Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships between Structure and Properties of Poly(aspartic acid)s

Various types of poly(aspartic acid)s, which were poly(α-l-aspartic acid), poly(α-d-aspartic acid), poly(β-l-aspartic acid), and poly(α,β-d,l-aspartic acid)s, were prepared, and their biodegradabilities using the OECD 301C method and calcium ion chelating abilities were measured to clarify the relationship between the structure of poly(aspartic acid)s and these properties. Distinct tendencies were found both between the number of amide protons and biodegradability and between the ratio of the dicarboxylic acid end groups to the dicarboxylic acid end group plus succinimide end group and biodegradability. The chirality of the aspartic acid unit and the type of amide linkage in poly(aspartic acid) had no apparent effect on the biodegradability of poly(aspartic acid). The result of repetitive biodegradability analyses for poly-aspartic acid suggested the complete biodegradation is possible. Regarding the calcium ion chelating ability, only the type of amide linkage affected the calcium ion chelating ability.
Crescimento e produção de fitomassa de variedades de milho em diferentes manejos da capoeira

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento e a producao de fitomassa de tres variedades de milho submetidas a diferentes manejos da capoeira, em sistema de corte e trituracao, em Marapanim, nordeste do Para, no periodo da seca. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com 18 tratamentos e quatro repeticoes. As parcelas foram constituidas por tres manejos da capoeira: natural, enriquecida com inga (Inga edulis) e tachi-branco (Sclerolobium paniculatum) e enriquecida com inga e tachi-branco com adubacao fosfatada. Foram introduzidas tres variedades de milho (BRS Sol da Manha, BRS 4154 Saracura e BR 106), distribuidas em subparcelas com ou sem adubacao complementar (NPK). Foram avaliadas as variaveis: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, numero de folhas, massa de materia umida e seca e estande. Os manejos com capoeira enriquecida e capoeira enriquecida com adubacao fosfatada influenciaram positivamente a altura das plantas, o diâmetro do colmo e a producao de fitomassa; a adubacao complementar potencializou o efeito dos manejos para estas variaveis.
Incorporating functional dissimilarities into sample-based rarefaction curves: from taxon resampling to functional resampling

Question: Indices of functional diversity have been seen as the key for integrating information on species richness with measures that focus on those components of community composition related to ecosystem functioning. For comparing species richness among habitats on an equal-effort basis, so-called sample-based rarefaction curves may be used. Given a study area that is sampled for species presence and absence in N plots, sample-based rarefaction generates the expected number of accumulated species as the number of sampled plots increases from 1 to N. Accordingly, the question for this study is: can we construct a ‘functional rarefaction curve’ that summarizes the expected functional dissimilarity between species when n plots are drawn at random from a larger pool of N plots? Methods: In this paper, we propose a parametric measure of functional diversity that is obtained by combining sample-based rarefaction techniques that are usually applied to species richness with Rao's quadratic diversity. For a given set of N presence/absence plots, the resulting measure summarizes the expected functional dissimilarity at an increasingly larger cumulative number of plots n (n≤N). Results and Conclusions: Due to its parametric nature, the proposed measure is progressively more sensitive to rare species with increasing plot number, thus rendering this measure adequate for comparing the functional diversity of species assemblages that have been sampled with variable effort.
Horizontal dinoflage11ate cyst distribution, sediment characteristics and benthic flux in Manila Bay, Philippines

The lateral variation of sediment properties and associated cyst content of sediment in Manila Bay were determined and their possible role/s in the occurrences of Pyrodinium bahamense Plate var. compressum (Bohm) Steidinger, Tester et Taylor toxic blooms were assessed. Manila Bay's surface sediment was determined to be silt dominated. Clay generally increased towards the coast, probably as a result of flocculation and rapid deposition upon entry of sediments from the rivers. High sand content characterized the southeastern part of the bay attributed to the greater sand inputs and relatively strong currents in this area. Bulk densities were lower in the eastern side of the bay from dilution by high organic load from sewage and urban areas. Benthic flux calculations, particularly NH3, suggest more than 50% nutrient contribution comes from sediments.
Sex and Age Ratios of Bicknell's Thrush Wintering in Hispaniola

