Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
α1 / α2 domains of H‐2Dd, but not H‐2Ld, induce “missing self” reactivity in vivo – No effect of H‐2Ld on protection against NK cells expressing the inhibitory receptor Ly49G2

Introduction of the MHC class I transgene H‐2Dd on C57BL / 6 (B6) background conveys NK cell‐mediated “missing self” reactivity against transgene‐negative cells, and down‐regulates expression of the inhibitory receptors Ly49A and Ly49G2 in NK cells. We here present an analysis of transgenic mice expressing chimeric H‐2Dd / Ld MHC class I transgenes, and show that the α1 / α2 domains of H‐2Dd were necessary and sufficient to induce “missing self” recognition and to down‐modulate Ly49A and Ly49G2 receptors. In contrast, transgenes containing the α1 / α2 domains of H‐2Ld induced none of these changes, suggesting that not all MHC class I alleles in a host necessarily take part in NK cell education. The lack of effect of the α1 / α2 domains of H‐2Ld on NK cell specificity was surprising, considering that both H‐2Ld and H‐2Dd have been reported to interact with Ly49G2. Therefore, the role of H‐2Ld for protection against NK cells expressing Ly49G2 was re‐investigated in a transfection system. In contradiction to earlier reports, we show that H‐2Dd, but not H‐2Ld, abolished killing by sorted Ly49G2+ NK cells, indicating that H‐2Ld does not inhibit NK cells via the Ly49G2 receptor.
^(13)C and ^(15)N Enrichment Factors of Feathers of 11 Species of Adult Birds

The use of stable isotopes of bioelements to analyze diets of animals in nature requires precise knowledge of any changes in the isotope ratios that take place after assimilation. Therefore, the influence of diet on the distribution of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in feathers of 11 species of birds on a constant diet was studied. The standard deviation in °13C and °15N in naturally obtained foods like fish during 6 yr was °1%. Factory—manufactured pellets generally gave lower deviations (0.2% for °13C and °0.6% for °15N). Feathers showed an enrichment relative to food in both 13C and 15N, although its extent varied among different bird species. Isotope ratios for 13C and 15N from diet to feathers converged. The nature of the enrichment factors is discussed in relation to the convergence and temporal window size. Neither enrichment showed an age dependency among adult birds, and neither depended on the nitrogen content in the bird's diet. These results show that the stable isotope approach can be applied not only to these 11 species but to birds whose isotope enrichment factors are so far unknown.
Energy Cost of Food Utilization in the Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

Abstract A respirometer was utilized to determine the energy cost of food utilization in the bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. Prior to the study, fish were acclimated to the experimental photoperiod (16 hr light) and temperature (15, 20 and 25 C) for 90 and 14 days, respectively. Each fish was tested in the respirometer for 3-day periods. After an initial acclimation period of 24 hr, metabolic rates were determined at 2-hr intervals for the next 48 hr and were converted to their caloric equivalents. Fish were fed to satiation on mayfly nymphs (Hexagenia limbata) in the morning and evening of day 3. We calculated the energy cost of food utilization by determining the increase in energy of respiration subsequent to feeding. Metabolic rates ranged from 30.7 to 160.9 mg O2/kg-hr. Nocturnal rates were 26% higher for both fed and unfed fish at each experimental temperature. Daily food intake was influenced somewhat by body weight and temperature. Values ranged from 1.16 to 3.43% of the wet weight of the fish. Ener.
Phosphorus requirements and responses of tropical pasture species: native and introduced grasses, and introduced legumes

