation of the distal shield elements. No naked cells appeared in these cultures. Calcification in a coccolith-forming culture and in nature is pro.
Molecular Mechanism in α-Glucosidase and Glucoamylase

The hydrolysis of glucosidic linkage catalyzed by every carbohydrate-hydrolase is a reaction in which the product retains (α→α or β→β) or inverts (α→β or β→α) the anomeric configuration of the substrate. α-Glucosidase and glucoamylase are essentially distinguished by releasing α-glucose and β-glucose, respectively, from the common substrates having α-glucosidic linkage. The distinction in the substrate specificities of the two enzymes was explained by the subsite affinities in their active sites. The amino acid sequences of the regions containing the catalytic sites were compared in α-glucosidases and glucoamylases from various sources. α-Glucosidases were suggested to be grouped into two families by their primary structures. The catalytic reaction mechanisms of carbohydrate-hydrolases were discussed in the two significant models of a nucleophilic displacement mechanism and an oxocarbenium ion intermediate mechanism.
Branchial mechanisms of ion and acid–base regulation in the freshwater rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri

Blood acid–base balance and branchial fluxes of Na+, Cl−, and acidic equivalents were examined in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in response to variations in external [NaCl] and following experimental acid or base loads (intravascular infusion of ammonium sulphate, lactic acid, or sodium bicarbonate). NaCl influx, NaCl efflux, and ammonia excretion covaried with external [NaCl]. Large fluxes of acidic equivalents across the gills were produced by infusion of both ammonium sulphate and sodium bicarbonate, but both treatments had little effect upon Na+ and Cl− uptake. We interpret this result as indicating that apical and exchange played little role in the branchial clearance of acidic equivalents. Instead, the results are consistent with the notion that acidic equivalents were excreted via diffusion through paracellular channels. A model is presented which suggests that the paracellular channels are the normal route for ionic efflux across the gills and that excretion of acidic equivalents results from mo.
Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soils of yam (Dioscorea spp.) cropping systems in four agroecologies of Nigeria

The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in soils under a yam cropping system in four agroecologies of Nigeria was investigated. Soil samples were collected from yam fields at Onne (humid forest, high rainfall area), Ibadan (derived savanna), Abuja (Guinea savanna) and Ubiaja (humid forest, medium rainfall area). Soil characteristics, AM fungi species, spore abundance, Shannon diversity index, species richness and evenness were determined. A total of 31 AM fungi species was isolated from the four agroecologies with a range of 14–20 species found in a single location. Glomus species were the most abundant among AM fungi species with G. geosporum, G. intraradices and G. mosseae occurring in large populations in all locations. Ubiaja, which had a cassava/natural vegetation sequence before yam, had significantly higher spore abundance and species richness than the other locations, which had a yam/legumes or a maize/legume sequence before yam. However, diversity was significantly higher at Abuja, which had a maize/legume sequence with yam, than Ibadan, which had only a yam/legume sequence. The study revealed significant diversity in AM fungal species across agroecologies in yam-growing regions. Further research on the functional consequences of changing composition of AM fungi species across the region is recommended.
Timing of foraging flights of three species of bats in relation to insect activity and predation risk

The flight activity of three species of insectivorous bats and their prey was studied in north-east Scotland (57°N) during summer 1993. Aerial insects of sizes taken by bats were more abundant during the day than during the night, but the highest abundance usually occurred around dusk, partly reflecting increased flight of dipterans. In contrast, the flight activity of moths, mainly Geometridae and Pyralidae, was greatest around midnight. Two species of aerial-hawking bats, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Myotis daubentonii, which feed primarily on small flying insects, mainly Diptera, emerged from their roosts 15-30 min after sunset, during or after the dusk peak in insect activity, and subsequently foraged as their food was declining in abundance. In contrast, the foliage gleaning bat Plecotus auritus, which feeds primarily on moths, did not emerge until about one hour after sunset, but while the activity of its main prey was increasing. The two aerial-hawking bats therefore seem to be constrained from exploiting most of the evening peak in aerial insect abundance, presumably because earlier emergence would result in higher predation risk at the higher light levels. P. auritus may have less to gain by emerging early, since it can feed on moths and non-flying prey independently of the activity of small insects at dusk. The conclusions have implications for the conservation of bats and their habitats particularly at high latitudes. Protective tree cover may allow earlier evening emergence of bats and therefore provide access to more food.
Experimental Evidence That Stream Macroinvertebrate Community Structure Is Unaffected by Different Densities of Coho Salmon Fry

Manipulative field enclosure/exclosure experiments were carried out in Carnation Creek, British Columbia to determine if patch-restricted coho fry (Oncorhynchus kisutch) affected the distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrates in the drift or benthos. Enclosures/exclosures with standardized substrate, detritus, and current velocity were buried in the streambed during the low discharge period, and four treatments used: no fish, ambient fish, double ambient fish, and quadruple ambient fish densities. Density, biomass, and size distribution of macroinvertebrates in the drift were not significantly affected by fish density treatment. Additionally, with the exception of large swimming larvae of Ameletus sp. and Baetis tricaudatus, macroinvertebrate density, size distribution, and biomass in the benthos were also not significantly affected by fish density treatments. Thus, despite fish densities being increased from two to four times above ambient patch levels, patch-restricted coho fry had little measureable effect on macroinvertebrate distribution and abundance in Carnation Creek during the low discharge period of August to September.