Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diel and seasonal changes in fluorescence rise kinetics of three scleractinian corals.

The effect of diel oscillations in light on the photosynthetic response of three coral species during summer and winter was studied. Fast induction curves revealed detailed information on primary photochemistry as well as redox states of electron acceptors in photosystem II (PSII). The comparison between seasons revealed that similar physiological mechanisms were operating in response to high-light conditions throughout the year and that environmental variables, such as temperature, had no measurable effect between seasons. A diurnal hysteresis was seen in both seasons in Fv / Fm as well as in the fast induction curves, where photosynthetic capacity was lower in the afternoon than in the morning when light intensities were the same. This suggests the operation of dynamic down regulation, following exposure to midday high light. Fast induction curve analysis revealed a decline in the O, J, I and P steps towards midday and a rapid recovery by the late afternoon. The decrease in J and its rapid recovery indicated a drop in the rate of QA reduction as a result of an increase in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). The P step increased in amplitude in the first hours of sunlight, which suggests an increased oxidation of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool and a greater capacity for electron transport. Similarly, a rise in Fv / Fm was observed within the first hour of sunlight. This response was attributed to the dark reduction of the PQ pool, induced by night time anaerobic conditions and possibly oxygen-dependent chlororespiration, which would lead to a state 2 transition. The early morning removal of chlororespiration and hypoxic conditions would have returned the photosystems to state 1, resulting in the increased photochemical efficiency of the zooxanthellae.
Enzymic and Chemical Synthesis of ɛ‐N‐(l‐Propionyl‐2)‐l‐Lysine

Pyruvate was shown to act as an oxo acid substrate in the reverse direction of saccharopine dehydrogenase [ɛ-N-(l-glutaryl-2)-l-lysine: NAD oxidoreductase (l-lysine-forming)] reaction. The enzymic condensation product of lysine and pyruvate was isolated and identified as ɛ-N-(l-propionyl-2)-l-lysine by comparison with the synthetic compound. A method for the chemical preparation of diastereoisomers of ɛ-N-(propionyl-2)-l-lysine is also described.
Assessment of the Vulnerable Status of Kinixys homeana (Testudines: Testudinidae) for the IUCN Red List

ABSTRACT The IUCN Red List status of Kinixys homeana is reassessed using interviews, field surveys, recent and old literature, and extrapolation of local trends (mainly in Nigeria). Available data indicate that numbers have declined drastically in recent years due primarily to habitat loss, hunting, and export for the pet trade. All these threats are still current and probably increasing, and we recommend change in status from Data Deficient to a minimum of Vulnerable A2cd.
Assessing genetic diversity, population structure and gene flow in the Korean red bean [Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & Ohashi] using SSR markers

Red bean, also known as azuki bean [Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & Ohashi], belongs to a group of legumes (family Fabaceae). The name azuki is a transliteration of the native Japanese name from the Chinese word Shōzu, which means small bean. In Korea, it is known as pat. In total, 178 red bean accessions were taken to analyse the genetic diversity, population structure and gene flow using 39 polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers. A total of 431 alleles were detected, with an average of 11 alleles per locus, among the 178 tested red bean accessions. Forty-six specific alleles were identified with 20 loci. Locus CEDG090 had the highest number (n = 22) of alleles, whereas only two alleles were observed at loci CEDG144 and CEDC018. The proportion of different alleles for microsatellite loci was analysed using a microsatellite toolkit. In locus CEDG029, one allele was shared in all the three groups of varieties and species, and three alleles were shared between the wild ancestors and cultivated varieties, while in locus CEDG090, one allele was shared in all the three groups and 12 alleles were shared between the wild ancestors and cultivated varieties. Our findings describe the genetic relationships and population structure of the red bean in Korea and will be useful for designing effective breeding programmes and broadening the genetic base of commercial varieties. Moreover, the results demonstrate substantial gene flow from the red bean to nearby wild relatives in a given region.
Dropping Out and Dropping In: A Study of Factors for Changing Recreational Fishing Participation