Plants of five native or naturalized grasses (Bothriochloa pertusa, Chloris barbata, Chrysopogon fallax, Digitaria ciliaris, Heteropogon contortus), eight introduced grasses (Andropogon gayanus CPI 57497, Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Biloela, Chloris gayana cv. Callide, Chrysopogon sp. CPI 52213, Dichanthium annulatum CPI 50819, Paspalum plicatulum cv. Rodd's Bay, Urochloa oligotricha CPI 47122, U. mosambicensis CPI 46876) and three introduced legumes (Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro, Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano, S. scabra cv. Seca) were grown in pots of phosphorus deficient soil with varying rates of added phosphorus. Their phosphorus requirements and responses were compared. The two Stylosanthes species were the least responsive of all. Among the grasses, C. fallax, A. gayanus and B. pertusa were the least responsive and D. ciliaris, C. gayana and D. annulatum the most responsive. The increases in yield when phosphorus was applied were mainly due to increases in tiller numbers, with smaller increases in rate of leaf appearance and leaf size. Digitaria ciliaris, U. oligotricha and C. barbata required smaller additions of phosphorus to achieve near maximum yields than did other species. Bothriochloa pertusa and D. annulatum required the most. Critical phosphorus concentrations in whole tops at 35 d (immediate pre-flowering stage) ranged from 0.20% in C. ciliaris to 0.39% in S. hamata. Overall, critical phosphorus concentrations in whole tops were similar to those in the youngest expanded leaves. When the species were grouped on the basis of their phosphorus requirements in the field, the groups were more closely related to responsiveness to applied phosphorus than to the amount of applied phosphorus required for near maximum yield. Species tolerant of low phosphorus conditions (e.g. Stylosanthes) gave smaller responses than less tolerant species (e.g. D. ciliaris and U. mosambicensis).
Antennal and behavioral responses of female Maruca vitrata to the floral volatiles of Vigna unguiculata and Lablab purpureus

In many herbivorous insects, the attraction to suitable host plants is in part mediated by similar olfactory cues from different host plants. This study investigated the electrophysiological and behavioral responses of female Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to floral volatiles from two host plants, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers and Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (both Fabaceae). Qualitative and quantitative differences were found between the odor profiles of two host plants by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Nine electroantennography‐active compounds were detected in the headspace collections of the two host plants by means of coupled GC‐electroantennographic detection. In a wind tunnel, female behaviors (upwind flight and source approach) were not affected by stimuli or their interaction with host plants, but the behaviors were influenced by host plants. A mixture of the nine bioactive compounds, including limonene, 1,3‐diethylbenzene, benzaldehyde, acetophenone, 4‐ethylbenzaldehyde, 1‐(4‐ethylphenyl)‐ethanone, 2‐methyl‐3‐phenylpropanal, 1H‐indol‐4‐ol, and 1,1′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis‐ethanone mimicking L. purpureus (in a ratio of 0.4:9.7:2.4:5.7:78.1:4.8:100:0.6:30.3) attracted significantly more females approaching the sources compared with the mixture of compounds mimicking V. unguiculata (in a ratio of 0.3:1.4:1.6:3.7:50.8:3.2:100:4.2:16.7). Further bioassays revealed that a subtractive 4‐component blend [limonene, 1,3‐diethylbenzene, 4‐ethylbenzaldehyde, and 1‐(4‐ethylphenyl)‐ethanone in a ratio of 0.4:9.7:78.1:4.8] was essential for maximal attraction. Our study suggested that female M. vitrata might use similar odors from V. unguiculata and L. purpureus to locate suitable hosts and that an artificial lure, containing the major floral volatiles released by the two host plants, might be useful in exploring efficiency monitoring and/or control strategies of this moth in the field.
Effect of Crop Residue With and Without a Culture of Cellulolytic Fungi on Yield, NPK Uptake and Soil Fertility Under Rice-Wheat Cropping System

The field experiments were carried out at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during three crop cycles from 1996-97 to 1998-99 to study the effect of incorporation of wheat and rice residues with and without a culture of cellulolytic fungi Trichrus spiralis on grain and straw yields and NPK uptake of rice-wheat cropping system and organic C, available P and available K content of soil. Incorporation of residue of wheat, rice or both had no significant effect on individual grain and straw yields and N and P uptake of rice and wheat, but significantly increased total grain and straw yields and N and P uptake of rice-wheat cropping system. Cellulolytic culture had no additional advantage over crop residues. Incorporation of residue of wheat, rice or both significantly increased K uptake of both rice and wheat as this practice resulted in recycling of 90% of total K uptake by rice and wheat crops. Incorporation of crop residue also resulted in building up of organic C, available P and available K content in soil.
RELEASE OF INTRACELLULAR β-GALACTOSIDASE FROM LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS AND L-ASPARAGINASE FROM PECTOBACTERIUM CAROTOVORUM BY HIGH-PRESSURE HOMOGENIZATION

