Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific polymorphism in Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae revealed by analysis of rRNA gene complex and mtDNA RFLPs

Intraspecific variation of 25 Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae isolates from various insect hosts and geographical origins was studied using RFLP analysis of the rDNA gene complex and the mtDNA. Heterologous and homologous mitochondrial and ribosomal probes were used to produce RFLP profiles of the isolates. The rDNA analysis allowed the differentiation of only seven isolates but provided evidence for the possible presence of introns in different sites of the nuclear rRNA-gene-complex. PCR amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region and the mtDNA regions corresponding to the SrRNA and the LrRNA, followed by restriction analysis of the PCR products underlined the conserved nature of these regions. By contrast, digestion with any one of endonucleases Hae III, Cfo I, Hpa II and subsequent RFLP analysis of the mtDNA, allowed the classification of the 25 isolates in 10 distinct groups. Double digestions using the restriction endonucleases Kpn I and Sac I led to maximum isolate differentiation, producing unique patterns for 16 isolates and subdividing the remainder into four groups of two or three isolates. This indicates the potential of mtDNA RFLP analysis as an excellent tool for fingerprinting M. anisopliae isolates and for studying genetic polymorphism.
Survival of Angled Saugers in the Lower Tennessee River

Abstract An intense winter fishery for sauger Sander canadensis exists in the lower Tennessee River, and the objective of this study was to estimate the survival of angled saugers. In February 2008 and January–March 2009, 81 angled saugers (72 live plus 9 euthanized) were affixed with ultrasonic tags. The movements (or lack thereof) by saugers released alive were compared with those of euthanized fish to assess survival. Sixty-eight percent of the tagged saugers that were released alive exhibited maximum daily movements exceeding the greatest movement of any euthanized fish (0.5 km/d), and those fish were subsequently classified as survivors. The upstream movements of several euthanized fish indicated that their carcasses were ingested by piscivorous scavengers. In logistic models, the probability of mortality was significantly and inversely related to total length but not to capture depth, water temperature, handling time, or ascent rate. In 2 × 2 contingency tables, the fate of released saugers was not .
Biochemical Genetic Survey and Stock Identification of Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) in British Columbia

We examined genetic variability using electrophoretic analysis of 83 chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) stocks in British Columbia and used regional differences in genotypic frequencies of seven polymorphic loci to estimate stock compositions in a number of commercial and experimental test fisheries. Chum salmon from five regions could be discriminated: Queen Charlotte islands, north and central coast, west coast of Vancouver Island, the Fraser River and its tributaries, and the south coast (rivers draining into Johnstone Strait and the Strait of Georgia). Allelic frequencies from 33 stocks were generally stable over a period of 2 yr or more. South coast chum salmon was the dominant run migrating through upper Johnstone Strait in October 1982–85. The genetic method of stock identification provided managers with the relative proportions of Fraser River and other groups of chum salmon in a number of fisheries and allowed managers to regulate more effectively the exploitation rate of Fraser River chum salmon.
Variation in grain β-glucan due to site, cultivar and nitrogen fertiliser in Western Australia

To adjust to projected changes in the future climate, maltsters are looking to reduce their water use. One option is to reduce the number of periods of water immersion during steeping from two to one. This might be possible if cultivars with very low grain β-glucan are used, as high β-glucan concentrations can restrict water penetration into the endosperm and the speed of germination. This study compared the grain β-glucan and various grain quality traits of nine two-row, Australian barley cultivars when grown at three sites with four rates of nitrogen (N) in Western Australia. Significant differences in grain β-glucan were found. Of the main factors, cultivar was found to have the largest effect on grain β-glucan followed by site, with N having the smallest effect. Grain β-glucan increased with increasing N application at two of the three sites. Not all cultivars responded similarly to N application. Grain with low β-glucan concentration generally had lower hectolitre weights, higher screenings, lower grain protein and was softer than grain with high grain β-glucan. There was no correlation between grain β-glucan and average grain weight, grain brightness or malt extract. The implication of these interactions and correlations in the breeding of very low grain β-glucan cultivars suited to single steep malting is discussed.
Executive Report

