Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of spatial patterns of damping‐off disease and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization on tree seedling establishment in Ghanaian tropical forest soil

1 Milicia regia (Moraceae) is a dioecious light‐demanding (Pioneer) timber tree of West Africa. Experiments in shadehouses were used to examine the influence of light and soil source (beneath and away from conspecific adults) on mortality and growth of its seedlings in relation to fungal pathogens and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization. 2 The experiment in Ghana included treatments for light (2% and 20% of unshaded irradiance), three soil sources (under female, under male and 200 m distant from adults), and two different fungicide treatments. 3 The results showed significant effects of irradiance, soil source and fungicide on both seedling mortality and accumulated biomass. Biomass was greater and mortality reduced at higher irradiance. Fungicide application reduced mortality in 2% irradiance, but had no significant effects at 20%, although AM infection of seedlings grown in soils from beneath adults was severely reduced. Mortality was greatest in soil from beneath female trees and least in soil distant from adult conspecifics. However, biomass in 20% irradiance was greater in soil from beneath females, possibly because of enhanced AM colonization: seedlings had a significantly higher percentage root length colonized by AM fungi beneath adult conspecifics, and biomass accumulation was significantly correlated with root length colonized by AM fungi. 4 There were significant interactions amongst light, soil source and fungicide treatments that attest to the complexity of spatial effects on seedling establishment in tropical forest. Whilst there was clear evidence of pathogen‐mediated effects that provides support for Janzen‐Connell spacing mechanisms, and escape from the parent tree increases the chances of arriving in gaps, spatial differences in AM fungal communities may act in the opposite direction and enhance seedling growth close to adult conspecifics. 5 The complexity of interactions between abiotic and biotic factors and the way in which these factors can vary spatially to affect seedling recruitment may be an important factor contributing to the maintenance of tree species diversity in tropical forests.
Aspects of the reproductive biology of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei) from southern Africa

Ebert, D. A. , Compagno, L. J. V. , and Cowley, P. D. 2008. Aspects of the reproductive biology of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei) from southern Africa. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 81-102.New information is presented on the reproductive biology of 22 southern African skate species. Sex ratios for most species were relatively even. Sexual dimorphic differences in disc shape were evident in all species, but the total length (L T ) to disc width (D) relationship was significantly different in only three species, and the L T to weight (W) relationship significant in just five species. Sexual dimorphism relative to maximum total length (L Tmax ) was absent in all but the two largest species. Males and females of the same species grow to a similar L Tmax except those whose L Tmax is >1.5 m L T . Size at first and 50% (L T50 ) sexual maturity was approximately the same for both sexes in all but the two largest species. First maturity occurred at >60% of L Tmax for all species for which sufficient data were available, and most (n = 18) matured at >75% L Tmax . The large size at maturity relative to L Tmax suggests that growth slows or is partially suspended following sexual maturity. The egg cases of 15 species are described, and a key to their identification is presented. Egg cases in utero were observed throughout the year suggesting that most species reproduce year-round.
High-frequency regeneration by stem disc culture in selected clones of Populus euramericana

An efficient regeneration protocol for stem disc culture of Populus euramericana, which is important species for bioenergy resource in agroforestry, was established. The number of explants that were obtained and the number of explants that regenerated varied with the genotypes. However, in all the genotypes, stem disc culture produced more regenerated shoots than did in axillary bud culture. A comparison of the effects of cytokinin type and concentration on shoot regeneration in different explants (i.e., petiole, leaf, and root segments of P. euramericana) revealed that a concentration of 0.002 mg l-1 thidiazuron (TDZ) used on petiole segments resulted in the greatest shoot regeneration (95.83%). The hormonal requirements for the greatest shoot regeneration in the three explant types varied. Different concentrations of AgNO3 and CoCl2 were added separately to the medium to stop the yellowing and subsequent necrosis of the regenerated shoots. Lower concentrations (3 and 5 mg l-1) of these compounds improved shoot regeneration and elongation, compared with the control. The in vitro-regenerated shoots were transferred to rooting medium and subsequently acclimatized. The highly efficient regeneration system of P. euramericana reported here can be used for mass propagation of this recalcitrant for regeneration, economically important tree species.
Bacterial Response after Exposure with Pure Metabolite Produced by Streptomyces sp. BL225 Isolated from Batanta Island's Leaf Litter