This article reports a comparison of the ease of disruption of gram-positive (Lactobacillus acidophilus) and gram-negative (Pectobacterium carotovorum) bacteria using high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The location factor for both enzymes calculated from enzyme release kinetics together with localization studies identified them as cytoplasmic enzymes. The results showed that release of β-galactosidase by HPH of L. acidophilus was more difficult than the release of L-asparaginase from P. carotovorum. It took nine passes at 55.14 MPa for maximum release of β-galactosidase (0.949 IU/mL) as compared to six passes at 41.35 MPa for L-asparaginase (4.653 IU/mL); 1.7 IU of β-galactosidase was released as against 11.5 IU of L-asparaginase per MJ of energy during high-pressure homogenization.
Farm dairy effluent: A review of published data on chemical and physical characteristics in New Zealand

Abstract Increased concern about environmental degradation and a move towards sustainable farming systems has lead to closer attention being paid to farm dairy effluents (FDE). Treatment of FDE in New Zealand is mainly through land application, or through oxidation ponds. Since the introduction of the Resource Management Act, 1991, regional councils require dairy farmers to be more accountable for the management of effluent from their dairy farms. Regulations have been imposed to limit the application of nitrogen (N) to land from FDE, and these limits range from 150 to 200 kg N ha‐1 yr‐1. Farmers, consultants, and regional councils require information on the chemical composition, particularly N content, of effluents, so that land effluent application systems can be designed and managed within the guidelines or regulations imposed. Data gathered from previous investigations on effluents in New Zealand found an average solids content of 0.9% dry matter. Between 1977 and 1997 the mean N content of FDE doubled from approximately 200 to 400 mg N I‐1. The trend for higher N concentrations is likely to continue as dairy herd numbers increase. The most likely reason for the increase in N is that volume of washwater used per cow has proportionately decreased as herd size has increased, thus, FDE has become more concentrated with levels above 400 mg N I‐1 increasingly common. Average values of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in FDE were 70 and 370 mg I‐1, respectively. Slurries obtained from anaerobic ponds, which require periodic de‐sludging about every 5 years, had average nutrient concentrations of 1650, 290, and 510 mg 1‐1 for N, P, and K, respectively, representing an accumulation of minerals over the 5 years.
Spread of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus in sugarcane plants and fields on the island of Réunion

The spread of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) in sugarcane plants was studied on Reunion using virus-infected cuttings from four cultivars (R570, R575, R577 and R579). One month after the germination of cuttings in an insect-proof glasshouse, SCYLV was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and tissue-blot immunoassay (TBIA) in the leaves, shoots and roots of all cultivars. The distribution of SCYLV in the whole plant did not vary over a 10- to 11-month period of growth. In addition, the spread of SCYLV in sugarcane fields on Reunion was investigated during a survey conducted from 1998 to 2001. Samples were taken in three sugarcane-growing areas, and TBIA was used to detect SCYLV in the three major cultivars (R570, R575 and R579). The percentage of infected stalks varied according to cultivar and growing area, but remained relatively stable for a given cultivar in a given growing area over the 30-month survey period. Cultivar R575 was the most infected cultivar in all three growing areas (mean of 98% infected stalks). The percentage of infected stalks ranged from 16 to 94% in cv. R570 and from 21 to 92% in cv. R579. These results suggested that on Reunion: (i) infected sugarcane stools do not recover from the disease after harvesting; and (ii) the virus is mainly propagated by planting infected cuttings. SCYLV was detected by RT-PCR in the aphid Melanaphis sacchari, a potential vector of this virus. Two months after planting virus-free plants of susceptible cv. R575 in a field surrounded by sugarcane infected with SCYLV, 14% of plants were found infected with the virus. Four months later, 25% of plants were found infected with SCYLV, but no new infections were detected between 6 and 12 months after planting. In the first ratoon crop, 42% of plants were infected with SCYLV after 6 months of growth. Spatial distribution of infected plants suggested that, on Reunion, a small window of time (between 0 and 2 months after planting cuttings) exists during which primary infection can occur. Based on the results obtained in this study, the use of clean planting material for some cultivars and the use of tolerant cultivars should be an efficient means of controlling sugarcane yellow leaf on Reunion.
The habitat preference of four kingfisher species along a branch of the Kilombero River, southern Tanzania

