Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Size-selective predation of sa n moes by two species of ero

Two species of herons (Aves: Ardeidae), the great egret and the snowy egret, fed preferentially on relatively large individual sailfin mollies (Pisces: Poeciliidae). The level of selectivity by great egrets decreased when plant cover was added to the experimental conditions. We documented the preference of snowy egrets for large mollies in all combinations of two prey sex ratios and two prey size distributions with 50% plant cover. Snowy egrets chose females preferentially to males when females were rare, but not when they were commmon. This preference may be caused by the larger overall size of females when gravid in comparison to males of the same length and/or by the behavior of females when they are in a minority relative to males. Selective predation by wading birds is likely to contribute to patterns of size variation among some populations of sailfin mollies but not to the patterns of female-skewed sex ratios in adults.
A modeling approach to assess the greenhouse gas risk in Koteshwar hydropower reservoir, India

ABSTRACT Climate changes are likely to be significantly affected by reservoirs/lakes due to emission of greenhouse gas (GHG), change in the magnitude and seasonality of river runoffs and severe extreme events. In this study, a coupled GHG Risk Assessment Tool (GRAT) and Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) are used to predict the GHG risk of Koteshwar reservoirs located in Uttarakhand, India. Before running the GRAT model, SWAT model was used to simulate the runoffs (one of the major input of GRAT). The model was calibrated (2004–09) and validated (2010–13) at Uttarkashi station using monthly discharge data. The model performance was checked by R2, NSE, RSR, and p-value as 0.785, 0.60, 0.63, and 0.04, respectively, during calibration and 0.790, 0.66, 0.57, and 0.06 during validation and shows satisfactory model performance on monthly time step. Further, GRAT model is also applied and the results show that Koteshwar reservoir is found to be under high risk of CO2 (CO2 > 645 mg m−2 d−1) and medium risk of CH4 (CH4 < 45 mg m−2 d−1) till 2023. Subsequently, the GHG risk is minimized after passage of time over 100 years. These models may be used by the policy-makers to know the potential of GHG and its vulnerability to the reservoirs after the impoundment.
Phylogenetic analysis of the madagascan Euphorbia subgenus Lacanthis based on ITS sequence data

Euphorbia subg. Lacanthis accounts for more than 70% of the Euphorbia species in Madagascar. These spiny succulent plants, with about 80 species endemic to the island, include E. milii ("Crown-of-Thorns"), which is popular in the worldwide horticultural trade. The genus was last revised by Boissier in 1862, and the taxonomy of the spiny succulents is currently much confused. Using DNA sequence data, phylogenetic relationships within subgenus Lacanthis are clarified and the diversification of Madagascan Euphorbia is examined. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian approaches are used to analyze ITS sequence data. The results confirm that some African taxa originally included in the subgenus comprise a distinct Glade that is not closely related to the monophyletic Euphorbia subg. Lacanthis s. str. , an exclusively Madagascan group whose basally branching lineages comprise species from northern and eastern Madagascar, whereas the more derived elades show a central and southern distribution. This suggests a northern Madagascan origin for subgenus Lacanthis, with species in the basally branching groups showing small spine-like stipular formations; other more recently derived spiny forms, such as E. milii, colonized the rest of the island, including the drier southern parts.
Introgression of broad-spectrum blast resistance gene(s) into cultivated rice (Oryza sativa ssp indica) from wild rice O. rufipogon

Rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr, is one of the major diseases of the crop. Host specificity as well as genetic instability of rice blast fungus is the major cause for the breakdown of resistance in many varieties over a period of time. Here we report the introgression of broad-spectrum blast resistance gene(s) from Oryza rufipogon into a cultivated rice variety. An accession (Coll-4) of O. rufipogon, highly resistant to blast, was crossed with a susceptible line B 32-Sel-4 and the F 1 was top-crossed with another susceptible line B 29-6. The F 2 population of the three-way cross was screened for blast and salinity tolerance. Twenty selected plants, each with blast resistance and salinity tolerance, were intermated. The process of intermating was repeated in the F 2 progenies derived from the first intermated populations. After two cycles of intermating, pedigree selections in the resulting segregating generations were followed under saline conditions. The 42 introgression lines (F 5 generation) were screened for blast reaction under artificial inoculation. Eight lines were observed to be immune, 20 resistant and six lines moderately resistant to an isolate of blast isolated in Andamans. The remaining eight lines, the two indica rice parents and check C039 were susceptible. Two promising lines with higher yield potential were evaluated in multilocation trials (AICRIP) during 1999, 2000 and 2001 at 17 hotspot locations for blast infection. The culture B 90-15 (IET 15420) showed resistance reaction against 14 isolates and moderate resistance against another two isolates of blast indicating the introgression of a broad spectrum of resistance to blast from O. rufipogon.
Mammalian zoogeography and faunal dynamics in the northwestern region of the United States during the Arikareean (Late Oligocene-Early Miocene)

