Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The incorporation of zinc and iron into the frustule of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana

Zinc and iron uptake experiments were conducted with the marine diatom Thalassosira pseudonana, to investigate whether Zn and Fe are incorporated into the frustule of this diatom. Our results show that the uptake and deposition of Zn into opal has a sigmoidal relationship with the free Zn2+ concentration of the culture medium. The amount of Zn incorporated into the opal represents only 1–3% of the total amount of Zn taken up by the diatom; however, the exact reasons for Zn incorporation into the opal are not known. Even so, the consistent relationship between Zn levels in the opal and the culture medium suggests that fossil diatoms may be used as a recorder for historical changes in oceanic free Zn2+ concentrations. These results also demonstrate that the Zn:Si(OH)4 relationship observed in the Pacific and Antarctic Oceans is not a result of Zn released from biogenic opal. Fe uptake experiments also revealed that Fe is incorporated into diatom opal; however, the amount incorporated appears to be regulated by the diatom and did not increase with increasing Fe concentration within the diatom culture medium. This therefore eliminates the use of Fe incorporated within diatom opal as a possible proxy for dissolved Fe concentrations.
Pod and grain yields from intercropping maize and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. in Nigeria

SUMMARY Field experiments were conducted at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria, during two cropping seasons, with two cultivars of climbing cow peas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subspecies sesquipedalis) cv. FARV-13 and TVU-1209. The work investigated their yields when intercropped with maize, which served as live support. The results showed that there were varietal differences in the cow-pea response to method of planting. Under the intercropped systems, highest dry-matter yield was obtained when TVU-1209 was planted on the same hill with maize while similar yields were obtained with FARV-13 planted in alternate hills with maize. TVU-1209 did not increase maize lodging except when planted in alternate hills with maize, but FARV-13 significantly increased maize lodging under all planting methods. Consequently, FARV-13 reduced maize yields more than TVU-1209. Neither pod length nor pod weight was affected by the planting. Highest yields from both cow pea and maize combined were realized from TVU-1209 planted between rows of maize. The yield of FARV-13 cow pea intercropped with maize did not show any advantage due to intercropping over sole crop of each.
Microbiological analysis and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of microorganisms isolated from vegetables sold in Akure, Nigeria.

Vegetables are the fresh and edible portions of herbaceous plants, which can be eaten raw or cooked (Dhellot et al., 2006). Green leafy vegetables are valuable sources of nutrients for growth in man and animal especially in rural areas where they Contributes substantially to protein, minerals, vitamins, fibers and other nutrients which are usually in short supply in daily diets (Mohammed and Sharif, 2011).
Mycobacteriology Molecular identification of rapidly growing mycobacteria isolates from pulmonary specimens of patients in the State of Pará, Amazon region, Brazil

We isolated 44 strains of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) from 19 patients with pulmonary infections assisted at the Instituto Evandro Chagas (Para, Brazil) from 2004 to 2007. Identification at the species level was performed by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PRA) of a 441 bp hsp65 fragment and partial 16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB gene sequencing. Genotyping by PRA yielded 3 digestion patterns: one identical to Mycobacterium abscessus type I (group I); another to M. abscessus type II, Mycobacterium bolletii, and Mycobacterium massiliense (group II); and a third typical for Mycobacterium fortuitum type I (group III). When comparing analysis of the 3 genes, more discrimination was obtained by rpoB gene sequence, which allowed good distinction between group I, II, and III strains and subclassification of group II strains in SG IIa (M. bolletii) and SG IIb (M. massiliense). In this study, we show that the description of new RGM species requires the establishment of standardized procedures for RGM identification and the alert of the clinician about their involvement in pulmonary disease and the necessity of treatment for control and cure.
Role of interferon‐γ in immune cell regulation