Abstract We investigated sex and age ratios of wintering Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) across a geographic gradient of sites on Hispaniola. The island-wide proportion male was 0.64 (n = 127), which is comparable to the known male bias in breeding areas. The proportion male varied geographically on Hispaniola, suggesting some level of habitat segregation. Male-biased ratios occurred at two sites whereas sex ratios at five sites did not differ from parity. The island-wide proportion adult was 0.72 and age ratios were significantly adult-biased at two sites. We assessed vegetative structure at all sites and the proportion of male thrushes increased significantly with density of understory vegetation. Age ratios were not associated with vegetation characteristics. Neither sex nor age ratios varied significantly with elevation. Our data suggest the possibility of sexual habitat segregation with males preferentially occupying cloud forest sites characterized by a thick understory of vines and saplings occurring at densities >10,000 stems/ha.
Implications of spatial contraction for density dependence and conservation in a depressed population of anadromous fish

Changes in density-independent mortality can alter the spatial extent of populations through patch extinction and colonization, and spatial contraction may alter population productivity and compensatory capacity. Here, we analyze a time series of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) abundance and examine the hypothesis that spatial contraction can decrease compensatory capacity. Over the last 20 years, steelhead in the Keogh River have declined by an order of magnitude because of a period of poor smolt-to-adult survival. Low abundance has been associated with more depressed production of out-migrating smolts than would be expected based on traditional models of compensatory dynamics. Patterns of juvenile density over time show changes in the spatial distribution of the population. We developed a spatially explicit population model to explore spatial structure and juvenile recruitment under varying marine survival. Results suggest that spatial contraction during a period of poor marine survival can strengthen d.
Entomotoxic action of jackbean lectin (Con A) in bird cherry-oat aphid through the effect on insect enzymes

The mechanism of the toxicity of plant lectins is not clearly understood. The insecticidal activity of plant lectins results from effects on insect metabolism by interfering with gut enzymatic function. Thus, a greater understanding of the mechanisms of plant lectin toxicity in insects is required. This study reports the effects of dietary ingestion of the glucose-mannose binding lectin Concanavaline A (Con A) on bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) enzymes involved in protein digestion [aminopeptidase N and cathepsin L (CatL)], sugar (α- and β-glucosidases), and phosphorus (alkaline and acid phosphatase) metabolism. An aphid bioassay test using artificial diets containing Con A is also presented. An increase in the concentration of Con A generally suppressed the activity of glucosidases and phosphatases, and increased the activity of CatL in apterae morphs. Bird cherry-oat aphid performance was affected by the presence of Con A in artificial diets. The lectin added to the liquid diet increased the pre-reproductive period, mortality, and the average time of generation development (T) and decreased fecundity and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm). Aphicidal activity of Con A might be linked to its interference in the activity of digestive enzymes.
Identification of laminin α1 and β1 chain peptides active for endothelial cell adhesion, tube formation, and aortic sprouting

Laminin‐1 is a basement membrane glycoprotein that promotes several biological activities including cell attachment, tumor metastasis, and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays an important role in tissue formation, reproduction, wound healing, and several pathological conditions. In this study, we screened 405 synthetic peptides from the α1 and β1 chains to identify potential sites on laminin‐1 active with endothelial cells. Peptides were initially screened by testing both endothelial cell adhesion to peptide‐coated wells and tube formation on Matrigel in the presence of soluble peptide. Twenty active peptides were identified in these screens. A secondary screen using the rat aortic ring sprouting assay identified 13 of the 20 peptides that stimulated endothelial sprouting. Several of these active peptides were also found to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration in Boyden chamber assays. Differences in the amount of peptide needed for the response and in the resultant morphologies/responses were observed between the peptides in all of the assays. Our results suggest that several active domains on laminin‐1 may play important roles in stimulating different steps in angiogenesis. —Malinda, K. M. , Nomizu, M. , Chung, M. , Delgado, M. , Kuratomi, Y. , Yamada, Y. , Kleinman, H. K. , Ponce, M. L. Identification of laminin α1 and β1 chain peptides active for endothelial cell adhesion, tube formation, and aortic sprouting. FASEB J. 13, 53–62 (1999)
Differential Induction of TNF- α and MnSOD by Endotoxin

Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) is known to induce the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α and the induction of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). We have recently demonstrated that induction of TNF- α and MnSOD by LPS is mediated through different signal transduction pathways. In the current study, we investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the induction of TNF- α and MnSOD messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in human monocytes. Hypoxia (1% O2) inhibited the production of superoxide (O2 −) and the induction of MnSOD, but not TNF- α , mRNA. Diphenylene iodonium (DPI), a potent inhibitor of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, had no effect on LPS induction of MnSOD mRNA, whereas it markedly inhibited LPS-induced O2 − production. Neither hypoxia nor DPI had any effect on LPS activation of nuclear factor (NF)- κ B. These results suggest that (1) ROS is important in the induction of MnSOD, but not TNF- α , mRNA by LPS, (2) ROS from sources other tha.
A new polyclad species associated with Bankia martensi (Bivalvia) from the South Pacific coast of Chile, and its taxonomic position within Euplanidae (Platyhelminthes, Ilyplanoidea)

We describe a new genus and a new species of Polycladida, Namyhplana henriettae (Platyhelminthes, Euplanidae), which lives associated with the tubes of the bivalve Bankia martensi in the fjords of the South Pacific Ocean in Chile. This species is characterized by a ribbon-like body, light brown colour, anterior region devoid of pigment, few eyes, no tentacles, pharynx in the anterior region of the body with few folds, independent gonopores anterior to the medial body line, seminal vesicle strongly muscularized, digitiform penian papilla oriented posteroanteriorly, a curled vagina, and a large Lang's vesicle ventral to the intestine. A phylogenetic analysis of the Euplanidae, based on morphological characters, is presented. With the dataset used, the family Euplanidae does not seem to be a monophyletic group. The new species is closely related to Taenioplana teredini (also discussed here) which presents life-habit characteristics that are similar to those of the new species.
The pathogenicity of Pratylenchus penetrans to celery.

Celery seedlings, grown aseptically in silica sand with plant nutrients, were inoculated with surface-sterilized specimens of the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans (Cobb, 1917) Filip. & Stek. , 1941. The reactions of invaded roots were studied microscopically. The epidermis, cortex, and endodermis of young celery roots showed different degrees of discoloration after invasion of P. penetrans, with the endodermis most severely affected. Pratylenchus penetrans was a primary parasite and pathogen of celery.
Biodiversity of Cetoniinae beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in introduced and native habitats in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The ecology of the beetles of the subfamily Cetoniinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is relatively poorly known worldwide. In the neotropics in particular, there are far less studies than in other biogeographic regions. In part due to this lack of knowledge, cetoniines are not considered indicators of habitat quality in the Neotropical region. In this study, we compare the abundance, diversity, and species composition of cetoniines in three different habitats in Brazil: two exotic (Brachiaria pasturelands and eucalyptus plantation) and one native (Brazilian Atlantic Forest). We also provide diagnostic images of both sexes and of the genitalia of males of all species to facilitate species identification in further studies. The beetles were collected weekly from September to December 2012 with traps baited with fermented fruit, in five eucalyptus plantations (Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden), five exotic pasturelands (Brachiaria spp.), and five patches of Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The abundance and diversity of cetoniines was found to be lower in the eucalyptus plantations and about the same in the forest and pasturelands. The low diversity found and the little information available on the ecology of Neotropical Cetoniinae is insufficient to propose these beetles as candidates for the habitat evaluation in Brazil.
In vitro multiple shoot bud induction and regeneration from plumule junction explants of pigeon pea [ Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp.] cultivars

