Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Level Urea Feeding to Dairy Cattle. I. Effect of High-Level Urea Feeding on the Growth and Metabolism of Growing Dairy Heifers without Sulfur Supplementation

Summary Twenty-four Holstein dairy heifers wera used in a 150-day trial to study the effect of feeding grain rations containing 3.0, . 5.0, and 7.0% urea upon growth, feed consumption, and metabolism. Ground corn cobs were fed as the sole source of roughage. As the levels of urea in the ration increased, the consumption of corn cobs decreased, although not significantly, and daily gains and feed efficiency decreased significantly. The average daily gain for heifers fed rations containing 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0% urea were 1.14, 0.85, and 0.64lb. per day, respectively. The level of urea in the ration did not significantly affect nitrogen retention or blood levels of urea nitrogen, but as the intake of urea increased, blood serum levels of nonprotein nitrogen increased significantly and the levels of serum proteins significantly decreased. The possibility of a sulfur deficiency in a ration containing either 5.0 or 7.0% urea was discussed.
A procedure for establishing an axenic culture of the diatom Synedra acus subsp. radians (Kütz.) Skabibitsch. from Lake Baikal

Production of axenic cultures of diatoms is a highly relevant task, as these widespread organisms are objects of research in different fields of biology, from ecology to whole‐genome studies, and promising as producers of various organic molecules, including biologically active substances. However, culturing of diatoms isolated from natural communities is accompanied by the development of associated microorganisms. We propose a procedure for establishing an axenic culture of the freshwater diatom Synedra asus subsp. radians (Kütz.) Skabitsch. from Lake Baikal. Such a culture has been produced and maintained by subculturing in our laboratory. The procedure involves filtration (to remove free bacteria), detergent treatment (to remove microorganisms associated with diatom frustules), selection of effective antibiotics and their concentrations nontoxic for diatoms (by the disk diffusion method), cell treatment with the selected antibiotic (ciprofloxacin), repeated filtration, and monoclonal culturing of diatom cells. Axenity of the culture was verified microscopically (after DAPI staining) and by molecular biological methods.
Within- and between-stand distribution of attacks by pine weevil [Hylobius abietis (L.)]

The pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) is considered one of the most damaging pests in reforestation areas in Scandinavia. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the within- and between-stand distribution of pine weevil attacks. Between-stand distribution was examined by assessing the frequency of attacks in all newly planted coniferous stands in relation to stands clear-cut at two state forest districts in North Zealand, Denmark. Within-stand distribution was examined by investigating the position and damage to individual seedlings in relation to the position of breeding material. The stand-level attack frequency did not seem to be higher for stands in areas with more clear-cuts. The within-stand distribution of attacks was not influenced by the position of breeding material.
A Study on Notification System Design of Smartphone Messenger Considering the User’s Stress

Background Many smartphone users experience stress from receiving notifications all of the time. More than half of smartphone notifications come from messengers. This study attempts to understand the users’ stress from receiving smartphone messenger notifications, and determines the stressors. Also, this study identifies and validates notification design considerations to reduce stress from smartphone messengers. Methods First, an online survey was conducted with 95 smartphone user participants who used the same messenger application. Second, we extracted notification design considerations based on repeated affinity analysis of the keywords from the survey data. Third, the considerations were validated through two in-situ experiments during four weeks each. Result Six stressors were founded in three categories from the survey data. From this understanding, three design considerations for the notification system in smartphone messengers were proposed, in which the user can still be effectively aware of his or her notifications but can also reduce stress in his or her life. We validated two considerations through two experiments, and we found that the three design considerations are complementary. Conclusion This study suggests three design considerations for developing smartphone messenger notification system. The results can expand in two directions. First is to expand the general notifications in the smartphone, including the messenger. Another method is to expand the general stress of the messenger, including notification stress.
Assembly and Characterization of the European Hazelnut ‘Jefferson’ Transcriptome