In 1965 Wheelock reported that phytohemagglutinin could induce from human leukocytes an interferon‐like virus inhibitor [1]. This substance, which turned out to be interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), has been the subject, directly or indirectly, of thousands of scientific publications since that initial report. Past research has led to the general conclusion that IFN‐γ is much more than an interferon in that it has broader effects on the various arms of the immune system than most any other lymphokine or cytokine. In this review we discuss the effects of IFN‐γ on the various cell lineages of the immune system, focusing on the biology of its actions. In addition, we summarize research focused on the consequences of introducing IFN‐γ cDNA into tumor cells, aberrant IFN‐γ production in transgenic animals, and inhibition of IFN‐γ effects by knocking out either the IFN‐γ gene itself or the IFN‐γ receptor gene.
Confidence Intervals for the Divergence Time of Two Clades

We describe a simple method for generating tighter confidence intervals for the date of divergence of two monophyletic groups of taxa. This technique exploits the variation that exists within each of two groups that have evolved separately from a common ancestor. We illustrate the method (plus a technique to test the molecular clock hypothesis) using sequence dissimilarity within the orders of ratites and of tinamous (small birds from South America commonly regarded as the closest relative to ratites). (Aligned sequences; clades; divergence times; molecular clock; phylogeny.)
Digenea de Pimelodus maculatus (Osteichthyes, Pimelodidae) das bacias dos rios São Francisco e Paraná, Brasil

A apresentacao da comunidade de Digeneade uma especie de hospedeiro de doisimportantes sistemas limnicos, o rio SaoFrancisco e o rio Parana, objetiva melhorar osconhecimentos sobre as interacoes troficasnesses ecossistemas. Alem disso, a analise dosindices parasitarios dos Digenea, subsidia ahipotese de vicariância das populacoes
Mother-young behaviour at Grey seal breeding beaches

A comparative study of mother-young relations at Grey seal breeding beaches was made and results from two sites in Orkney are described to illustrate the different situations. It was found that at the minimally disturbed beach the cows consistently and exclusively suckled their own pups. To achieve this a bond is formed between the mother and pup immediately after parturition. The cow uses a combination of senses to locate and identify her pup; she recognises and responds to her pup's call, she returns to where she last suckled and she identifies the pup by smell. The pup remains on the beach where it was last suckled, it probably does not recognise its mother and does not discriminate between cows when soliciting suckling. These results are considered to be representative of completely undisturbed behaviour in the wild. At the other beach there were many examples of inconsistent suckling; these are described and attributed to disturbed conditions created by the method of study which led to a break-down of the mother-young bond between many of the seals present. The situation was accentuated by the topography of the beach and the density of seals present.
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell: A Rapid, Efficient and Cost Effective Micropropagation

An efficient and cost effective protocol is described for rapid and large scale in vitro propagation of the valuable medicinal herb, Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell by bud proliferation on nodal segments, young leaves, internodes and shoot tips isolated from field-grown mature plants. This was achieved on MS solid and liquid medium with 1.1 µM BA and 0.2 µM IAA within three weeks of inoculation. Normally, the axillary nodes gave rise to seven - eight shoots. In addition to this, each leaf gave rise to a large number of shoot buds (110 shoots) from all over the surface, while internodes gave rise to a clump of shoots (28 shoots). The solid medium was more effective for bud proliferation from the leaf while the liquid medium proved more suitable for axillary nodes and internode explants. Axillary buds located at middle level nodes (4 - 7 from shoot tip) were found to be more promising and resulted in direct multiplication of about eight shoots. Elongation of shoots and subsequent root induction were achieved on the same proliferation medium only. On an average, within a period of three subcultures, different explants like leaf-, node- and internode explants generated 12100, 49, 784 shoots, respectively thereby favoring the economics of the cost of the materials and time factors. The regenerated plants resembled the mother plants in general habit without any morphological variation. HPLC analysis of the regenerated shoots revealed a phytochemical profile similar to that of the market sample and mother plants. A reproducible, very simple - one step procedure for in vitro propagation of Bacopa monnieri has been established. This protocol can be used to generate foundation stocks of elite planting material for large scale cultivation.
Changes of Blood Cells in Growing Young Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) with Fodder as a Dietary Supplement in Côte d and #8217;Ivoire

