Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytoplankton diversity of the Gharni Reservoir in Latur district, Maharashtra, India

The phytoplanktonic samples were collected from the Gharni Reservoir of Latur district of Maharashtra for a period of one year, from June 2013 to May 2014. Totally 18 species of phytoplankton belonging to different taxonomic groups were identified. Among these 7 species belong to Chlorophyceae, 5 species to Cyanophyceae, 3 species to Bacillariophyceae and 3 species to Euglenophyceae. The phytoplankton productivity fluctuated seasonally and the maximum number of 560 units/liter was recorded during month of February and March and minimum number of 95 units/liter during the month of September.
DNA-Protein Complexes Created by Mutant EcoRII Methyltransferase and Quinolone Antibiotics in Escherichia coli

DNA-Protein Complexes Created by Mutant EcoRII Methyltransferase and Quinolone Antibiotics in Escherichia coli by Morgan Leigh Henderson University Program in Genetics and Genomics Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Kenneth N. Kreuzer, Supervisor ___________________________ Meta J. Kuehn ___________________________ K. V. Rajagopalan ___________________________ Sue Jinks-Robertson An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University Program in Genetics and Genomics in the Graduate School of Duke University
The use of small wire‐mesh traps in sampling juvenile salmonids

Abstract. Sampling of juvenile salmonids is often difficult or impractical in deep pools or areas of dense cover. Small, wire-mesh ‘minnow’ traps can be used successfully in these conditions, however, and are now a standard sampling tool in the Pacific Northwest of North America. The use and application of the traps in studies of juvenile salmonids is discussed and an experimental study described in which the relationship between traps soak-time and catch size was investigated. In areas of high population density, catches of juvenile salmonids reached a peak after l-2h whereas in lower density areas catch continued to increase over 24h.
The influence of regional gradients in climate and air pollution on epiphytes in riparian forest galleries of the upper Fraser River watershed

Epiphyte diversity and abundance were examined along the Fraser River and its tributaries in central-interior British Columbia at varying distances from point-source air pollution discharges. Black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera L. ssp. trichocarpa (Torr. & A. Gray ex Hook.) Brayshaw trunks near discharges in Prince George had comparatively low epiphyte diversity and supported an unusual acidiphilic lichen community, including Tuckermannopsis chlorophylla (Willd.) Hale, Usnea lapponica Vain. , and Vulpicida canadensis (Rasanen) J.-E. Mattsson & M.J. Lai. At a greater distance from air pollution sources, a more characteristic flora was observed, including Collema Wigg. spp. , Lecidea erythrophaea Florke, Leptogium (Ach.) Gray spp. , Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. , Nephroma parile (Ach.) Ach. , Peltigera Willd. spp. , and Strangospora moriformis (Ach.) Stein. These changes were accompanied by large differences in bark pH; mean values ranged from 3.7 in Prince George to 6.7 in upriver stands for black cottonwood.
Reproductive demography of two closely related Emydine Turtles in a spring fed system

Abstract Freshwater turtles are appropriate organisms for studying maternal investment in offspring because, unlike most long-lived vertebrates, turtles show high fecundities and most provide no parental care. We studied reproductive patterns of two emydine freshwater turtle species, the Texas river cooter (Pseudemys texana) and the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) at Spring Lake, Hays County, Texas during the 2009 nesting season. Forty-six percent of all nesting Texas river cooters and 25% of all nesting red-eared sliders nested twice, with some Texas river cooters nesting more than twice. Mean egg mass, egg length, and egg width decreased in subsequent clutches in Texas river cooters. However, there was an insufficient sample size of subsequent clutches (n = 6) to draw conclusions for red-eared sliders. Red-eared sliders did not show a positive relationship between clutch size and body size. We found that in both species there was a positive relationship between egg width and egg mass in relation to maternal body size. However, only Texas river cooters showed a positive relationship between clutch size and maternal size, while only red-eared sliders showed a positive relationship between egg length and maternal size. By comparing reproductive parameters of these two coexisting populations, we concluded that the members of these two species allocate resources differently for reproduction.
Selective Eosinophil Adhesion to Fibroblast Via IFN-γ-Induced Galectin-9