Abstract We used a longitudinal study design to understand the factors that cause changes in recreational fishing participation over time for a sample of anglers who had purchased a fishing license in 1989 and responded to a 1990 Texas statewide angler survey. License records from 1991 were used to identify subsequent license purchasers. In 1994, we sent a follow-up mail survey to a random sample of 1,600 respondents to the 1990 statewide survey. One-half had purchased a Texas fishing license in 1989 but had not obtained a 1991 license; the remaining 800 purchased Texas fishing licenses during both license years (1989 and 1991). There were four combinations among the original sample of 1989 license buyers. Those who did not follow up and purchase licenses in 1991 or 1994 were termed “inactive anglers” (17%). The second group participated again in 1991 but not in 1994; this group was termed “recent dropouts” (6%). A third group of 1989 license purchasers did not participate in 1991 but did so again in 1994.
Monitoring Populations of Liriomyza Trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Celery with Pupal Counts

Populations of Liriomyza trifoli (Burgess) were monitored in 16 commercial fields of celery during 1985 by taking 10 sets of 10 leaflet samples per field and counting puparia after 3, 7, and 14 days. Three indices of dispersion showed that the population had an aggregated distribution. Sample size for 3-day pupae counts were calculated to be 7 sets of 10 leaflets for 25% precision at densities of 5 or more puparia per 10 leaflets. The proposed sampling scheme requires between 30 and 45 minutes total sampling time per field and will allow the grower to monitor L. trifolii population trends and evaluate previous control actions. Sequential sampling plans may further reduce sampling time.
Spheroid Chromatin Units (ν Bodies)

Linear arrays of spherical chromatin particles (ν bodies) about 70 angstroms in diameter have been observed in preparations of isolated eukaryotic nuclei swollen in water, centrifuged onto carbon films, and positively or negatively stained. These bodies have been found in isolated rat thymus, rat liver, and chicken erythrocyte nuclei. Favorable views also reveal connecting strands about 15 angstroms wide between adjacent particles.
Biofertilizers: An Alternative Source of Nutrients for Sustainable Production of Tree Crops

ABSTRACT Certain microorganisms fix atmospheric nitrogen in the root nodule of trees by establishing a symbiotic relationship. Rhizobium usually infects legume trees for nodulation while Frankia is an actinomycete, which is known for actinorhizal symbiosis with nonlegumes. However, Azospirillium is an associative symbiotic nitrogen-fixing organism. Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi help plants absorb phosphorous. These four microorganisms were examined in the present study. An experiment was conducted by inoculating Frankia, Rhizobium, and Azospirillum either singly or in combination with VAM to Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia nilotica and Eucalyptus tereticornis. The inoculation resulted in high biomass built up over control. Casuarina equisetifolia and Acacia nilotica developed more nodules with higher nodule dry mass and high nodule nitrogenase activity compared to control. From the result it is important to note that the dual inoculation namely Frankia + VAM, Rhizobium + VAM, and Azosprillum + VAM showed higher productivity than single inoculation in all the above three tree species.
Observation of a rickettsia-like organism in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Ireland.

A rickettsia-like organism was observed in tissues of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , experiencing mortalities in the West of Ireland. Gross pathology of affected fish included haemorrhages in the skeletal muscle, splenomegaly, congestion of pyloric caeca and yellow mottling of livers, which appeared in ring formations in some cases. Histopathology was most obvious in the spleens, livers, kidneys and hearts, with widespread tissue necrosis and numerous basophilic granules present in the cytoplasm and cytoplasmic vacuoles of a variety of cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed micro-organisms within membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuoles similar in appearance to rickettsia.
{iPuccinellia} Parl. (Gramineae: Poeae) in New Zealand

