Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of diagnostic methods to distinguish between calves persistently and transiently infected with bovine viral diarrhoea virus in respect to the presence of maternal antibodies

Abstract Two issues concerning virus detection and identification of persistently infected (PI) cattle were analysed in the study: 1) interference by maternal antibodies and 2) discrimination between PI and transiently infected (TI) animals. Antigen ELISA and RT-PCR based methods were compared using serum samples from natural and experimental PI and TI calves. RT-PCR and realtime RT-PCR using primers within 5’UTR region were more sensitive in detecting PI animals than Erns and NS3 antigen capture ELISAs, and they were not influenced by the presence of colostral antibodies in serum or by bovine viral diarrhoea virus genotype. The serum samples with Ct values ≤ 29.10 (corresponding to 104.87 viral RNA copies/μL) identified PI animals with 100% probability, while all samples with Ct values > 32.06 (corresponding to viral RNA load below 104 copies/μL) indicated TI status. The samples with Ct values between 29.10 and 32.06 (17.2% of PI and 11.5% of TI) should be considered as PI suspect and retested.
15N isotope dilution to quantify dinitrogen (N2) fixation associated with Canadian and Brazilian wheat

Putative dinitrogen (N2) fixation associated with wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Thell) has been studied using acetylene reduction and nonisotopic N-balance techniques. Absolute proof of N2 fixation using 15N2 (gas) or 15N isotope dilution procedures has not been reported. This paper presents the first use of the 15N isotope dilution technique to determine in wheat the percent plant N derived from associated N2 fixation. Although inoculation with either Bacillus polymyxa (C-11-25) or Azospirillum brasilense (ATCC 29145) resulted in no significant increase in total plant N in nine Canadian and one Brazilian wheat varieties, isotopic N data showed that N2 fixation did occur. The amounts of plant N derived from atmosphere, fertilizer, and soil varied. A high degree of plant–bacterial specificity existed. In several instances, the substitution of a single chromosome pair in the wheat regulated the amount of N2 fixed. The agreement between this 15N isotope experiment and two previous nonisotopic experiment.
The influence of ontogeny and environment on the diet of lookdown dory, Cyttus traversi

Abstract Research on trophic relationships is an important component in the move towards an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. The diet of lookdown dory, Cyttus traversi, was determined from examination of stomach contents of 239 specimens of 13.9–50.7 cm total length (TL), sampled at depths of 220–744m on Chatham Rise, New Zealand. The diet was characterised by the macrourid fish, Coelorinchus oliverianus, the natant decapods, Lipkius holthuisi, Campylonotus rathbunae, Sergestes spp. , Notopandalus magnoculus, and Pasiphaea spp. , and the galatheid, Munida gracilis. Multivariate analyses using distance-based linear models, non-parametric multi-dimensional scaling and similarity percentages indicated the best predictors of diet variability were depth and fish length. Diet changes associated with depth were most apparent in the crustacean prey. Changes in the diet with ontogeny suggested four ontogenetic trophic units: pelagic (<13.9 cm TL), juveniles (13.9–25.8 cm TL; benthopelagic invertebrate feeders), maturing females and males (26–39.5 cm; benthopelagic omnivores) and mature females (>40 cm TL; benthopelagic piscivores/omnivores).
Models of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the eucalypt forests of south-eastern New South Wales

We examined the relationship between ground-dwelling mammals and the environment within 500 000 ha of eucalypt forest in south-eastern New South Wales. Ground-dwelling mammals were surveyed at 368 sites in 13 areas in relation to four habitat variables/factors, seven environmental variables, and two derived variables (‘disturbance’ and ‘prey abundance’). Habitat variables are vegetative variables such as eucalypt community and forest structure that may be altered by man (e.g. logging) or natural disturbances (e.g. wildfire). Environmental variables are climatic or topographic variables such as rainfall or lithology that cannot be altered by man or natural disturbances. Statistical models are presented of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in temperate eucalypt forests. From studies of the prediction of eucalypt species from environmental variables and the distribution of arboreal marsupials it has been possible previously to map the predicted density of arboreal marsupials for a large area of south-eastern New South Wales. It would be difficult to do the same for the ground-dwelling mammals because of the importance of structural variables and the influence of disturbance on structure. However, there appears to be a positive relationship between the abundance of some ground-dwelling mammals and environmental variables such as the lithology nutrient rating. Many past studies of fauna have stratified sampling on broad climatic and terrain variables and not included an adequate proportion of the structural variation, which may remain concealed as a large part of the unexplained variation. This may be the single most important problem facing reliable modelling and prediction of patterns of biodiversity in eucalypt forests.
Sensitivity and Specificity CSF Heat Shock Protein Levels in Differentiation of Bacterial Meningitis: A Cross Sectional Study: Tehran, Iran