Garcia, Daniel, M.S., June 1987 Geology Mammalian zoogeography and faunal dynamics in the northwest region of the United States during the Arikareean (Late 0 1 igocene-Early Miocene) (105 p.) Director: Dr. Robert W. Fields Observational analysis and cluster analysis of mammalian faunal similarity data indicate that three faunal provinces existed in the northwest region of the United States during the Arikareean (Late 0 1 igocene-Early Miocene): the John Day Faunal Province of Oregon, the Intermontane Basin Faunal Province of Montana and Idaho, and the North Platte River-Wounded Knee Faunal Province of Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota. In the Early, and again in the Late Arikareean, dispersal occurred between these faunal provinces. However, each faunal province retained some endemic genera. The John Day Faunal Province and the North Platte River-Wounded Knee Faunal Province retained the most endemic genera. The Intermontane Basin Faunal Province and the North Platte River-Wounded Knee Faunal Province shared the greatest similarity. The Intermontane Basin Faunal Province acted as a filter zone to west-east and eastwest dispersing mammals. A slight faunal difference seen within the Intermontane Basin Faunal Province can be attributed to either the continental divide acting as a minor barrier or simply a distance factor. The differences seen in the distributions of Arikareean mammals is most likely attributed to geography.
Techniques for Measuring Plant Water

The importance of water to plant growth is well-recognized (13, 35, 37, 48, 49, 50, 58, 63, 80, 97, 130, 141, 143, 160) and has been studied for over 300 years (62, 106). Despite this long history, relatively little is known about the specific water requirement for most horticultural crops. Water requirement is the minimum amount of water required to provide optimal yield. The amount required is determined by the type of yield, the critical limits of deficiency relative to yield, the limits of tolerable yield reduction, the size and permeability of the plant’s evaporative surface, the plant’s growth stage, and the environmental factors affecting growth and transpiration. Actual water requirement therefore is defined by a combination of human motivations, plant physiological responses, and physical environmental factors.
Microbial Characterization of Denitrifying Sulfide Removal Sludge Using High-Throughput Amplicon Sequencing Method

The denitrifying sulfide removal(DSR) process has recently been studied extensively from an engineering perspective. However, the importance of microbial communities of this process was generally underestimated. In this study, the microbial community structure of a lab-scale DSR reactor was characterized in order to provide a comprehensive insight into the key microbial groups in DSR system. Results from high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the fraction of autotrophic denitrifiers increased from 2.34 % to 10.93% and 44.51% in the DSR system when the influent Na Cl increased from 0 g/L, to 4 g/L and 30 g/L, respectively. On the contrary, the fraction of heterotrophic denitrifiers decreased from 61.74% to 39.57%, and 24.12%, respectively. Azoarcus and Thiobacillus were the main autotrophic denitrifiers, and Thauera was the main hetetrophic denitrifier during the whole process. This study could be useful for better understanding the interaction between autotrophs and heterotrophs in DSR system.
USE OF A CFD BASED NUMERICAL MODEL TO CALCULATE HEAT TRANSFER IN BOILER SUPERHEATERS PANELS

Most unplanned outages in the Jorge Lacerda Power Plant, situated in Capivari de Baixo-SC, are due to tube failures in the boiler. Historical records and metallographic analysis indicate that the working metal temperature of the tubes of the final superheater and reheaters of the utility boiler is higher than the recommended value. The high temperature level of the tubes is the main cause of the tube failures by creep and is an important factor determining the remaining life-time of the tube bundles. This work presents the simulation of the combustion, flow and heat transfer of the utility boiler furnace to determine the metal temperature of the final superheater and reheater. The tube metal temperature is calculated taking into account local convective and radiative heat transfer. This calculation procedure is an extension of the Computational Fluid Dynamics based model for pulverized coal combustion already extensively used at Instituto Superior Tecnico. Comparisons are made between the calculated and measured values of metal heat transfer and the temperature distribution among the tube bundles. Simulations are presented for two different operational conditions in order to analyze theirs influences in the metal temperature.
Optimization of the in vivo biotinylation technology for the discovery of accessible tissue-specific markers