Among galectin family members, galectin-9 was first described as a potent eosinophil chemoattractant derived from Ag-stimulated T cells. In the present study a role of galectin-9 in the interaction between eosinophils and fibroblasts was investigated using a human lung fibroblast cell line, HFL-1. RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and Western blot analyses revealed that both galectin-9 mRNA and protein in HFL-1 cells were up-regulated by IFN-γ stimulation. On the one hand, IL-4, known as a Th2 cytokine, did not affect the galectin-9 expression in HFL-1 cells. We further confirmed that IFN-γ up-regulated the expression of galectin-9 in primary human dermal fibroblasts. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that IFN-γ up-regulated surface galectin-9 expression on HFL-1 cells. Stimulation of HFL-1 cells with IFN-γ up-regulated adhesion of eosinophils, but not neutrophils, to HFL-1 cells. This adherence of eosinophils to HFL-1 cells was inhibited by both lactose and anti-galectin-9 Ab. These findings demonstrate that IFN-γ-induced galectin-9 expression in fibroblasts mediates eosinophil adhesion to the cells, suggesting a crucial role of galectin-9 in IFN-γ-stimulated fibroblasts as a physiological modulator at the inflammatory sites.
Mitotic E- and Secretory F-Cells in the Hepatopancreas of the Shrimp Penaeus Semisulcatus (Crustacea: Decapoda)

INTRODUCTION It is apparent, in a review on the decapod hepatopancreas (Gibson & Barker, 1979) that there is some consensus of opinion that the epithelium consists of E-, R-, F- and B-cells and M-cells (Al-Mohanna, Nott & Lane, 1985). Also, it is agreed that the gland produces enzymes and absorbs, digests and stores nutrients and excretes waste material. However, the apportionment of these functions to the different cells and the descriptions of the cytological processes involved are variously explained. Thus, the activity of proteases and amylases has been demonstrated in the secretion produced by the gland but the source of these enzymes is attributed to different cells and various modes of secretion are proposed. Also, no secretion granules of the zymogen type have been seen. There are probably two main reasons for the inconsistent interpretation of the activities of the cells. First, the different stages of the feeding and moult cycles are not taken into account and both these affect the cytology of the gland. Second, some of the functions have been deduced from observations of the fine structure without any experimental treatments to demonstrate more directly the processes involved. In the present work all the animals are taken at the same moult stage and observations are made throughout the feeding cycle. Also, aspects of the function are studied with markers which are administered in the diet and injected into the blood. The activities of hydrolytic enzymes associated with the different epithelial cells have been studied but these will be the subject of a separate publication dealing with the cytochemistry of the digestive processes.
EFFECT OF SOME CHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON SEED GERMINATION AND DORMANCY BREAKING IN AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANT OCHRADENUS ARABICUS CHAUDHARY, HILL C. & A.G. MILL.

The seeds of Ochradenus arabicus, a medicinally important plant endemic to Saudi Arabia, become dormant and thus do not germinate easily. An attempt was made to improve seed germination and break the dormancy. The seeds were subjected to 2 plant growth regulators [GA3 (25-500 µM) and BAP (25-350 µM)] and two chemicals (KNO3 and thiourea) at 0.1-0.5% concentrations. Germination of seed was recorded after 20 days of sowing the seed in different treatments. Maximum germination was obtained by GA3 at 100µM, however, decline in germination was observed at higher concentrations of GA3. The germination of seeds was found to be improved upon storage for 6 and 12 months. In general, all treatments showed increased germination compared to that of control. This might have occurred due to the slow release of an inhibitory dormancy factor with different exogenously applied treatments. It was also interesting to note that the asynchronous germination lasted to 25 more days. This may be a survival adaptation of O. arabicus to harsh climatic conditions prevalent in a desert.
A hydrothermal after-ripening time model for seed dormancy loss in Bromus tectorum L.