Several standard foods are available for their growth. However, these foods do not improve effectively blood of animals. Our research aims to evaluate possible changes in blood parameters of young growing rabbits during a diet based on fodders. Twelve local breed young rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were weaned on the 35th day of growth. They were divided into 3 groups according to the food. A control group was fed only pellets food from Ivograin®. Second group of young rabbits subjected to both pelleted food and Centrosoma pubescens. Last group of animals fed the granulated food and Pueraria phaseoloides. All young rabbits were followed until the 80th day of growth. A blood sample was performed at fasting morning on marginal vein of ear in each young rabbits during 3 periods of growth in a tube containing anticoagulant (EDTA) to determine haematological parameters. Results of study showed that several haematological parameters were increased in young rabbits fed standard pelleted food at beginning of experiment than those subjected to fodders. However, these parameters were most improved in young rabbits fed forages than control rabbits at the 80th day of growth. In addition, Pueraria phaseoloides provided better values of haematological parameters than Centrosoma pubescens.
Quality of sweet corn yield depending on winter catch crops and weed control method

A special role in improving soil fertility is ascribed to green manures. Organic manuring can also influence on the quantity and quality of vegetable yield. The secondary effect of winter catch crops (VV - hairy vetch, TR - white clover, SC - rye, LM - Italian ryegrass, BRT - turnip rape) and weed control methods on the yielding, biometric pa- rameters of ears and selected components of nutritive value in sweet corn were examined. The effects of an application of green manures were compared to the effect of farmyard manure (FYM ) - 30 t·ha -1 - and control treatment without organic manure (NOM). Two methods of weed control were used: hand weeding and a mixture of herbicides Mustang 306 SE (florasulam + 2.4 D) + Titus 25 WG (rimsulfuron). Cultivation of sweet corn after FYM and VV most beneficially affected the crop's yield performance, ear weight, kernel weight per ear and sugars content. Ears were the longest when harvested in FYM and VV plots and NOM whereas ear fulfillment was the best in FYM and TR plots. Ear diameter was the greatest for sweet corn cultivated after FYM, LM and BRT. The highest dry mat- ter content was determined in kernels of corn following LM and protein content after LM, VV and TR. Ascorbic acid content increased after all the catch crops compared with FYM and NOM. When weeds had been chemically controlled, corn produced larger ears which, however, had less kernel rows compared with hand weeded plants.
Gene Expression in Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation

Recent work on hippocampal LTP has focused on gene expression induced with high frequency stimulation, as well as the signal transduction cascades responsible for the induction of these genes. Many scenarios for LTP lasting for greater than 5 hours include some or all of the following processes: 1) tagging of potentiated synapses, possibly by phosphorylation; 2) signaling to the nucleus; 3) kinase cascades and transcription factors in the nucleus;, 4) expression of immediate-early genes and/or synaptic proteins; and, finally, 5) targeting of newly synthesized proteins (or RNAs) to the potentiated synapses (and not to the unpotentiated synapses). Unfortunately, most scenarios proposed for the late-phase expression of LTP are still highly speculative at this time. A critical review of the literature relating to the role of gene expression in hippocampal LTP and a discussion of recent work on the subject will be presented. NEUROSCIENTIST 5:275-279, 1999
Considerations for boreal mixedwood silviculture: A view from the dismal science