Abstract Puccinellia Parl. , saltgrass, of temperate regions throughout the world, is revised for New Zealand. Four indigenous species are recognised: P. stricta shared with Australia; and three endemic species: P. raroflorens, described as new from salt pans in Central Otago and one locality on Stewart I. , P. macquariensis, and P. walkeri, this last name being taken up for the species latterly known in New Zealand as P. novae-zealandiae. Subantarctic Puccinellia antipoda and P. chathamica are treated as subspecies within P. walkeri. Three naturalised species are recognised: P. distans from Eurasia, P. fasciculata from North America and Europe, and P. rupestris from Europe. Plants originally described as indigenous P. scott-thomsonii were found to be sterile and are included within P. fasciculata.
Abundância e frugivoria da quiropterofauna (Mammalia, chiroptera) de um fragmento no noroeste do Estado do Paraná, Brasil

Chiropterofauna abundance and frugivory in a forest remnant in northwestern Parana State, Brazil. This study aims to evaluate the abundance and frugivory of bats from the Recanto Marista, a small riparian forest remnant in the margins of the Ivai river. The Recanto Marista has 57.6 ha, of which 40.8 ha are covered by semideciduous seasonal forest and is located in the Doutor Camargo municipality. Collections were conducted from May 2007 to January 2008 using mist nets (7 x 2.5 m) totaling 13,475 m² h and comprising about 72 hours. Ten species were found pertaining to two families, Phyllostomidae (Artibeus lituratus, Sturnira lilium, Carollia perspicillata, Artibeus cf. fimbriatus, Artibeus planirotris, Desmodus rotundus and Pygoderma bilabiatum) and Vespertilionidae (Myotis nigricans, Eptesicus sp. and Lasiurus blossevillii) totaling 193 specimens. One Molossus rufus individual was found dead on the ground. Fruits pertaining to the families Moraceae (Ficus guaranitica, Ficus insipida, Ficus sp. and Maclura tinctoria), Solanaceae (Solanum aspero-lanatum and Solanum sp.), Piperaceae (Piper aduncum, Piper amalago and Piper sp.) and Urticaceae (Cecropia pachystachya and Cecropia sp.) made part of the diet of the captured bat species.
Marker-Assisted Selection for Low Linolenic Acid Content in Soybean

ABSTRACT Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is a major crop in the world and in the United States. In 2006, soybeans represented 57% of the world oilseed production. Because of oxidation problems upon heating and storage of the oil, and because of health risks related to the production of trans-fatty acids during oil hydrogenation, reducing linolenic acid content in soybean oil below 2% is now an important goal in soybean breeding programs. The current methods for evaluation of the fatty acid content in the oil (fat extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the fatty acids) are time consuming and expensive. Our objective was to develop molecular markers that would allow the selection for low linolenic acid lines without the need for analysis of the fatty acid content of the oil. Populations were developed by crossing a low linolenic parent with high-yielding adapted South Dakota lines. We developed a molecular marker that was linked to the low linolenic acid trait in our populations and permitted effective selection for low linolenic acid lines. In the three populations developed for the study, a single backcross proved to be the most effective way to combine the low linolenic acid trait of the donor parent with the high-yielding genes of the recurrent parent.
Seasonal life cycle of Aelia fieberi (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in relation to the phenology of its host plants

Adults and nymphs of Aelia fieberi Scott were observed on grasses in the field in Osaka, Japan, from April to August. This species produced 2 generations a year and adults of the 2nd generation entered diapause in August. At 25°C in tbe laboratory, adults raised under long-day conditions reproduced promptly after ecdysis, whereas those raised under short-day conditions entered diapause. The critical daylength was 14.5 h, which corresponds in Osaka to the length of early-August days, including twilight. However, seeds of grasses were available consistently in the field from April to October, and temperatures were high enough for nymphal development even after August. When eggs were kept under outdoor conditions, nymphs developed to adults on a favorable food after August, and the bugs survived until the next spring. Nymphs reared at 25°C in the laboratory reached adulthood on seeds of grasses available in the field from spring to summer, although all nymphs died on seeds produced in summer. The relatively long critical daylength inducing diapause in August prevents reproduction of the 2nd generation which would face the lack of favorable food in autumn.
Changes in Transcript Levels of Gill Cortisol Receptor during Smoltification in Wild Masu Salmon, Oncorhynchus masou