After-ripening, the loss of dormancy under dry conditions, is associated with a decrease in mean base water potential for germination of Bromus tectorum L. seeds. After-ripening rate is a linear function of temperature above a base temperature, so that dormancy loss can be quantified using a thermal after-ripening time (TAR) model. To incorporate storage water potential into TAR, we created a hydrothermal after-ripening time (HTAR) model. Seeds from two B. tectorum populations were stored under controlled temperatures (20 or 30 °C) and water potentials (−400 to −40 MPa). Subsamples were periodically removed from each storage treatment and incubated at 15 or 25 °C to determine germination time courses. Dormancy status (mean base water potential) was calculated from each time course using hydrothermal time equations developed for each seed collection. Seeds stored at −400 MPa did not after-ripen. At water potentials from −400 to −150 MPa, the rate of after-ripening increased approximately linearly with increasing water potential. Between −150 and −80 MPa, there was no further increase in after-ripening rate, while at −40 MPa seeds did not after-ripen and showed loss of vigour. These results suggest that the concept of critical water potential thresholds, previously shown to be associated with metabolic activity and desiccation damage in partially hydrated seeds, is also relevant to the process of after-ripening. The HTAR model generally improved field predictions of dormancy loss when the soil was very dry. Reduced after-ripening rate under such conditions provides an ecologically relevant explanation of how seeds prolong dormancy at high summer soil temperatures.
Variation in nitrate nutrition leads to changes in the performance of the V-ATPase and immunological differences of proteolipid subunit c in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves.

The tonoplast V-type H + -ATPase (V-ATPase; EC 3.6.1.34) of higher plants responds by its activity and molecular-subunit fine structure to environmental parameters, such as temperature and salinity, or to the mode of photosynthesis in C3-CAM intermediate plants. To test the hypothesis that the enzyme is responding to varied mineral nutrition in similar ways, tobacco plants were grown at low (2 mM) and high (40 mM) nitrate supply, and a group of plants was also transferred from the low to the high nitrate concentration for 48 h before analysis. Direct correlation of V-ATPase properties with nitrate regimes and leaf nitrate content were not found, but indirect effects related to nitrate-affected growth were obtained. Although the ATP-hydrolysis of isolated tonoplast vesicles was similar under all three conditions, H + -transport activity and hence the apparent H + -transport activity/ATP-hydroly- sis coupling ratio of the V-ATPase in native tonoplast vesicles was high at low growth-limiting nitrate supply and after growth acceleration following the transfer of plants from low to high nitrate. Immunological differences of the V-ATPase suggested that the membrane-integral proteolipid subunit c showed structural differences related to nitrate nutrition. These differences were revealed by differential cross-reactions with two polyclonal antisera directed against the V-ATPase of Kalanchoe daigremontiana, respectively. The immunological differences could possibly be due to the expression of different forms of subunit c correlated with actual growth rates of leaves, which were high at 40 mM and after the transfer from 2 mM to 40 mM, and low at 2 mM nitrate. These complex responses to variation in nitrogen nutrition of plants are consistent with the notion in the literature that nitrate is both a nutrient and a signal for plant growth.
The influence of genetic variation in PSIP1 on HIV-1 infectivity in black South Africans