The objective of this research was to investigate bacterial response after treatment with active metabolite produced by Streptomyces sp. isolated from Batanta Island. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of four clinically tested bacteria ( Escherichia coli , Bacillus subtilis , Staphylococcus aureus , and Micrococcus luteus ) were successfully determined in this research using microdilution method. Leakages of nucleic acids and proteins from the tested microbes were detected using UV/VIS spectrophotometry method at 260 and 280 nm. Uracil leakage was analyzed using HPLC. Morphological changes of the bacterial cells were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). A Streptomyces isolate BL225 was identified based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence (1500 bp). When tested agains microbes, the MICs values of this compound were between 16-64 µg mL -1 . The results indicated leakages of protein, nucleic acid and uracil from E. coli and B. subtilis cells after treatment with pure metabolite isolated from BL225. Treatment using metabolite from BL225 also caused morphological changes and damages of the target bacterial cell. BL225 had been identified as a strain that has closed relation to Streptomyces badius (98.9%).
Concentration and variability of the AIB amino acid in polar micrometeorites: Implications for the exogenous delivery of amino acids to the primitive Earth

Abstract— Micrometeorites (MMs) are extraterrestrial particles ranging in size from 25 μm to 2 mm that survive atmospheric entry and are collected on the Earth's surface. They represent the largest mass flux (MF) of extraterrestrial material (30,000 ± 20,000 t/yr) to the present‐day Earth. Studies of large collections of MMs suggest that about 20% have not been heated to high temperatures and that they contain organic carbon. Since non‐protein amino acids have been found in some carbonaceous meteorites, they might also be found in unmelted MMs. However, previous searches for amino acids in MMs were inconclusive. We combined a new extraction method for amino acids with a highly sensitive analytical method to detect and quantitate amino acids in MMs collected at the South Pole. We found the non‐protein amino acid α‐amino isobutyric acid (AIB) in one of our samples. The non‐detection of this amino acid in the other samples analyzed suggests that there are amino acid‐containing and amino acid‐free MMs, with ˜14% of the MMs containing AIB. Since the MF of MMs is much higher than that of carbonaceous chondrites (CMs), amino acids in these small particles would represent an important source of exogenous delivery of organic molecules. Therefore, the results are discussed on the basis of their implications for astrobiology.
The spatio‐temporal distribution of Mycobacterium bovis (bovine tuberculosis) infection in a high‐density badger population

Summary 1. The European badger (Meles meles) is implicated as a reservoir of Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB) infection for cattle in Britain and Ireland. In the present study the spatio-temporal distribution of M. bovis infection was investigated. Analyses were carried out on data from a long-term epidemiological and ecological study of the dynamics of bovine TB in a wild population of badgers at Woodchester Park in south-west England. 2. During the 15 years of the capture–mark–recapture study (1982–96), 3316 trapping and post-mortem records were obtained from 1270 individual badgers. Annual prevalence of infection based on positive serological and bacterial tests varies between 10·3% and 17·7% of the population. 3. Infection was aggregated in social groups in the west of the study area, confirming the findings of previous studies. However, temporal trends in disease were not synchronized amongst neighbouring groups, suggesting low rates of disease transfer between them. 4. There was significant serial correlation in the disease status within groups over time, suggesting that infection persists for many years in some social groups. The presence of infectious adult female badgers in groups was associated with new infections, and provides further evidence for their importance in the maintenance of infection within groups. However, no statistically significant correlations were detected between the demographic characteristics of social groups and group infection status. 5. The distribution of disease reflects stable persistent foci of infection in the badger population, with limited evidence of transfer between social groups. The accurate identification of stable foci of infection would allow a range of management strategies for the control of bovine TB to be efficiently targeted in such populations. However, the extent to which this pattern of infection is representative of low-density and disturbed badger populations is unknown.
Antioxidant capacity and biological activity of essential oil and methanol extract of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth