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a fatal disease with high mortality and morbidity that needs emergency management. Objective: Determination the sensitivity and specificity CSF Heat Shock Protein 70 levels in differentiation of bacterial meningitis. sectional CSF samples were obtained from 104 patients with suspected meningitis and examined for the presence of invading pathogens, changes in CSF with blood cell counts and protein and/or glucose concentrations. Based on CSF parameters (CSF culture /or universal PCR), 27 patients; were diagnosed as having bacterial meningitis and 59 patients had aseptic meningitis. All CSF samples were assayed for HSP70 using quantitative ELISA. The HSP70 level in CSF was measured to analysis the results, Mann-Whitney test was used. A ROC curve was constructed to illustrate various cut-offs of CSF-HSP70 levels. under curve 0.948; Cutoff pg/dl sensitivity and 77% specifity; 89% PPV for differentiating the bacterial meningitis. CSF-HSP70 level in bacterial meningitis was significantly higher than viral meningitis (P=0.000). It was related to sex (P=0.05) of patients but not related to their ages. Conclusion: CSF-HSP70 level has a high PPV (89%), good sensitivity (96%) and moderate specifity (77%) in differentiation of bacterial meningitis. Adding the CSF - HSP70 level as a complementary test to other conventional CSF tests is so useful in diagnosis of bacterial meningitis especially in meningitis cases that received antibiotic treatment before admission or partially treated meningitis.
Protease-sensitive thylakoidal import machinery for the Sec-, ΔpH- and signal recognition particle-dependent protein targeting pathways, but not for CFoII integration

Summary Nuclear-encoded proteins are targeted into and across the thylakoid membrane by a surprising variety of mechanisms. Distinct Sec- and ΔpH-dependent mechanisms have been shown to operate for lumenal proteins, and an integral membrane protein, LHCP, has been shown to insert via a signal recognition particle-dependent route. Integration of a further membrane protein, CFoII, requires neither soluble factors nor energy sources, prompting speculation of a spontaneous insertion mechanism. Although the requirements for soluble factors and energy sources have been determined in some detail, much less is known of the events taking place at the membrane surface. This report examines whether thylakoid proteins are involved in each of these pathways, by testing the effects of trypsin on the capacity of isolated thylakoids to import proteins. Because all of the pathways rely to some extent on the thylakoidal ΔpH, and a light-induced ΔpH is easily destroyed by proteolysis, the conditions under which reverse action of the ATP synthase in the dark generates a high ΔpH even after proteolysis of thylakoids have been established. This system is used to show that protease-sensitive thylakoidal import machinery is crucial for the ΔpH-, Sec- and signal recognition particle-dependent pathways, but not for integration of CFoII.
Una nueva especie de Meloe Linnaeus, 1758 del suroeste de Marruecos incluida en el grupo de M. (Eurymeloe) rugosus Marsham, 1802 (Coleoptera: Meloidae)

The scientific collections of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC, Madrid) hold an extense set of entomological materials collected in Morocco along the first decades of the XXth century by the preeminent naturalist M. Martinez de la Escalera. Morphological studies of the specimens of the genus Meloe Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Meloidae) reveals the existence of populations morphologically differentiated along the coastal regions of Essaouira and Ifni. These populations are included within the Meloe rugosus Marsham, 1802 species group in the subgenus Eurymeloe Reitter, 1911. Their differential traits with respect to all other North African and European species of the Meloe rugosus species group are constant, and permit considering these populations as a taxonomic independent unit described herein, Meloe baamarani n. sp. This new species is characterized by having a black, opaque, general coloration all over the body and appendages; black short vestiture; broad head with broadly rounded temples, without median longitudinal groove; long antennae, with segments III to VIII subcylindrical and longer than wide; pronotum transverse, with convergent sides toward the base, without median groove; head and pronotum punctuation dense; aedeagus narrow, median lobe wide and strong, dorsally sinuous, with ventral hooks close to the apex. Meloe baamarani can be only confused on the western regions of northern Africa with Meloe mediterraneus Muller, 1925. This species shares a general appearance with M. baamarani , but differs in many morphological traits. Among those, tegument micro-reticulation, absence of median groove along the head, pronotum morphology and macrosculpture, and configuration of the male genitalia, are included.
Using historical records, aerial photography and dendroecological methods to determine vegetation changes in a grassy woodland since European settlement