1 CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 HIV-1 Integration 3 1.2 HIV-1 Integrase 4 1.3 LEDGF/p75 7 1.4 The Role of LEDGF/p75 in HIV-1 Integration 8 1.5 PSIP1 9 1.6 DNA Polymorphisms 10 1.6. 1 Regulatory Polymorphisms 11 1.7 Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype Structure 13 1.7. 1 The importance of identifying LD patterns and haplotype structure 13 1.7. 2 Using LD and haplotype structure to define Populations 15 1.8 Genetic Variation and Human Demographic History 16 1.9 Genetic Variation in Africans 17 1.9. 1 The influence of the Bantu expansion 18 1.9. 2 Genetic variation in South Africans 20 1.10 Genetic Variation and Disease 22 1.10. 1 Genetic variation and HIV-1 24 1.11 Problem Identification and Objectives 26
FIELD COLLECTION AND LABORATORY MAINTENANCE OF MASTOTERMES DARWINIENSIS FROGGATT (ISOPTERA: MASTOTERMITIDAE) FOR BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT STUDIES

Mastotermes darwiniesis Froggatt can cause extensive damage to wood and wood products in service. With increasing development of tropical Australia, where M. darwiniensis is abundant, the necessity for field collection, trasnportation and maintenance of the species in laboratory conditions has become more evident.
A review of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.): implications for silviculture

Summary European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is common throughout much of Europe and is a valuable broadleaved tree due to its ecological characteristics, outstanding wood properties and high economic value. It is a fast growing species, associated with several forest types and with a scattered distribution in many different forest communities. In this review, we sum up essential characteristics of European ash, relevant to the further development of silvicultural practices. The paper covers site requirements, regeneration and stand establishment, growth dynamics and wood quality, and health and robustness. The review also highlights implications for silviculture and summarizes new information on ash dieback, a phenomenon which is observed in many European countries. Ash grows best on fertile, pH-neutral, deep, freely drained soils and such sites should be favoured if the aim is for high quality timber. Ash grows well at wide spacing which can result in enlarged ring width and increased latewood percentage, making the wood denser and stronger. Relatively short rotations may be recommended, depending on site, to avoid black heart: for example, a harvesting diameter of 60 cm can be reached within 60–75 years at 60–80 ash crop trees per ha. Universal recommendations are therefore for wide spacing with heavy, regular thinning in order to get a large diameter within a relatively short rotation. The necessity for pruning depends on the stand density at establishment and the subsequent thinning regime.
Evidence for Inclusion of South African Endemic Nylandtia in Muraltia (Polygalaceae)

Abstract Nylandtia (Polygalaceae) is a small South African genus of two or more species distributed mainly in the Cape region. Previous studies based on anatomical, morphological and molecular data have already revealed a close relationship between Nylandtia and Muraltia, a genus of 117 species that is nearly endemic to South Africa. New evidence from molecular studies of family Polygalaceae and genus Muraltia shows that Nylandtia is derived from genus Muraltia, and is nested in Muraltia subgenus Psiloclada. These results have prompted a morphological re-evaluation of the genera Nylandtia and Muraltia, supporting the conclusion that the two species of Nylandtia currently recognized, N. spinosa and N. scoparia, should be included in subgenus Psiloclada within the genus Muraltia. Only one nomenclatural change is necessary: Muraltia spinosa (L.) F. Forest & J. C. Manning, comb. nov.
The logistic model-generated carrying capacities, maximum sustained off-take rates and optimal stocking rates for Kenya's commercial ranches

This paper deals with the derivation of logistic models for cattle, sheep and goats in a commercial ranching system in Machakos District, Kenya, a savannah ecosystem with average annual rainfall of 589.3 ± 159.3mm and an area of 10 117ha. It involves modelling livestock population dynamics as discrete-time logistic equations with fixed carrying capacities. The fixed carrying capacities are generated endogenously using time-series ranch data, covering a period of 15 years, from 1987 to 2001, in a commercial ranching enterprise. The model incorporates interaction parameters, generated endogenously. The estimation of the logistic models involves estimation of econometric models for each livestock species, followed by the recovery of the logistic models mathematically. Optimisation procedures are employed to determine the optimal stocking levels and the optimal off-take levels. The model-generated carrying capacities are 2 985, 791 and 201 animal units (AUs) for cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Optimal stocking levels are 1 369, 154 and 69 AUs for cattle, sheep and goats, respectively, while the optimal off-take levels are 857, 88 and 63 for cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. This shows that the logistic models-based system analysis is applicable to the management of mixed-species commercial ranching enterprises.
Kinship, parentage, and temporal stability in nursery colonies of Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri)