The response of eleven Indian cultivars of pigeon pea for in vitro multiple shoot bud induction and regeneration from plumule junction explants under variable concentration of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP), kinetin and thiadiazuron (TDZ) was assessed in the present study. The cultivar IPA-3088 showed best response with a maximum of 20 buds per explants in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 0.05 mgL -1 TDZ. Among the hormones tested, lower concentration of TDZ gave the best response for these cultivars though higher concentration of BAP was also effective in multiple shoot bud induction and regeneration from plumule junction explants. The elongation of multiple shoot buds was achieved in the same medium and the nature of the regenerants in most of the cases was shoots, though in few cases shoot buds and shoot primoridia were also observed. Rooting of plumule junction derived shootlets was found to be better in the presence of NAA as compared to IAA and IBA for most of the cultivars producing maximum number of primary roots. The best responding cultivar IPA 3088 showed efficient rooting in the presence of 0.2 mgL -1 of NAA. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized in soil with percentage of acclimatization varying from 40-80% for different cultivars. Keywords: Pigeon pea, cultivars, multiple shoot bud induction, organogenesis, acclimatization, elongation, Cajanus cajan (L) Mill sp. African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(41) 4061-4069
Feeding Response of Sport Fish after Electrical Immobilization, Chemical Sedation, or Both

Abstract Fishery managers frequently capture wild fish for a variety of fishery management activities. Though some activities can be accomplished without immobilizing the fish, others are accomplished more readily, humanely, and safely (for both the handler and the fish) when fish are immobilized by physical (e.g., electrical immobilization) or chemical sedation. A concern regarding the use of chemical sedatives is that chemical residues may remain in the fillet tissue after the fish recovers from sedation. If those residues are harmful to humans, there is some risk that a postsedated fish released to public waters may be caught and consumed by an angler. To characterize this risk, a series of four trials were conducted. Three trials assessed feeding activity after hatchery-reared fish were electrically immobilized, chemically sedated, or both, and one trial assessed the likelihood of an angler catching a wild fish that had been electrically immobilized and chemically sedated. Results from the first trial.
Estudio preliminar de la diversidad genética de perros con fenotipo Poodle en Colombia usando microsatélites

sUMMarY The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variability of a dog population sample of the Poodle breed from Bogota – Colombia. The genetic variability of 81 Poodle dogs was studied by genotyping of five microsatellite loci. The expected heterozygosity (H E) of the loci AHTk253, CXX279, INU030, INU055 and REN162C04 was 0.747, 0.788, 0.767, 0.679 and 0.751, respectively. The HE for the whole population was 0.746. The Poodle population analyzed showed high genetic diversity, and it was demonstrated that there is no a substructure in that population, which leads to a deviation in the HW equilibrium; thereby demonstrating that the population of Colombian Poodle is a perfect candidate for studies of genetic association, and biodiversity conservation of domestic animals. additional keYwords Hardy-Weinberg. Inbreeding. Heterozygosity. Polymorphism.
The Sensory Perceptions of Argas persicus (Oken)

1. All stages of Argas persicus are negatively phototropic. In addition, they are also susceptible to pronounced differences in the intensity of the illumination and select the darker places. 2. In the gorged state, the ticks are slightly positively geotropic. In the unfed state, this property is not developed. 3. At all stages the tick endeavours to bring as much of its surface as possible in contact with its surroundings. 4. A. persicus is attracted by heat. 5. In all stages an olfactory sense is well developed. 6. “Haller's organ” is olfactory in function and constitutes a means by which a tick is able to recognise its host. By depriving ticks of this organ it is possible by suitable means to cause them to feed on media other than blood, thus showing that a sense of taste is absent. Argas persicus, Ornithodorus moubata and Hyalomma aegyptium have all given similar results with regard to the latter point and we believe that this constitutes a method by which perhaps other blood-sucking arthropods, after being deprived of the organ or organs necessary for the recognition of their hosts, may be made to feed on any desired medium.
Demonstration of rRNA Synthesis in Pre‐Gastrular Embryos of Xenopus Laevis