Forest fires are a threat for the forest and natural areas in Europe. Over 65 000 fires take place every year in the European Union, burning, on average, half a million hectares of the European landscape. Economic losses due to forest fires in the European Union territory are estimated in over 2 billion Euro every year. Areas protected under the Natura 2000 scheme are no exception to the damage caused by forest fires. Every year, approximately 80 000 ha are burned within the Natura 2000 sites. In the study period of this report, between the years 2000 and 2012, 1 044 917 ha of Natura 2000 protected areas were burnt, corresponding to 3.28% of the total Natura 2000 area in the affected countries. The environmental and economic damage of these fires is difficult to estimate, since often fires affect protected and endangered species living in these protected habitats. The current report analyses the impact of forest fires in Natura 2000 sites during the period 2000 to 2012. Special emphasis is put on the analysis of damages caused by large fires in the EU Mediterranean region, where most of these fires occur.
Ca2+Gradients in Hyphae and Branches ofSaprolegnia ferax

Abstract Hyphae of Saprolegnia ferax maintain a tip-high gradient of cytoplasmic Ca 2+ which is essential to tip growth. The gradient extends further along the periphery than the center of the hyphae, consistent with an extended region of Ca 2+ influx. Both cytoplasmic [Ca 2+ ] and the gradient's slope are higher in faster growing hyphae, indicating greater exocytosis or apical extensibility in response to elevated [Ca 2+ ]. Conversely, UV-induced elevation of apical [Ca 2+ ] to levels little above those of faster growing hyphae transiently halted growth, showing that the relationship between growth and apical [Ca 2+ ] is applicable within a narrow range. UV elevated [Ca 2+ ] concentrated in central cytoplasm, a putative storage region, consistent with maintenance of observed gradients formed without exogenous Ca 2+ from intracellular stores. Branch formation did not show elevated [Ca 2+ ] levels in the subtending hyphae, but a gradient formed as the branch developed, indicating either an unknown initiator or subdetectable [Ca 2+ ] initiation concentrations which are less than those needed for tip maintenance.
Chapter 12

Abstract This study examined the perspectives and definition of leadership by women and mothers with children (n= 40) affiliated with Oxford Houses, a communal mutual-help recovery setting. Participants were asked questions relating to their experiences living in an Oxford House including the strengths and challenges encountered and how leadership impacted the stability in their house. Results illustrated the value of female leadership and highlighted the characteristics deemed important for women leaders in Oxford House, as well as some differences between these women's perception of leadership and the standard definition of leadership. The implications of the findings and how they may be useful to women's and mothers' with children houses are discussed.
APPLICABILITY OF RAPID METHODS FOR DETECTION OF SALMONELLA SPP. IN POULTRY FEEDS: A REVIEW

The rapid detection of pathogenic microbial species in feed is of paramount importance considering its implications for animal production and food safety. More sensitive and rapid detection of contaminated feedstuffs may lead to more selective and therefore less expensive treatment of feeds, reduced rates of transmission to a poultry host and reduced carcass contamination. In order to interrupt the cycle of Salmonella spp. transmission from feed to poultry to the consumer, more rapid detection methods to monitor these sources are needed that provide conclusive results within the time frame of feed mixing or broiler processing. Within the last decade, new variations of selective media have been investigated to increase selectivity without reducing Salmonella spp. recovery. Immunological assay methods may also decrease assay time from 96 h to within 24–30 h. But all commercially available methods still require 16 to 57 h for preenrichment, enrichment, and in some cases, postenrichment to recover sublethally injured cells before the assay can be performed. Among the molecular methods that are currently available, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) represents a tremendous potential for the detection of low levels of pathogenic bacteria. Once optimized, rapid methods may be used to quickly, reliably and inexpensively screen a variety of feedstuffs and feed components for the presence of Salmonella spp. , with the goal of minimizing both the cost of feed treatment and the horizontal transmission of Salmonella spp. from feed to poultry.
The Oral Yeast Flora: Effect of Upper Removable Orthodontic Appliances