Several factors have been found to influence kingfisher habitat use, including perch height (Monadjem, OwenSmith & Kemp, 1994), diet (Woodall, 1991; Libois & Laudelout, 2004), water quality (Douthwaite, 1982), river depth (Monadjem, 1996), river width and river speed (Peris & Rodriguez, 1996). Comparisons of the habitat preferences of different African kingfisher species have in the past mainly concerned the influence of single habitat variables on kingfisher presence [for example Monadjem et al. (1994) compared perch height preferences between Giant kingfisher (Ceryle maxima), Half-collared kingfisher (Alcedo semitorquata) and Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)]. In this study, by regarding multiple habitat variables we compare the habitat preferences of four African species of kingfisher: Giant, Half-collared, Pied and Malachite (Alcedo cristata), along the Kilombero River, southern Tanzania. Riverine habitat of the Kilombero River is cleared for purposes such as agriculture and livestock grazing and this may negatively affect the resident bird community (Baker & Baker, 2002). We aim to highlight those habitat variables that influence kingfisher habitat use, in an area experiencing moderate levels of anthropogenic pressure. Materials and methods
Eliminação da toxina tremorgênica de Ipomoea asarifolia pelo leite

With the aim to determine if the tremorgenic toxin of Ipomoea asarifolia is eliminated in milk, three groups of Swiss female mice received, immediately after giving birth until weaning, a ration containing 20% or 30% of dry I. asarifolia. All the offspring of the females that received 20% or 30% I. asarifolia showed tremors 2-4 days after birth. The offspring of the females that received 20% I. asarifolia recovered 4-7 days after weaning. The offspring of the females that received 30% of the plant in the ration died while showing tremors before weaning or up to two days after weaning. It is concluded that the tremorgenic compound of I. asarifolia or its toxic metabolites are eliminated in milk, and that lactating mice may be used as a model for the determination of the toxic compound(s) in this plant.
Population genetic structure of the gynodioecious Thymus vulgaris L. (Labiatae) in southern France

In a self‐compatible gynodioecious species, the abundance of female plants (which are obligate outcrossers) relative to hermaphrodites (which may self and outcross) may be a critical factor influencing genetic diversity and population structure. In the gynodioecious Thymus vulgaris L. , female frequency varies from 5 to 95%, providing a suitable model to examine this issue. In this study, we use allozyme markers to (1) evaluate the relationship between female frequency, genetic diversity and population structure, (2) determine whether females and hermaphrodites vary in heterozygote deficiency and (3) examine whether other factors such as plant density are related to heterozygote deficiency. Twenty three natural populations, with female frequencies ranging from 11 to 92%, were sampled in and around the St‐Martin‐de‐Londres basin in southern France. Based on four polymorphic allozyme loci, we found no significant correlation between female frequency and heterozygote deficiency. A significant (P < 0.05) FIS value over loci and over populations of 0.11 was detected. The FIS value per population showed a significant heterozygote deficiency in 11 of the 23 populations. However, no significant difference between female and hermaphrodite FIS values was found. A significant heterozygote deficiency only occurred in populations of intermediate density. There was little differentiation among populations (FST = 0.038) nor among subpopulations within each population. The significant FIS values are thus mostly due to inbreeding effects. The lack of a correlation between FIS values and female frequency may be due to outcrossing in hermaphrodites and/or restoration of male fertility which may occur to a greater extent at low female frequency. The similarity of female and hermaphrodite FIS values indicates that females may occasion high levels of biparental inbreeding.
Detection of brucella melitensis in blood samples collected from goats