Isolated cells from Xenopus laevis embryos at various developmental stages were incubated with (methyl‐3H) methionine to label newly synthesized RNAs. Methylation of RNAs was studied by analyzing nuclease‐digests of high‐molecular‐weight RNAs by DEAE‐Sephadex column chromatography. Labeled rRNA, mRNA and 4s RNA were distinguished by their characteristic patterns of 2′‐0‐methylation and base‐methylation. It was concluded that rRNA synthesis starts during the mid‐ to late‐blastula stage. This is about 4 hr, or at least 3 cell cycles earlier than the initiation of gastrulation, which was previously considered to be the stage when rRNA synthesis begins.
Drug transporters of the fungal wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola

Dit proefschirft levert een belangrijke bijdrage aan de wetenschap dat drug transporters een significant rol spelen bij gevoeligheid en (multi)drug-resistentie van schimmels tegen fungiciden. Bij M. graminicola kan de transporter MgMfs1 bijdragen aan een normale fitness van strobilurine-resistente veld-isolaten. Dit inzicht is nieuw en draagt bij tot een beter inzicht in de overlevingskansen van fungiciden-resistente populaties van het pathogeen. Het is niet uitgesloten dat vergelijkbare drug transporters een rol spelen bij resistentie tegen andere specifiek werkende middelen en in andere plantenpathogenen. De rol van de ABC-transporter MgAtr7 met een nog niet eerder beschreven functie in ijzerevenwicht dient nader te worden onderzocht. Het vermogen van niet-fungitoxische modulatoren om plantenziekten te bestrijden is ook niet eerder gepubliceerd. Tot nu toe zijn slechts enkele middelen met een indirecte werking toegelaten voor de bestrijdingvan plantenziekten. Mogelijk kan het uitgevoerde onderzoek dienen als leidraad bij de ontwikkeling van nieuwe ziektewerende middelen met een indirecte werking
Climbing asparagus, Asparagus scandens Thunb.: a South African in your forest patch.

Climbing asparagus, Asparagus scandens Thunb. , currently has a patchy distribution in New Zealand, mainly in disturbed lowland forest remnants near towns and the coast, predominantly in the North Island but found as far south as Banks Peninsula. Here it prevents regeneration of native seedlings and smothers or strangles understorey shrubs and saplings. Based on its current distribution, it tolerates open sunny sites to deep shade and damp or dry forest. Left unchecked and aided by birds and humans, climbing asparagus is likely to spread considerably in the next decade, consolidating its current distribution in New Zealand. Several characteristics of the species make it difficult to control: the small, fine seedlings are hard to find, adult plants entwine with native plants, much of the plant's biomass is underground and the apical meristem will resprout if left in the ground after control.
Spatial Organization of the Yellow-Necked Mouse: Effects of Density and Resource Availability

Abstract Space use in mammals may vary between the sexes. This may reflect demographic or reproductive differences between the sexes as well as different responses to changes in resource availability. We present the results of a 2-year study on the spatial organization of the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) in a beech woodland in the eastern Italian Alps. We used radiotelemetry to monitor the movements of 64 mice during the breeding season (i.e., from July to October) in 2005 (high population density) and 2006 (low population density). In both years, home ranges of males were significantly larger than those of females and overlapped with the areas occupied by several individuals of both sexes. Females monopolized core areas and never shared burrows with other females—suggesting intrasexual territoriality—although their home ranges overlapped those of several males. Space use changed seasonally and among years, suggesting a relationship with resource abundance and distribution. Females exhibited reduced spatial exclusivity and larger home ranges during lower food availability; males varied their spatial distribution accordingly by also expanding their home ranges. After a decrease in habitat quality, we observed substantial and abrupt adult dispersal by both sexes. In sum, females varied their spatial and social relationships in response to environmental conditions, whereas males appeared to vary patterns of space use in response to females.