Levels of genetic relatedness within bat colonies are often unknown, and consequently the reasons for group formation and social organization are unclear. The Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri), like most temperate bat species, forms nursery colonies in summer. We used microsatellite markers to examine identity and to attempt to estimate relatedness among females within a nursery colony, over 2 consecutive years, to ascertain whether females show kinship and natal philopatry, testing the hypothesis that this is the basis of colony formation. Parentage and relatedness of young born within a colony was assessed to investigate mating patterns via male reproductive skew and whether males achieve mating success within their natal colony. While there was evidence for female philopatry, levels of genetic relatedness within colonies were low. This suggests that kinship is not a major determinant in group formation, as roosts also comprise a large number of distant relatives or non-kin. Roost switching and gene flow are likely to be high. Both sexes reproduced in their first year, whereas males appear to be the more dispersive sex. We argue that the physical environment as well as information sharing provided by communal roosting are likely to be important factors for the formation of these large natal colonies in N. leisleri and possibly other lineages of bats.
Phylogeny-based Species Delimitation in Philippine Slender Skinks (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae: Brachymeles): Taxonomic Revision of Pentadactyl Species Groups and Description of Three New Species

Abstract We use data from external morphology and mitochondrial gene sequences to provide the basis for a taxonomic revision of two polytypic, pentadactyl Philippine species of scincid lizards of the genus Brachymeles. Although previous studies have noted significant morphological variation among island populations, the similarities in body size and scale pigmentation and pattern have led to the continued recognition of these two “widespread species. ” A third, widespread, pentadactyl species, Brachymeles talinis, is known from Jolo Island and the central and northern Philippine islands. We evaluate both morphological and genetic data to define species limits in B. boulengeri, B. schadenbergi, and B. talinis. Our molecular and morphological data indicate each of the four subspecies of B. boulengeri, and both subspecies of B. schadenbergi, are genetically distinct, with ranges biogeographically circumscribed, differ from their congeners by numerous external morphological features, and therefore should be recognized as full species. Our morphological and genetic data necessitate the recognition of northern populations of B. talinis (from Luzon Island) as a new species and also reveal an unanticipated new species from Masbate Island. Finally, morphological data require the recognition of the B. talinis population from Jolo Island as a unique, new species. These 10 taxa elevate the total known number of species of Brachymeles from 18 to 25.
Intrathymic proliferation of perinatal mouse αβ and §γ T cell receptor-expressing mature T cells

Using three colour flow microfluorimetry to analyse simultaneously two cell surface molecules and DNA content, CD4 SP cells in the late foetal and early postnatal thymus were found to contain significant numbers of cells in the S and G2 + M phases of the cell cycle. In contrast to neonatal thymocytes, CD4 SP cells in the adult thymus were found to be non-cycling. Two other phenotypic properties, namely expression of J11d and larger cell size, also distinguish perinatal from adult CD4 SP cells. In the perinatal thymus of (B/6 x D2)F1 mice, CD4 SP thymocytes expressing either V beta 6 (Mls-reactive) or V beta 11 (I-E-reactive) TCR are deleted by negative selection yet cell cycle analysis showed that, coincident with deletion, they were cycling. Thus negative selection in the perinatal thymus was operating on a population of cycling cells. Finally, perinatal CD3+, gamma delta TCR-expressing DN thymocytes were also found to be cycling. Taken together, these results show that, prior to migration to peripheral lymphoid tissues, in the perinatal period there is intrathymic proliferation of developing gamma delta- and alpha beta-expressing T cells.