The essential oils of fresh and dried leaves and fine stems of Hyptis crenata furnished the following yields: 1.4% and 0.9%. The main volatile constituents were ±-pinene (22.0%; 19.5%), 1,8-cineole (17.6%; 23.2%), ²-pinene (17.0%; 13.8%), camphor (4.7%; 11.6%), limonene (5.4%; 4.4%) and ³-terpinene (3.5%; 2.4%), totalizing more than 70% in the oils. The DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50, 16.7 + 0.4 µg/mL) of the methanol extract was comparable to BHT (19.8 ± 0.5 µg/mL) showing a significant antioxidant activity. The oils showed low activities. The amount of total phenolics (TP, 373.0 + 15.9 mg GAE/g) and trolox equivalent (TEAC, 226.8 + 0.5 mg TE/g) confirmed the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract that can be attributed to the presence of polar phenolic compounds. In the brine shrimp bioassay the lethal concentrations (LC50) for the oil and methanol extract were 6.7 + 0.2 µg/mL and 13.0 + 3.7 µg/mL, respectively, providing important evidence of their biological activities.
Microsatellites from the genome and the transcriptome of the tetraploid Adriatic sturgeon,Acipenser naccarii(Bonaparte, 1836) and cross-species applicability to the diploid beluga sturgeon,Huso huso(Linnaeus, 1758)

Ninety-five microsatellite loci were isolated from the output of two Next Generation Sequencing projects: a genomic Illumina RADSeq and a transcriptomic Roche 454 cDNA sequencing of the Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii). From a total of 7697 loci identified, 72 were characterized and 57 were polymorphic in the tetraploid A. naccarii, providing new markers suitable for parental allocations to be performed for future conservation actions. Loci isolated from the transcriptome showed a higher level of polymorphism, which could be related to the different sequencing approaches used. Notably, a higher rate of duplication was observed in the transcribed loci, pointing to a preferential retention of sequences with a functional role after whole genome duplications occurred in sturgeons. Cross-species amplification of these markers was also assessed in the diploid beluga sturgeon (Huso huso), with the aim of setting up a panel of markers to be applied in future conservation programmes regarding this species.
Tomatoes and Tomato Products as Dietary Sources of Antioxidants

Tomatoes, as an agricultural product, represent an important commodity worldwide and comprise a significant part of the human diet. They are one of the most versatile and widely used fruits, being consumed in the raw state and used for the preparation of a wide range of products. Tomatoes and tomato products are rich in antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids (particularly lycopene), ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds. The regular consumption of tomatoes and tomato products has been correlated to a reduction in risk of contracting various types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This positive effect is attributed to the antioxidants present in tomatoes.
Wildlife Feeding and Nutrition

Introduction. General Nutrient and Energy Requirements. Protein. Water. Minerals. Vitamins. Essential Fatty Acids. Energy Requirements for Maintenance. Protein Requirements for Maintenance. Reproductive Costs. Productive Costs. Food Composition. Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Function. Digestion and Nutrient Metabolism. Food Intake Regulation. Computer Models of the Nutritional Interaction. Index.
VARIATION, SEXUAL DIMORPHISM, AND MATURITY IN A QUEBEC POPULATION OF THE COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE, CHELYDRA SERPENTINA