By using historical records, aerial photography and dendroecological methods, we assessed the vegetation changes that have occurred in a grassy-woodland landscape at Inverleigh, Victoria, since 1850. Land managers have perceived that encroachment by native shrubs such as Acacia paradoxa DC. has occurred in woodlands in the area after their reservation for conservation following a long period of stock grazing, but data are needed to place these recent changes in context. The vegetation has passed through three management phases since early European settlement and these have contributed to the present vegetation patterns. The area was (1) initially set aside as a timber reserve at the time of European settlement and was periodically grazed by stock. (2) Logging, plantation forestry and stock grazing regimes caused large-scale disturbances to the understorey vegetation during the early 1900s and continued to the 1980s. In the 1970s, disturbances caused by recreational activities intensified the vegetation modification. During this time, the vegetation changed from an open woodland to denser, shrubbier woodland. Most soil disturbances ceased when (3) the area was declared a flora reserve in 1988. Evidence suggests that with the cessation of these disturbances, populations of the native shrub Acacia paradoxa increased dramatically, reducing the tree-gap area significantly. The major increase occurred from 1974 to 2002 when the area of tree gap declined by 38%. Age-class analyses suggested that most (>80%) of the A. paradoxa population is less than 25 years old, but plants may be able to live beyond 60 years. Logistic regression modelling suggested that distance to closest track influences present-day A. paradoxa distribution, as does soil moisture. This suggests that the soil disturbance from grading tracks and vehicle movements may be facilitating both the spread and initial establishment of A. paradoxa, particularly on soils of higher soil-moisture holding capacity. Strategies for future woodland management must consider how the current vegetation dynamics reflect past land-use history, and land managers must choose appropriate goals for biodiversity conservation in the light of these changes.
Identification of a Novel SINE-like Sequence in Retrotransposon Fragments of Sweet Potato

A novel short interspersed nuclear element (SINE)-like sequence, named IPSE1, was identified in the retrotransposon fragments of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). Sequences highly homologous to IPSE1 were identified in three previously reported genes of genus Ipomoea, suggesting that IPSE1 is conserved in genomes of Ipomoea. Structural characteristics of IPSE1 were discussed.
Taxonomy, natural history and zoogeography of sand beach isopods from the coast of Southern Chile

Abstract Seven species of marine isopods were collected on sandy beaches of Southern Chile (from about 37° S until 42° S). From these, Excirolana hirsuticauda Menzies, Excirolana monodi Carvacho, Chaetilia paucidens Menzies, Macrochiridothea setifer Menzies and M. mehuinensis Jaramillo are known only from the Chilean coasts. Another species, Excirolana braziliensis Richardson, is known from other areas of American coasts. One species is identified here as Macrochiridothea aff. lilianae by its resemblance with M. lilianae Moreira from Southern Brazil. All these species are here briefly described and some aspects of their ecology added. Also Zoogeographic characterization of the studied area is discussed in relation to the distributional patterns of isopods living in them.
Methodological Considerations for Elucidating Low-Level Liming Effects on White Clover Symbiosis Establishment in AN Acidic Soil Model System