Since the end of the twentieth century, there have been some notable changes in the economic climate facing forest products companies operating in the boreal mixedwood forest in Canada: low product prices, a strong Canadian dollar, and increasing recognition of the importance of non-timber forest values are major challenges that must be faced by forest managers and provincial governments. In response to these challenges, foresters and governments may need to rethink the objectives of forest management as stated in policy, and to rethink the silviculture prescriptions applied to the forest. This rethinking may well lead to a forest with less annual production (at least in terms of softwood volume), but with greater economic value for timber production. I present results of financial analysis of several alternative management scenarios for the mixedwood component of the Boreal Plains ecozone, and conclude that only very low cost silvicultural prescriptions make sense when silvicultural expenditures are view.
Tolerance of Cranberry Plants to Manganese, Iron and Aluminum1

Cranberry cuttings grown in external solutions with several concentrations of Mn (0 to 1000 ppm), Fe (0 to 100 ppm) supplied as FeEDTA, and Al (0 to 150 ppm), showed tolerance to accumulations of high concentrations (8000 ppm from 1000 ppm in external solution) of Mn in the tissue and the ability to selectively exclude high level accumulation of Fe and Al from shoots. Root initiation by softwood cuttings was inhibited at high levels of Mn (275 ppm and above), Al (2.5 ppm and above) and Fe (2.5 ppm FeEDTA and above) in external solution.
Dispersal Polymorphisms in Insects

In many insects dispersal by flight occurs prior to reproduction, and the ability to fly is often lost once reproduction begins (37, 92). Thus, dispersal is viewed as an "evolved adaptation" characteristic of a particular stage in the ontogeny of the insect (91-93, 98) rather than a spontaneous response to current adversity. In certain groups of insects, species exhibit polymorphisms that affect flight ability. Variations in wing length and flight muscle development are the most obvious examples. In some species flight may be primarily an adaptation for dispersal, and the proportion of morphs capable of flight may be a reliable measure of level of dispersal. Adaptations for dispersal in animals are for the most part difficult to identify because locomotory move­ ments potentially serve many important functions (or produce many impor­ tant effects). Flight polymorphisms in insects are thus of particular interest in understanding the adaptive significance of dispersal in natural popula­ tions. This review focuses on two aspects of insect flight polymorphisms: how morphs are determined and how polymorphisms are maintained. I do not attempt to document all (or even most) examples of flight polymorphisms but instead consider possible answers to the following questions: Do differ­ ent morphs represent different genotypes, or do they represent alternative developmental patterns produced by a single genotype in response to differ­ ent sets of environmental inputs? What do studies of flight polymorphisms reveal about the evolutionary significance of dispersal? What are the selec­ tive advantages and disadvantages of the normal (winged, not necessarily most common) and flightless morphs in an insect population?
Reduction in escape performance as a cost of reproduction in gravid starlings, Sturnus vulgaris

Predation is known to be an important cost of reproduction in shaping the evolution of avian life-histories. However, published work has concentrated on behaviours associated with reproduction that incur an increase in predation risk. Relatively little attention has been given to the effect of reproduction on the ability to escape predators, once an attack has been launched. Body mass increases markedly before and during egg laying in female birds and there is good evidence, both theoretical and empirical, that increases in mass have a detrimental effect on flight performance. On attack, initial take-off performance is critical in determining the probability of escape from aerial or ground predators. Escape performance was assessed in female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) for 6 weeks of the breeding season, with respect to speed and angle of ascent during take-off. Repeated measures on the same individuals show that angle of ascent during take-off decreases before and during laying. Speed of take-off was inversely correlated with body mass within individuals. This decreased take-off ability, and hence ability to escape a predator, may be an important and previously ignored cost of reproduction in birds.
Mode of Pollination, Pollen Germination, and Seed Set in Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora, Poaceae)