An analysis was made of a sample of 55 snapping turtles, Chelydra serpentina, from a single locality in southern Quebec. The variation studied is regarded as being representative of that of a single population of the species. Analysis of covariance was used in studying dimorphism in various measurements. Conclusions reached are: (a) the sex ratio is one; (b) males grow to a larger size than females; (c) males and females become mature at a carapace length of about 200 millimeters; (d) the ratio precloacal distance over posterior lobe of the plastron gives a practical index for sex determination in adults; (e) there is a set of small but interrelated changes correlated with a greater precloacal distance in the male: These are that males have the plastron shifted forward slightly, have the bridge slightly longer relative to plastron length, and have the posterior lobe of the plastron slightly shorter relative to plastron length; (f) the precloacal length of the male (which area accommodates the penis) grows.
Changes in photosynthetic rate, water potential, and proline content in kenaf seedlings under salt stress

Jin, C. -W. , Sun, Y. -L. and Cho, D. -H. 2012. Changes in photosynthetic rate, water potential, and proline content in kenaf seedlings under salt stress. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 311–319. As irrigation water salinization has become a serious constraint for crop production, as well as soil salinity, the selection and use of salt-tolerant species is urgently required. In this study, we describe the salt responses of three kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) cultivars and select the cultivar with high salt tolerance. Responses to salt stress were investigated in terms of growth, water potentials, photosynthesis, and proline contents. Photosynthesis, evaluated by net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration, did not show any significant effects among the cultivars. Leaf water potential decreased depending on salt concentration and salt treatment period. Proline accumulation was enhanced, particularly depending on salt concentration, but not salt treatment period. As salt concentr.
Identification of the fungi associated with damping-off in the regeneration of Eucalyptus obliqua and E. radiata in a central Victorian forest

Soil baiting techniques identified the presence of five fungal genera capable of causing pre- and post-emergent damping-off in two eucalypt species [Eucalyptus obliqua (messmate stringybark) and E. radiata (narrow leaf peppermint)] under laboratory conditions.
Effect of Microoxygenation on Anthocyanin and Derived Pigment Content and Chromatic Characteristics of Red Wines

Microoxygenation was applied to a red wine for five months following the end of alcoholic fermentation, and its effects on the concentration of anthocyanin and anthocyanin-derived compounds were studied by high-pressure liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). Monomeric anthocyanins were detected together with direct anthocyanin-flavanol adducts, ethyl-linked anthocyanin-flavanol compounds, and pyranoanthocyanins. Microoxygenation resulted in wines with a lower concentration of monomeric anthocyanins and a higher concentration of ethyl-linked compounds and vitisin-related pigments than the control wine, while no effect was observed on the concentration of the direct adducts. Differences were also observed in the chromatic characteristics of the wine, with microoxygenated wines showing higher color intensity, a parameter that was highly correlated with the higher presence of pyranoanthocyanins.
Linkage relations of Gli-D1, Rg2, and Lr21 on the short arm of chromosome 1D in wheat.

Homozygous recombinant substitution lines, derived from a cross of Triticum aestivum 'Chinese Spring' with a disomic substitution line of Triticum tauschii chromosome 1D in 'Chinese Spring', were used to investigate the linkage relationships among the loci Glu-D1, encoding high molecular weight glutenin storage proteins, Gli-D1, encoding gliadin storage proteins, Rg2, controlling glume color, and Lr21, conferring leaf-rust resistance. Gli-D1, on chromosome arm 1DS, is tightly linked to Rg2 and Lr21 (1.4 and 5.6% recombination, respectively). The order of the loci is Gli-D1–Rg2–Lr21. Glu-D1, on chromosome arm 1DL, segregates independently (P = 0.43) of Gli-D1, Rg2, and Lr21. The position of Glu-D1, Gli-D1, Rg2, and Lr21 in the genetic linkage map of chromosome 1D agrees with the position of storage protein, glume color, and rust-resistance loci on chromosomes 1A and 1B.Key words: leaf-rust resistance, seed storage protein, glutenin, gliadin, glume color, Triticum aestivum, Triticum tauschii.
Synthesis of a Trisaccharide Related to the Triterpenoid Saponin Kalopanaxsaponin I Isolated from Nigella sativa