Because acidic soils limit the establishment, growth, and persistence of forage legumes, new information about symbiotic development in these soils, particularly during the early stages, will likely contribute to the solution of this worldwide problem. A previously described laboratory model system (Staley, T. E. and D. R. Morris. 1998. Soil Sci. 163: 230-240) using an acidic (pH w 4.62), fresh Ultisol showed the ability to discern enhancement of growth and nodulation of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) as early as 3 weeks after planting, even when limed to only pH w 4.83. We now report on the reproducibility of soil chemical alterations and plant and nodule responses using the identical system with soil collected from the same field plot about 1 year later. The effects of low-level liming rates (pH w 4.54-4.94) and rhizobial (Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii) inoculation levels (50-5000 CFU g -1 . dry soil), of both fresh and re-wet soil on earlier (2 weeks) and later (4 weeks) growth and nodulation of Huia white clover were determined. Plant parameters (shoot mass, shoot N uptake, and root mass) were generally unaffected by liming at any of the inoculation levels at Cut 1 (2 weeks) in both soils, whereas most of these parameters were positively affected by liming at all inoculation levels at Cut 2 (4 weeks), especially in the fresh soil. Positive lime rate effects on nodulation were found at both cuts in both soils, but almost exclusively at the highest inoculation level. Thus, the interactive effects of liming and rhizobial population on nodulation were demonstrated, at 2 weeks, before significant N 2 -fixation. Growth rates of asymbiotically grown roots, determined by short-term (hours) assays in soil-over-agar, paralleled the root mass responses to liming in the soil model system. Rhizobial viability, assessed in soil solutions extracted from the limed soils, decreased from about 10 7 to 10 6 CFU mL -1 in 21 h. These results suggest that although seedling root growth and likely rhizobial viability are compromised within hours after planting and inoculation by soil acidity-related chemical factors, maintenance of a threshold level of viable rhizobia can lead to improved nodulation of white clover even at very low soil pH values.
Ewe colostrum and subsequent lamb suckling behaviour

Behavioural and colostral data were obtained from 70 parous Border Leicester x Merino ewes (and their lambs) that lambed in 0.25 ha paddocks. Data collected included a colostral sample immediately postpartum, lamb weight and temperature, site of parturition and lamb sucking attempts to 48 h post-partum. Colostrum dry matter percentage was 56.5 for ewes with single lambs and 61.5 for ewes with twins (P<0.05). Colostrum colour and consistency score (1-7) of twin-bearing ewes was 5.5 compared with single-bearing ewes of 6.5 (nearer normal milk). Lamb sucking behaviour suggested the more viscous the colostrum, the more often the lamb attempts to suck (P<0.001) and for a longer period at each attempt (P<0.05). This effect diminished over time so that by 24-48 h there was no difference in behaviour expressed as duration x number of sucking bouts, when normal milk would be expected. Twin lambs had significantly more sucking bouts than single lambs up to 4 h post partum. The consequences of these observations would be more serious for twin lamb survival and may explain why some individual twin lambs often die from starvation.
Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Studies of Terminalia belerica Roxb. Seed Oil and Seed Kernel

Oil was extracted from Terminalia belerica Roxb. seed kernel by solvent extraction process. The whole seed contained 12.28 % oil on dry basis. The physico-chemical properties of the oil were determined. Moisture, ash and crude fibre contents of the seed kernel were found to be 8. 43, 2.54, and 8.78% respectively. The refractive index, co-efficient of viscosity, specific gravity, and energy of activation of the oil were found to be 1.28, 403.6 millipoise at 30Â°C, 0.93 and 6.97 k.cal/mole respectively. The oil was found to be non-drying. Iodine value, acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, saponification equivalent, ester value, unsaponifiable matter, acetyl value, Reichert-Meissel value, Polenske value, free fatty acids as oleic acid and cholesterol content of the oil were recorded as 107, 3.69, 3.14, 189.24, 296.44, 185.55, 1.24%, 3.78, 0.719, 0.945, 0.87% and 26.59 mg per 100 g oil, respectively. The oil was qualitative and quantitative analysed for fatty acid composition by TLC and GLC. The results showed that the fatty acids of the oil had chain length between C 14 to C 22 . The oil contained 17.70% myristic acid, 21.6% palmitic acid, 45.67% oleic acid and 14.93% stearic acid. The whole kernel was analyzed for some nutrients and minerals. The kernel contained 22.57 and 8.38% total lipid and protein respectively. It also contained 0.19mg, 0.45mg, 0.79g and 1.1mg of vitamin B 1 , B 2 , C and A respectively per 100g of kernel. Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were found to be 0.3, 0.02, 0.2, 0.2, 0.01%; 23, 1, 12 and 12 ppm respectively in kernel and 0.12, 0.05, 1.15, 0.18, 0.45%; 204, 4, 54 and 50 ppm respectively in oil. Key words: T. belerica seed oil and kernel, physico-chemical behaviour, micronutrients, fatty acid profile, GLC. Â doi: 10.3329/jbs.v15i0.2211 Â J. bio-sci. 15: 117-126, 2007
Instrumental Approach to the Determination of Ozone Phytotoxicity