One avenue towards the increase of drug efficacy is the selective delivery of therapeutic agents to the pathological tissue (diseased organ, tumor) by means of their association to ligands endowed with high affinity for target proteins, specifically expressed only in the diseased tissue and virtually absent in all other healthy organs. Aiming at the discovery of novel tissue-specific targets accessible from circulation, Rybak et al. have set up in our laboratory a novel technology – termed “in vivo biotinylation”. This approach is based on the terminal perfusion of rodents with a charged, activated ester derivative of biotin (Sulfo-NHS-LC-Biotin), which cannot diffuse through biological membranes. Proteins, glycolipids and phospholipids carrying accessible primary amino groups may be labeled by this procedure. Biotinylated proteins can efficiently be purified on streptavidin resins and submitted to a comparative proteomic analysis. In the diploma thesis presented here, several approaches were attempted to advance and optimize the in vivo biotinylation technology. As the perfusion of tumours was much less efficient and more heterogeneous compared to other organs, we set out to improve the perfusion of tumours by introducing several modifications to the perfusion protocol. Omission of the PBS wash prior to biotinylation, addition of dextran to the perfusion solutions, pre-warming of the perfusion solutions and warming of the animal during anesthesia and perfusion led to a much higher proportion of successfully biotinylated tumours. A gel-based proteomic analysis led to the first identification of proteins labelled in the in vivo biotinylation, among which the kidney-specific cadherin 16 was found to be the most abundant accessible protein in rodent kidneys. However, the gel-based proteomic analysis suffered from poor sensitivity. Two different approaches to increase sensitivity failed.
Can differential bleaching and mortality among coral species offer useful indicators for assessment and management of reefs under stress

Coral reefs are increasingly subject to a variety of threats from local to global scales. The development of monitoring and assessment tools to diagnose coral reef community responses to threats would assist greatly in management of their impacts. This paper examines interspecific patterns of bleaching, mortality, and recovery of corals on reefs in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar for one year after the 1997-98 El Nino. On average, 50-80% bleaching and mortality of corals occurred throughout the region. Coral tissue condition (normal, pale, bleached, and dead) was recorded for up to 1 yr after the onset of bleaching. Thirteen coral species were used for analysis. Cluster Analysis and Principal Components Analysis with factor rotation were applied to the dataset, giving two major groups of species, characterized by (a) severe bleaching followed by 100% mortality (e.g., Acropora spp., Pocillopora spp., Galaxea astreata), (b) graduated bleaching with pale tissue and low-to-moderate mortality (e.g., Porites lutea, Echinopora gemmacea, Hydnophora exesa), and one outlier with long-term persistence of bleaching (Montipora tuberculosa). These species groups based on the bleaching response are consistent with life history strategies proposed by other workers. It is proposed that observations of coral condition and bleaching in the field, interpreted in the light of life history theory, can provide a coral bioassay technique for reef monitoring and management.
Controlling yellow jackets with fipronil-based protein baits in urban recreational areas

ABSTRACT The western yellow jacket, Vespula penyslvanica (Saussare), is a serious seasonal pest of outdoor venues in the western United States. In the spring, queens and low numbers of workers were captured in heptyl-butyrate-baited traps until early July, when the number of foragers dramatically increased. Microsatellite data suggest that 18 colonies were actively foraging within the park in 2012. Foragers from 11 different colonies were collected at one trap site. In 2012 and 2013, sufficient numbers of foragers were not captured until early August when baiting trials were initiated. Baits were prepared with canned chicken mixed with fipronil for a final concentration of 0.025%. In 2012, a single baiting provided >96% reduction of foragers for at least two months. A second baiting late in the season provided >80% reductions. In 2013, one baiting trial resulted in a 74% and a 93% reduction. A bait acceptance study was conducted in 2014 to test a bait consisting of the juices from canned chicken and 0.025% fipronil incorporated into a hydrogel, and provided a much longer lasting bait in the field.
Primary and Stem Cells: Gene Transfer Technologies and Applications

This book describes basic cell engineering methods, emphasizing stem cell applications, and use of the genetically modified stem cells in cell therapy and drug discovery. Together, the chapters introduce and offer insights on new techniques for engineering of stem cells and the delivery of transgenes into stem cells via various viral and non-viral systems. The book offers a guide to the types of manipulations currently available to create genetically engineered stem cells that suit any investigator's purpose, whether it's basic science investigation, creation of disease models and screens, or cells for therapeutic applications.
Somatic Embryogenesis of Carrot in Bioreactor Culture Systems

A bioreactor was used to establish a scale-up system for somatic embryogenesis in «Scarlet» carrot (Daucus carota L.). At a cell density of 1-2×10 6 cells/ml, mature and germinating embryos could be observed within 4 to 5 weeks. As cell density exceeded 2×10 6 cells/ml, the culture turned darker yellow, and embryo development was inhibited. Cell densities below 10 6 cells/ml resulted in abnormal embryos. Bioreactor design had a critical impact on somatic embryogenesis due to various types and the strength of shear forces generated
Multiple Computer Automated Structure Evaluation Methodology as an Alternative to In Vivo Eye Irritation Testing