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the oral biology of yeasts in children alters in response to presence of an upper removable appliance (URA). Thirty-four normal controls and 34 patients, undergoing removable orthodontic appliance treatment were studied. Saliva samples were obtained from all subjects along with a foam imprint from the fitting surface of the URA in the case of patients. Samples were cultured on CHROMagar Candida. Colonies that were green-blue in colour were confirmed as Candida albicans by the germ-tube test. Other yeasts were identified by means of commercial identification kits. Oral yeast species were isolated from 32.3% of healthy controls compared with 76.5% of children with a URA ( p < 0.01). C. albicans was the most prevalent species isolated from saliva and appliance in the same individual (13) and from saliva alone in both patient (six) and control (ten) individuals. In eight of 34 patients, but in only one of 34 controls, more than one yeast species was present. The prevalence of oral colonization by Candida spp. is significantly higher amongst wearers of removable orthodontic appliances. Furthermore, the oral biology of yeasts is affected by URA wear so that colonization is more important, and by a wider variety of Candida species, and multispecies are seen.
Overexpression of wild‐type Gαi‐2 suppresses β‐adrenergic signaling in cardiac myocytes

The role of Gαi‐2 overexpression in desensitization of β‐adrenergic signaling in heart failure is controversial. An adenovirus‐based approach was used to investigate whether overexpression of Gαi‐2 impairs β‐adrenergic stimulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and cAMP levels in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCM) and cell shortening of adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM). Infection of NRCM with Ad5Gαi‐2 increased Gαi‐2 by 50–600% in a virus dose‐dependent manner. Overexpression was paralleled by suppression of GTP‐ and isoprenaline‐stimulated AC by 10–72% (P<0.001) in a PTX‐sensitive manner. Isoprenaline‐stimulated shortening of Ad5Gαi‐2‐infected ARVM was attenuated by 34% (P<0.01). Ad5Gαi‐2/GFP (Gαi‐2, green fluorescent protein; bicistronic) was constructed to monitor transfection homogeneity and target Gαi‐2 overexpression to levels found in heart failure. At Gαi‐2 levels of 93% above control, isoprenaline‐stimulated AC activity and cAMP levels were reduced by 17% and 40% (P<0.02), respectively. β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic stimulation was reduced similarly. Our results suggest that (a) the Gαi‐2 system exhibits tonic inhibition of stimulated AC in cardiac myocytes, (b) Gαi‐2‐mediated inhibition is concentration‐dependent and occurs at Gαi‐2 levels seen in heart failure, and (c) Gαi‐2‐mediated inhibition affects both β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic stimulation of AC. The data argue for an important, independent role of the Gαi‐2 increase in heart failure.
Properties of particleboard produced from admixture of rubberwood and Mahang species

Particleboard is one of the major timber products exported from Peninsular Malaysia. Apparently, the increasing price and lack of supply of rubberwood has forced the particleboard manufacturers to look for new alternative raw material to produce particleboard. Hence, the production of particleboard through mixture of fast-growing wood species will be a good solution to the depleting wood supply issue. The objective of this study was to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard produced from admixtures of rubberwood and Mahang at different proportion levels and the properties were evaluated based on the Japanese Industrial Standard for particleboard (JIS A 5908-1994). The physical and mechanical data presented here, were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD), to determine the significant differences of the variables. From the study, an increase in density resulted in increase of thickness swelling of particleboard. In addition, the water absorption for particleboard with density 500 kg m-3 was higher. For bending properties, admixture particleboard of rubberwood and Mahang had significantly lower wet and dry bending property. In terms of internal bond strength, decrease in rubberwood proportion resulted in decrease in the internal bonding strength of the particleboard.
Lengthening reef recovery times from crown-of-thorns outbreaks signal systemic degradation of the Great Barrier Reef