Spartina alterniflora, a perennial grass dominating the salt marsh in tidal wetlands, is used extensively to prevent soil erosion and restore wetlands along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. Controlled crossing is required to develop S. alterniflora populations with improved reproductive and vegetative characteristics that enhance restoration potential. Spartina alterniflora accessions collected from Louisiana salt marshes were used to investigate methods of pollination by examining pollen germination, pollen tube growth, and seed set following selfing or cross‐hybridization. Fluorescent microscopy was used to observe pollen germination and pollen tube growth at different time intervals following pollination. Anthesis occurred primarily between 0800 and 1000 hours. Pollen was viable, with average germination of 52% and 67% following self‐ and cross‐pollination, respectively, and stigmas were receptive after exsertion from the floret. Pollen germinated about 15 min after contacting the stigma, and pollen tubes grew to the micropyle within 55 to 75 min. Spartina alterniflora exhibited protogynous flowering where stigmas protruded from the floret 2–5 d before anthesis. Average seed set under self‐ and cross‐pollination was 26% and 52%, respectively. These findings indicate S. alterniflora is largely cross‐pollinated and that protogyny can be exploited to make controlled hybrids for genetic research and improvement. These findings have ecological and practical implications for salt marsh restoration and maintenance.
Haemoparasitic protozoans (Plasmodiidae and Haemogregarinidae) from a New Caledonian gekkonid lizard, Rhacodactylus leachianus

A Plasmodium sp. and a haemogregarine were found in Giemsa-stained blood smears of a Rhacodactylus leachianus, an endemic New Caledonian gekkonid lizard. Both parasites were observed in mature erythrocytes only. The haemogregarines were found in a lateral position and the stages of Plasmodium sp. were polar or lateropolar in the cells. Mature schizonts of the latter were often fan-shaped, producing 4–10 merozoites. This is the first record of blood parasites in a New Caledonian vertebrate and the first record of a Plasmodium from a carphodactyline gecko. The Plasmodium sp. is unlike those described from Australian or New Zealand lizards, but is referable to the subgenus Lacertamoeba. The biogeographic affinities of these parasites remain unclear and may reflect either ancient Gondwanan affinities or more recent southeast Asian connections via more highly vagile lizard invaders of New Caledonia.
BODY SIZE VARIATION AND OPTIMAL BODY SIZE OF BUMBLE BEE QUEENS (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE)

Abstract Body size and mass variation of queen bumble bees (Bombus Latr. spp.) were analyzed in relationship to hibernation survival and optimal body size. Body mass and size (measured by radial cell length) were significantly correlated in six of eight species. Also, spring queens of B. occidentalis Greene were, on average, significantly larger yet lighter than young fall queens. These observations were consistent with weight loss known to occur during hibernation coupled with greater mortality of small queens over the winter. Thus large queens may be at an advantage for this and other reasons (e.g. foraging efficiency, usurpation). However, an optimality model showed that an intermediate body size was optimal if the reproductive success of a colony (foundress queen and workers) was considered. The assumptions were that fitness did not increase linearly with body size but was a convex function, and that colonies only had a fixed amount of energy to invest in reproductive offspring leading to a trade-off between size and number. Résumé On a analysé la variation de la taille corporelle et de la masse de reines de bourdons (Bombus Latr. spp.) en rapport avec la survie en hibernation et la taille corporelle optimale. La masse et la taille corporelles (mesurées par la longueur radiale des cellules) étaient significativement corrélées chez six des espèces. De plus, chez B. occidentalis Greene, les reines printannières étaient en moyenne plus grandes quoique plus légères que les jeunes reines automonales. Ces observations sont en accord avec la perte de poids déjà confirmée durant l’hibernation, couplée avec la mortalité plus élevée des petites reines au cours de l’hiver. Ainsi les grosses reines seraient avantagées pour cette raison parmi d’autres (par ex. efficacité comme butineuses, succès d’usurpation). Cependant un modèle d’optimalité a montré qu’une taille corporelle intermédiaire est celle qui est optimale si le succès reproducteur d’une colonie (reine fondatrice et ouvrières) sont considérées. Les prémisses étaient que la fitness n’augmente pas linéairement avec la taille corporelle, la relation ayant une forme convexe, et que les colonies n’ont qu’une quantité limitée d’énergie à investir dans la production de reproducteurs, créant un équilibre entre la taille et le nombre.