The Multiple Computer Automated Structure Evaluation (Multi-CASE) methodology was applied to the semi-quantitative analysis of eye irritation potential of 186 organic chemicals. The resulting expert dictionary of substructural attributes indicates that the following functionalities are linked to eye irritation potential: carboxylate and sulphonate groups in anionic surfactants, phenolic moieties in non-ionic surfactants, amino groups, halogenated and unsaturated structures, anhydrides and epoxides. Ester groups were recognised as having a low irritation potential. The Multi-CASE program successfully predicted a priori the eye irritation potential of: 1) 21 individual chemicals; 2) chemical mixtures such as coconut oil, hydrogenated castor oil, rice bran, eucalyptus oils and potassium alginate; and 3) polymers,’ including polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, corn starch and nylon. It was found that the structure of the repeat units together, and not that of the individual monomers, is the best predictor of the eye irritation potential of the corresponding polymers. It appears that the repeat units of polymers dilute out the irritation potential of terminal groups normally expected to contribute significant irritation potential to chemicals of lower molecular weight. The Multi-CASE eye irritation model can be used for: 1) in vitro prescreening for eye irritation potential; and 2) design and modification of chemicals when low eye irritation potential is important.
Phenotypic plasticity associated to environmental hypoxia in the neotropical serrasalmid Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae)

Muchos peces caracidos sudamericanos desarrollan protuberancias dermicas reversibles en las mandibulas para optimizar la respiracion acuatica superficial (RAS) durante la hipoxia. Actualmente, aspectos basicos de esta adaptacion permanecen desconocidos, principalmente debido a la escasez de estudios experimentales. En experiencias de laboratorio, determinamos el tiempo necesario para el desarrollo y la reversion completos de estas estructuras en Piaractus mesopotamicus , y estudiamos comparativamente respuestas conductuales, morfologicas, y respiratorias en un gradiente de concentracion de oxigeno disuelto (OD). Los cambios morfologicos durante la hipoxia consistieron en protuberancias dermicas del labio inferior, el borde anterior del maxilar, y el borde distal de la valvula opercular, incrementando el numero conocido de estructuras modificadas. Estas se desarrollaron completamente en menos de 6 horas y se revirtieron en menos de 3 horas. La mayoria de los rasgos observados siguieron una curva de respuesta logistica, con valores criticos entre 0,90 y 2,70 mgL-1 de OD. La frecuencia respiratoria y el desarrollo de la valvula opercular presentaron valores criticos similares ubicados por encima del nivel de tolerancia al OD, mientras que la RAS y las protuberancias dermicas mandibulares presentaron criticos por debajo de dicho nivel. Estas observaciones apoyan la relacion funcional existente entre estos grupos de rasgos conductuales y morfologicos. Este estudio demuestra que esta especie puede modificar reversiblemente porciones del sistema respiratorio para optimizar las respuestas a la hipoxia.
Characterization of the early development of Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889 (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) from the Paraguay River Basin

This study described the initial development of Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum, as well as changes in growth patterns. Morphometric and meristic variables were analyzed during embryonic, larval and juvenile periods, even as allometric growth coefficients for larvae and juveniles. Eggs showed an average diameter of 1.79 mm and broad perivitelline space (23.41%). The total length (TL) of the larvae ranged from 3.05 to 25.72 mm, and the total number of myomeres ranged from 45 to 50 (preanal = 13-16 and postanal = 30-35). Initial pigmentation is poor, concentrated at the extremities of the yolk sac. In the flexion stage, the pigmentation intensifies and forms a longitudinal stripe extending from the snout to the operculum and two longitudinal stripes on the body, one dorsal and the other ventral, that unite at the caudal peduncle. At first, there is a differential growth of the head and tail, and then there is the growth of the body, which shows changes in the ontogenetic priorities of feeding, swimming, and breathing capacities. Our results are very important for ecology, systematics, and hatchering, especially in terms of ontogenetic variation in morphology, growth, feeding, behavior, and mortality of P. reticulatum.
Salinity Affects Germination and Growth of Tall Fescue Cultivars

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine relative salt tolerances during germination and seedling growth of 16 tall fescue cultivars (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Seeds of tall fescue were germinated on mats floating on saline solutions made from tap water and equal portions of NaCl and CaCl2 up to 7500, 12,500, and 15,000 ppm. The hydroponic growth medium containing 15,000 ppm NaCl and CaCl2 salt was suitable to identify cultivars with potential salt tolerance and commercial value under saline growing conditions. Cultivars which had less than a 50% growth reduction relative to the control were considered salt-tolerant. Broad-sense heritability estimates indicated that germination percentage, blade length, seedling dry and fresh weights, and germination rate (in that order) are viable selection criteria for salt-tolerance screening. The cross-pollination characteristic of the species should enhance improvement through recurrent selection.