Repeated outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci have been observed on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) since the mid 1960s. Several authors have conjectured that long-term degradation of reef community structure is a possible consequence of such repeated outbreaks. In this paper we use the data from the Australian Institute of Marine Science's (AIMS) annual synoptic surveys (1985 to 1996) of the whole GBR as a statistical database with which to investigate this question. We use a simple mathematical model of transition between 3 reefs states--AO (active outbreak in progress), RE (recovering from recent outbreak), and NO (no evidence of a recent outbreak)--which we show is adequate to track the large-scale data over time. A more refined analysis, using Bayesian statistical methods, is then employed to generate a (posterior) probability distribution for a key model parameter, ? , which represents the potential for non-stationary, temporal variation in the rate of recovery of reefs from outbreaks. If ? = 0, the rate of recovery is constant, if ? 0, the rate of recovery decreases with time. We conclude from this distribution that there is a clear signal showing that the average reef recovery time is lengthening over the period for which data is available, i.e. ? > 0. We interpret this signal as evidence that it is harder for reefs to recover from outbreaks in later years than in earlier years, other things being equal, indicating that key features of reef community structure have been damaged over time.
Rice ageing. I. effect of changes in protein on starch behaviour

Pasting properties of starch were affected by storage at 37 °C; the most significant changes were seen in peak viscosity and breakdown. In contrast, storage at 4 °C retarded the changes. The composition of the leachate from the RVA pastes was significantly affected by storage temperature (P < 0.01) with a lesser proportion of amylose in samples stored at 37 °C. Thus, ageing was associated with decreased leaching of starch and particularly amylose. Protease treatment increased the ratio of amylose to amylopectin in the hot-water soluble fraction significantly (P < 0.05) for samples following storage at 37 °C while the ratio did not change for samples stored at 4 °C. Of greater significance was that the ratio was the same for samples stored at both temperatures following protease treatment. Similarly, after protease treatment the peak temperatures of the gelatinisation endotherm (Tp) of samples stored at 37 °C were identical to those of the samples stored at 4 °C. Protein was considered an important factor in the ageing process and the changes in proteins associated with storage were investigated. Higher storage temperature caused a reduction in the amount of prolamin and glutelin in the propanol-extractable fractions.
Comparative Study on the Lipoxygenase Activities of Some Soybean Cultivars

The lipoxygenase levels of 10 soybean cultivars (McCall, Tresor, Recor, Essor, F054, Isz15, Chandor, Primor, Gadir, and Eszter) cultivated in Hungary in three consecutive years (1991, 1992, and 1993) were compared with regard to the activities and activity ratios of lipoxygenase isoenzymes. Surprisingly, both the activities and the activity ratios of the given cultivars were different in the three years studied. The differences in activity between the generations of a cultivar were found to be much larger than the differences between the different cultivars from the same year. It is suggested that the weather conditions play a considerable role in influencing the activities of the lipoxygenase isoenzymes in soybean cultivars
Antimutagenicity of 3-allyl-5-substituted 2-thiohydantoins derived from allyl isothiocyanate and amino acids in Salmonella assay

Nine 3-allyl-5-substituted 2-thiohydantoins (ATH-amino acids) which were prepared from allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and amino acids were studied for their antimutagenic activities against 2-amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-f] quinoline (IQ) and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) using the Ames assay. The assay against IQ was performed on S. typhimurium TA98 in the presence of a metabolic activation system (S9 mix) and that against 4-NQO was carried out on S.typhimurium TA100 in the absence of S9 mix. When ATH-amino acids except for that prepared from AITC and aspartic acid were simultaneously treated with the bacterial strain and IQ, an inhibition of IQ mutagenicity was observed. Also, all ATH-amino acids showed a suppressive effect on 4-NQO mutagenicity when the bacterial strain was incubated in the presence of both 4-NQO and ATH-amino acids. In contrast, little antimutagenic effect was observed when ATH-amino acids were added to the bacterial strains which has been pretreated with a mixture of IQ and S9 mix or only 4-NQO. These results suggest that ATH-amino acids are capable of acting as inhibitors of the S9 mix-mediated activation of IQ and/or as modulators of the direct-acting mutagen, 4-NQO.
Infection of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) by crenate broomrape (Orobanche crenata) as influenced by sowing date and weather conditions