Abstract We developed a quantitative PCR assay to investigate transcript levels of gill cortisol receptor (CR) in masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou). Using this system, we examined changes in transcript levels of gill CR during smoltification of wild masu salmon while tracking serum cortisol and growth hormone (GH) concentrations patterns. The masu salmon were parr in January and February, and thereafter smoltified, migrating from the river to the sea in May. Gill CR transcript levels were very low in January and February, but thereafter increased and reached a maximum in April (5 fold increase over levels observed in January). In May, when smolt enter the sea, the gill CR transcript levels decreased. Serum cortisol concentrations were also low from January to March and increased to the peak in April. These changes correlated well with changes in CR transcript levels from March to April. In contrast, serum GH concentration began to increase in January, peaked in March and decreased from March to May. These results elucidated patterns in transcript levels of gill CR during smoltification of wild masu salmon and suggested that gill CR transcription was positively regulated by cortisol until serum cortisol level reached a peak, and negatively done after the peak in masu salmon.
Callus and Root Formation in Explants of Beta vulgaris

Callus from hypocotyl and petiole explants and anthers of Beta vulgaris L. was initiated on a defined agar medium containing IAA and kinetin. The cultures were kept in light (18 hours a day) at 27C for 5 weeks. Differences in dry matter production and root initiation were found between hypocotyl and petiole explants. No shoots were formed. Callus formation in anthers was very rare.
Dothistroma rhabdoclinis sp. nov. associated with Rhabdocline pseudotsugae on Douglas-fir

Dothistroma rhabdoclinis, a new coelomycete on needles of Pseudotsuga menziesii is described. The fungus is associated, possibly as a hyperparasite, with Rhabdocline pseudotsugae, the causal agent of Rhabdocline needle-cast of Douglas fir. The presence of D. rhabdoclinis interferes with and sometimes completely inhibits the production of ascomata of R. pseudotsugae. The cultural and morphological characters of the new fungus are compared with the only other known member of the genus, Dothistroma septospora.
Down-Regulation of the α- and β-Subunits of the Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel in Human Myometrium with Parturition1

Abstract Large-conductance, calcium-dependent potassium (BKCa) channels are implicated in maintaining uterine quiescence during pregnancy. The mechanisms whereby calcium sensitivity of the BKCa channel is dramatically removed at parturition remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this loss of calcium sensitivity of the BKCa channel with the onset of labor is associated with changes in the protein expression of the α- and/or β-subunit or arises from a physical dissociation of the α-subunit from the β-subunit. The β-subunit is a key determinant of BKCa-channel Ca2+ sensitivity. Western blot analysis, using α- and β-subunit-specific antibodies, detected bands of 110–125 and 36 kDa, respectively. Protein expression levels of the α-subunit in term labor myometrium were significantly reduced compared with term pregnancy without labor. Furthermore, α-subunit levels at term pregnancy were significantly increased relative to the nonpregnant state, whereas levels at preterm gestations were unchanged. Densitometric analysis demonstrated significantly decreased β-subunit levels in term and preterm labor samples compared with term nonlabor samples. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed the presence of both the α- and β-subunits in samples taken before or after the onset of labor. We conclude that during labor, the α-subunit is not physically uncoupled from the β-subunit, but a decline occurs in the level of β-subunit protein, which may underlie the loss of calcium and voltage sensitivity of the BKCa channel with labor. Furthermore, reduced β-subunit protein in preterm labor myometrium implies that ion channels may also contribute to pathophysiological labor.
First field evidence that parasitoids use upwind anemotaxis for host‐habitat location

The direction of flight of natural populations of Phradis interstitialis (Thomson), Tersilochus obscurator Aubert (both Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), and Platygaster subuliformis (Kieffer) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), parasitoids of three crucifer‐specialist herbivores, to and from their hosts’ host plant [oilseed rape, Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae)] was studied in the field within a heterogeneous arable environment. Double‐sided Malaise traps encircling a plot of winter oilseed rape (cultivar Lutin) were used to sample the parasitoids as they flew towards and away from the plot during spring and summer. Daily trap catch of parasitoids and trap air flow were compared using Spearman's rank correlation. For all 14 insect days analysed, and for each species, the correlations between daily catch of parasitoids into distal halves of traps (relative to the plot) and wind direction were negative, significantly so on half the days analysed. This confirmed that flights towards the plot were by upwind anemotaxis. In contrast, the correlations between daily catch of parasitoids into proximal halves of traps (relative to the plot) and wind direction were most often crosswind; they were never strongly nor significantly either negative or positive. Implications of the results for integrated pest management strategies incorporating biological control with these parasitoids are discussed.
The acquisition and accumulation of inorganic carbon by the unicellular green alga Chlorella ellipsoidea