Ozone (O 3 ) phytotoxicity is a serious concern all over the globe. O 3 can cause both biochemical and physiological changes to plants that could lead to reduction in growth and yield. Its effect on agricultural crops is usually detected as foliar injury. Although foliar injury has frequently served as physiological basis for monitoring performance of agricultural crops and assessing air quality, its visibility depends on period of exposure, concentration of ozone, and environmental conditions. The present study focused on the determination of biochemical indicators of ozone phytotoxicity including Rubisco (biochemical indicator for carbon assimilation), photo-pigments [carotenoids and chlorophyll (a & b)], and chlorophyll photochemical efficiency on a judiciously selected plant-Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco), variety: Little Havanna. An enclosed computer controlled growth chamber was used for cultivation of the experimental plant groups (ozone exposed and control). Spectrophotometric measurements of the biochemical indicators were carried out to evaluate the exposure-response behaviour of the plant. Our results showed a significant (P< 0.05) decrease of the biochemical indicators that is reproducible even when foliar injury is not detected. Besides, experiments also showed that chlorophyll a is more sensitive to ozone than chlorophyll b. The instrumental readings were supported by a reduction in total organic nitrogen and starch content and ultimate decrease in growth rate and root: shoot ratio. While significant variations in the intensities of foliar injury can be detected among plants within a group, a reproducible exposure-response data were obtained from instrumental measurements. Such measurements can also serve as basis for the development of implantable sensors for in-situ monitoring of ozone pollution in sensitive crops.
True absorption of selenium in dairy cows : stable isotope tracer methodology and effect of dietary copper

True absorption of Se in dairy cows was determined using a method combining balance techniques with isotopic enrichment of body Se pools. Oral and intravenous routes of isotope administration and tracer enrichment in serum and liver were evaluated for determining endogenous fecal Se. The effect of supplemental dietary Cu on Se absorption was also determined. In two trials, five and six nonlactating Holstein cows were supplemented with 0 or 16 mg Cu kg−1 feed dry matter. The basal diet was cubed orchardgrass hay that contained 0.19 mg Se kg−1 (0.18 mg kg−1 as added selenite) and 14 mg Cu kg−1. Each cow received Se-77 orally and Se-82 intravenously on day 1. Feces, urine and serum samples were collected during two 5-d balance periods (days 16–20 and days 21–25). Liver biopsies were taken on day 27. Endogenous fecal Se determined from tracer enrichment in serum and liver with oral isotope administration and from enrichment in serum with intravenous isotope administration were not different (P > 0.05). It was.
Effects of Dynamic Renal Scintigraphy and Bone Scintigraphy Studies on Oxidative Damage in Patients

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate gamma radiation--induced oxidative damage in erythrocytes after dynamic renal scintigraphy with 370 MBq Tc-99m diethylene trimine pentaaceticacid (DTPA) and bone scintigraphy with 740 MBq Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP). Thirty patients who performed dynamic renal scintigraphy (15 patients) and bone scintigraphy (15 patients) were included in this study. The median ages were 50 ± 7 years (range, 21–69 years) and 55 ± 8 years (range, 34–78 years) for dynamic renal scintigraphy and bone scintigraphy, respectively. The blood samples were taken from patients just before, 1 h after, and 3 h after injection of the radiopharmaceutical. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were measured to evaluate the gamma radiation--induced oxidative damage. The enzyme activities of CAT were decreased 1 and 3 h after injection of the radiopharmaceutical in both groups (p < 0.05). In both groups, the enzyme activities of SOD and GPx were decreased 1 and 3 h after injection of the radiopharmaceutical, respectively. MDA levels were increased 3 h after (p < 0.05) injection of the radiopharmaceutical in both groups.