Graphical Abstract Saponins are plant secondary metabolites important for growth and development, and they have immense potential as drug candidates for various diseases. Synthesis of the glycone part of the triterpenoid saponin kalopanaxsaponin I isolated from Nigella sativa is reported as its p-methoxyphenyl glycoside. The synthesis of the target trisaccharide has been accomplished by following concise protecting group manipulations on commercially available L-arabinose, L-rhamnose, and D-xylose. Stereoselective glycosylations are achieved through activation of thioglycoside by N-iodosuccinimide in conjunction with H2SO4 silica.
Development of endodermal Casparian bands and xylem in lateral roots of broad bean

A clearing and fluorochrome staining procedure for broad bean (Vicia faba L. cv. Windsor) roots with laterals was devised which allowed observation of their tracheary elements and Casparian bands in situ. The Casparian band of the main root overlying the primordium disappeared early in its development and the margins of the remaining band were displaced outward during subsequent growth of the lateral. The Casparian band matured centripetally in parenchyma across the base of the lateral as far as the endodermis of the lateral and then acropetally into the lateral itself. Casparian bands of the laterals were always connected to those of the main roots. In actively growing roots, the primordium may have emerged as far as 2.7 mm from the main root and still contain no differentiating xylem or Casparian band. Longer laterals contained differentiating xylem 3 mm from the tip and maturing Casparian bands 5 mm from the tip. In nongrowing roots, some primordia not yet emerged from the main root had mature xylem tr.
Control of the Three Phase four-wire four-leg SAPF Using 3D-SVM Based on the Two Methods of Reference Signals Generating CV and SRF in the dqo-axes

In this paper, the performance of the two algorithms of generating reference signals for three phase four-wire four-leg SAPF are compared in load conditions balance and unbalance. The algorithms that are used for this study are the synchronous reference frame theory (SRF) and cross-vector theory (CV), in the dqo-axes, and the voltage and current regulation is performed by the PI type controller, using the 3D-SVM technique to generate the switching signals, It is shown by simulation studies of the source current harmonics, the switching loss of the converter is reduced to the reference method with synchronous using 3D-SVM technical, Simulation results show the superiority of synchronous reference frame theory both in definition and compensation.
Successful transformation of the housefly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) with the transposable element, mariner

An active mariner transposable element (Mos1) was introduced into embryos of the housefly, Musca domestica. Twenty-six single G0 males were crossed with normal virgin females. PCR assays using the Mos1 specific primer were carried out in the G1 generations, and DNA amplification was obtained in 4 lines (4/26). The Mos1 element segregated in a Mendelian fashion from G4 to G5. In addition, PCR amplifications using two primer sets of the progeny in later generations indicated that the Mos1 was integrated into the germlines of the housefly. These results demonstrate that mariner can serve as a germline transformation vector in the housefly and PCR detection is useful for species that lack a proper marker system.
[Specificity of bovine plasmin in its action on bovine alfa s2-casein]

Etude cinetique, par CLHP et electrophorese sur gel, de l'action de la plasmine sur la caseine. Les fragments liberes sont analyses : composition en acides amines et groupement N-terminal. Quinze peptides sont identifies, comme provenant de la rupture de 8 liaisons peptidiques de la caseine-α-S2
Epithelial transport and osmoregulation in annelids

Epithelial transport related to osmoregulation has so far not been extensively investigated in annelids. Compared with the large body of information about ion transport across crustacean or insect epithelia, only a few studies have been done with isolated preparations of annelids, using the body wall of marine polychaetes or Hirudinea. Nephridial function and general body homeostasis have received more attention, and have probably been best investigated in Hirudinea. With recent advances in the molecular physiology of epithelial transport systems in vertebrates, the cloning of various transporters and ion channels, and the considerable number of osmoregulatory peptides that have now been found and analyzed from annelids, it should now be possible, and is timely, to conduct functional studies on individual selected epithelial preparations or isolated cells from annelids. Such studies may be important for establishing useful models with somewhat less complexity than mammalian systems. For example, annelids .