PCR assays have been shown to be a promising option for the diagnosis of brucellosis. However, there is no study conducted in Malaysia to identify the brucellosis in goat’s population. In this study three whole blood samples and sera were collected from goat’s farm in Kedah state Malaysia which was suspected to have brucellosis. Serological and molecular detection of brucellosis have been done including RBPT, CFT, conventional PCR and Real time. The evaluation of each test have been discussed rather than the sensitivity and specificity of the each test which can be used in Malaysia national eradication programs. In conclusion, the combination between the serological test and molecular technique specially real time PCR depend on IS711 region in hypothetical protein is promising and can be reduced to false positive result which can cause heavy economical loss during controlling programs.
Seasonal variation in fatty acid composition of cow milk in relation to the feeding system

The fatty acid (FA) composition of bulk milk fat was examined on three dairy farms applying the seasonal pasture and on two farms applying the permanently indoor silage feeding. The seasonal variation in the content of major FAs was investigated in relation to the effect of farm in each feeding system separately. Six samples in winter period and four samples in summer period were taken on each farm. In the grazing herds, the seasonal changes were found in FAs forming 90 g/100 g total FAs on average (P 0.05). Only several FAs, forming 14 g/100 g total FAs on average, were influenced by the season effect in the indoor herds (P 0.05). The milk produced by grazing cows may be positively evaluated by consumers.
Effects of Nutrient Replacement on Benthic Macroinvertebrates in an Ultraoligotrophic Reach of the Kootenai River, 2003–2010

Abstract: Large impoundments remove substantial amounts of sediment and nutrients from rivers and often limit production by downstream primary producers and secondary consumers. Nutrient levels and macroinvertebrate and fish abundance in the lower Kootenai River (7th order, mean annual discharge = 454 m3/s) in Idaho and Montana declined dramatically after Libby Dam was built in 1972. A subsequent study implicated ultraoligotrophic conditions (total dissolved P [TDP] ≤ 2 µg/L TDP) as a principal causative agent and prompted an on-going experimental nutrient-addition program for the Kootenai River downstream from Libby Dam, with dosing at the Idaho—Montana border. Pre-treatment monitoring began in 2003 and liquid ammonium polyphosphate fertilizer (10-34-0) was added each year during the growing season from 2006 through 2010 with a target TDP concentration of 3 µg/L and TN:TP near 20:1. We studied benthic macroinvertebrate responses to the experimental addition and hypothesized moderate increases in invertebrate richness, abundance, and biomass with little change in assemblage structure. We used a before—after control—impact BACI design with macroinvertebrate samples collected pre- and post-treatment from July to early November 2003–2010 from fertilized and unfertilized reaches. After treatment, mean modified (Oligochaeta and Chironomidae subtaxa excluded) total abundance increased 72%, mean total abundance increased 69%, and mean biomass increased 48%. Abundance of Ephemeroptera, the principal insect order in the study area increased 66%. Filter-feeder abundance also increased, indicating increased suspended organic matter in addition to the attached forms consumed by other benthic macroinvertebrates. The first 5 y of experimental treatment resulted in increased food resources for resident native fishes with no major alteration of macroinvertebrate community structure or trophic pathways.
Density and Ecomorphology of a Freshwater Mussel (Elliptio complanata, Bivalvia:Unionidae) in a Rhode Island Lake

Densities of freshwater mussel species in a small (430 ha), shallow (zmax=1.8 m) lake in Rhode Island were determined by a SCUBA survey. The three dominant mussel species included Elliptio complanata (x̄=25.7/m2 ± 12.6 SD), Lampsilis radiata (1.1 ± 0.9) and Ligumia nasuta (0.5 ± 0.6). Anodonta cataracta was found rarely in shallow, sandy areas. A morphological analysis of E. complanata showed that individuals living in silt substratum were larger, older, and narrower relative to those in sand. Growth rates, calculated using data on size (length, height, and width of shell) and age (determined by thin section), showed faster growth in the silt substratum. These results conflict with other ecomorphological analyses of E. complanata and other unionid species. The sand habitat may be worse and/or the silt habitat better for mussel growth, relative to similar contrasts made previously.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN INSULATION OF THE FUR

Seasonal changes in insulation of the fur have been compared in nine species of arctic and North temperate zone mammals. Relative seasonal changes ranged from 12 to 52% of the winter value. Absolute changes were greatest in the larger mammals with thickest fur. The limited seasonal insulative change in small mammals suggests that changes in heat production may be important in seasonal acclimatization.