Le pois chiche (Cicer arietinum) est un hote pour l'orobanche crenelee (Orobanche crenata) qui subit de legers dommages avec le semis traditionnel de printemps, mais la question se pose de savoir si la diffusion continue de la pratique du semis d'hiver pourrait conduire a une recrudescence d'attaque d'orobanche sur le pois chiche. Afin de clarifier ces aspects nous avons determine la disponibilite de la resistance du germoplasme du pois chiche a l'orobanche et l'influence de la date de semis et des conditions climatiques sur l'installation et l'emergence de l'orobanche. Une experience de tri au champ avec le semis d'hiver a montre que l'infection par l'orobanche est faible dans le germoplasme du pois chiche. Elle etait favorisee par des dates de semis tres precoces (Octobre-Novembre) et par un hiver doux et un automne et un printemps pluvieux. Neanmoins, meme dans les conditions les plus favorables aux attaques d'orobanche, la majorite des parcelles de pois chiche n'ont pas ou tres peu subi d'attaques, seulement quelques-unes ont permis l'etablissement d'orobanche a un niveau marginal, etant gene et retarde comparativement au pois, temoin tres sensible a ce type d'attaque.
Adoption du palmier à huile en Côte d'Ivoire

Au cours des annees 70 et 80, et en depit de problemes fonciers, l’effort de l’Etat ivoirien pour promouvoir les cultures du palmier et de l’hevea a travers des projets et des societes d’encadrement specialisees a connu un succes certain [1-5]. Un des interets de ces formes d’investissements a ete d’apporter du credit et de l’information aux planteurs, notamment sous forme de materiel vegetal, d’engrais et d’encadrement technique. Dans le cas de la filiere palmier, information, capital et disponibilite en materiel vegetal ont ete des facteurs essentiels a l’adoption de cette « nouvelle » culture perenne.
Energy utilization models of cattle grazing in oil palm plantations I. Development of models

Energy obtained by grazing cattle in oil palm plantations is usually used for maintenance of body functions, the construction of body tissues and pregnancy, the synthesis of milk and the conversion to mechanical energy used for activities such as walking, eating and others. In this study, attempt was made to estimate metabolizable energy (ME) requirement of grazing cattle. Models of ME requirement (MER) for maintenance, gain, pregnancy, lactation and activities were developed. ME system and units were used because of wide recognition. Estimation of ME intake in grazing cattle was expressed as MEVI = 14.58 X VI X DMD, and under grazing condition MEVI = MERi. MER was expressed as a function of net energy (NER, MJ) required for the i’ th body function. Coefficient of efficiency for conversion of ME into net energy (ki) was adopted from literatures. Quantifying of ME requirement for Kedah-Kelantan cattle under grazing condition was made by using equation MERM = NEM / kn. The estimated values of MER for Kedah-Kelantan cattle is quite reasonable if compared with other estimates as reported in literatures from stall-fed animals. Dynamic MER models for grazing herd was developed in order to estimate ME requirement for maintenance and productions. These ME requirement models can be used for prediction of energy utilization pattern of the herd in the grazing systems.
Estimating fine-root production and turnover from biomass and decomposition data: a compartment–flow model

Production and replacement of fine roots (diam. < 1 mm) takes 8–67% of net primary production in forests. Most of this production is lost through mortality; little appears as an increment. Traditional biomass methods underestimate fine-root production because estimating production or mortality from changes in standing crop alone does not adequately account for simultaneous and compensating processes of growth, death, and replacement which occur continuously. We propose a compartment–flow model to solve this problem and estimate fine-root production and mortality at a monthly resolution for a pine plantation in New Zealand. The main component of the model is fine-root decomposition, an exponential decay function driven by soil temperature. The model "produces" and "turns over" enough fine roots to maintain observed standing crops of live and dead fine roots given losses through decomposition each month. We have formulated the model as differential and difference equations. Monthly estimates from the model .