Abstract. The uptake and accumulation of inorganic carbon has been investigated in Chlorella ellipsoidea cells grown at acid or alkaline pH. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) was detected in ceil extracts but not in intact cells and CA activity in acid-grown cells was considerably less than that in alkali-grown cells. Both cell types demonstrates low K1/2 (CO2) values in the range pH 7.0–8.0 and these were unaffected by O2 concentration. The CO2 compensation concentrations of acid- and alkali-grown cells suspended in aqueous media were not significantly different in the range of pH 6.0–8.0, but at pH 5.0, the CO2 compensation concentrations of acid-grown cells (57.4cm3 m−3) were lower than those of alkali-grown cells (79.2cm3 m−3). The rate of photo-synthetic O2 evolution in the range pH 7.5–8.0 exceeded the calculated rate of CO2 supply two- to three-fold, in both acid- and alkali-grown cells, indicating that HCO3− was taken up by the cells. Accumulation of inorganic carbon was measured at pH 7.5 by silicone-oil centri-fugation, and the concentration of unfixed inorganic carbon was found to be 5.1 mol m−3 in acid-grown and 6.4mol m−3 in alkali-grown cells. These concentrations were 4.6- and 5.9-fold greater than in the external medium. These results indicate that photorespiration is suppressed in both acid- and alkali-grown cells by an intracellular accumulation of inorganic carbon due, in part, to an active uptake of bicarbonate.
T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in grain and grain-based commodities in Europe: occurrence, factors affecting occurrence, co-occurrence and toxicological effects

This paper presents an overview of the occurrence of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in cereals in Europe and derived food products, factors influencing the occurrence, co-occurrence with other trichothecenes, and toxicological effects of T-2 and HT-2 in human. Of all cereals, oats showed to be most susceptible to T-2/HT-2 contamination. Particularly, oats grown in Scandinavia and UK in the period 2003-2007 were highly contaminated. This contamination has reduced in 2008 and 2009. In raw cereals, T-2 and HT-2 levels were highly correlated with each other in most instances, with the HT-2 level being two to seven times higher than the T-2 level. The toxin levels showed not to be correlated with levels of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. The occurrence of T-2 and HT-2 in the field varied between years, regions, cereal grain varieties, sowing time, and precrop. Organically produced cereals contained lower T-2 and HT-2 levels as compared to conventionally grown cereals. Little or no effects from using fungicides was seen. Processing cereals resulted in low T-2 and HT-2 levels in food products, although oat products contained some T-2 and HT-2. The by-products from food processing, often used for animal feeding, frequently were highly contaminated. T-2 and HT-2 showed to have high acute and subacute toxicity, as they caused haematotoxic, immunotoxic, cytotoxic, and dermal effects. Carcinogenicity of T-2 and HT-2 in human has not been proven. Outbreaks of human toxicosis caused by trichothecenes, including T-2 and HT-2, have been reported. The present overview is deemed to be valuable for risk assessments at the European level, planned to be held by EFSA. It also provides directions for further research, including the ecology of the fungi responsible for T-2 and HT-2, and agronomical practices to reduce the contamination in the field.
Molecular Basis for the Phenotypic Diversity of Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inherited deficiency of hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase (phenylalanine 4-monooxygenase: EC 1.14.16.1; L-phenylalanine, tetrahydropteridine: oxygen oxidoreductase) which catalyzes the hydroxylation of phenylalanine to tyrosine. When untreated the disease causes mental retardation at a variable degree (1) and all neonates are screened for hyperphenylalaninemia.