European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is of worldwide agricultural significance, with breeding efforts focused on combining high nut yield and nut quality with resistance to diseases such as eastern filbert blight (EFB), a cause of severe crop loss in much of the United States. Oregon State University recently released a resistant cultivar, 'Jefferson' (OSU 703.007), that was chosen for transcriptome sequencing to establish further genomic resources for C. avellana L. We used Illumina ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) to characterize complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries from four hazelnut tissues, including leaves, catkins, bark, and whole seedlings. The 6.8 Gb of hazelnut transcriptome data was assembled de novo into 28,255 contigs with an average length of 532 bp and an N50 (the minimum contig length necessary such that all contigs of equal or greater length will equal half of the bases of the assembly) of 961 bp. Sequence comparisons using BLASTX and gene ontology (GO) classifications were used to generate automated descriptive function annotations. High similarity of the predicted proteins to sequences in related plants demonstrates the validity of the transcript contigs, with 80.8% having similarity to grape (Vitis vinifera L.), poplar (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & A. Gray), and castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) sequences in the public domain. A survey of GO terms enriched among tissue-specific transcripts further validates the assembly. A basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) portal and web resources (http:// hazelnut.cgrb.oregonstate.edu [accessed 8 Jan. 2010]) are available and will be of importance to breeders for marker-assisted breeding efforts.
Genetic diversity among Fusarium graminearum strains from Ontario and Quebec

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to sample DNA markers from 72 strains of Fusarium graminearum isolated from wheat blighted kernels collected from Quebec (52 strains), Ontario (18 strains), and Prince Edward Island (2 strains). Sixty-five markers generated with eight RAPD primers showed that all strains were genetically distinct. Moreover, the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 90.56% of the genetic variability associated with strains used in this study was explained by within-region variation. The GST values were low and showed that there was almost no genetic differentiation associated with sampling F. graminearum either from two different years in Quebec (GST = 0.0375) or from Ontario and Quebec (GST = 0.0509). These results show that F. graminearum strains from Quebec and Ontario might be part of a single population pool.
The morphology of female genitalia in Galea spixii (Caviidae, Caviinae) = Morfologia da genitalia feminina em Galea spixii (Caviidae, Caviinae)

The yellow-toothed cavy ( Galea spixii) is a hystricomorph rodent of the Caviidae family. In Brazil, G. spixii are bred in captivity to provide an alternative protein source and to preserve the species. However, there is a lack of data on the animal´s female genital organs. Current research describes the morphology of the species´s adult female genital organs, regardless of the stage of its estrous cycle, and permits basic knowledge on its anatomy that will be a help for future projects in reproduction in captivity. Adult female genital organs of G. spixii comprise two ovaries with follicles at several developmental stages; uterine tubes whose epithelium and muscular layer thickness modify themselves throughout the isthmus, ampulla and infundibulum regions; double uterus and uterine horns with uterine glands that open to a single cervix which is linked to the vagina by the fornix; a variegated vaginal epithelium from different animals; a vulva with a clitoris trespassed by the urethra which features a lack of vaginal vestibule and the presence of a vaginal closure membrane. The morphology of G. spixii female genitalia has interesting characteristics such as the vaginal closure membrane and a clitoris trespassed by urethra that needs further studies. Other investigations on developmental biology could demonstrate a possible intrauterine masculinization in the G. spixii female.
Mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerol composition of chlorarachniophytes (Chlorarachniophyceae): production of a novel lauric acid (12:0)–containing form of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol

J.D. Leblond and S.A. Roche. 2009. Mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerol composition of chlorarachniophytes (Chlorarachniophyceae): production of a novel lauric acid (12:0)–containing form of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. Phycologia 48: 101–104. DOI: 10.2216/08-18.1. Chlorarachniophytes are unicellular eukaryotic algae typically found in marine habitats. Because chlorarachniophytes are hypothesized to have originated from a secondary endosymbiosis of a green algal cell by an amoeba or amoeboflagellate, they have garnered significant attention from those interested in endosymbiosis-mediated evolution. In comparison to the wealth of molecular data that now exist for chlorarachniophytes, very little is known about their fundamental biochemistry. To date, only one published study (Leblond et al. 2005) exists on their lipid biochemistry. This study found that chlorarachniophyte glycolipids have a simple fatty acid profile dominated by hexadecanoic acid (16∶0) and eicosapentaenoic acid [20∶5(n-3)]. The work presented here extends beyond their initial finding to elucidate via positive-ion electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry the intact molecular forms of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG). Two forms of MGDG and two forms of DGDG were identified, including a novel lauric acid (12∶0)–containing form of MGDG, 20∶5/12∶0 (sn-1/sn-2), not predicted by the published results of Leblond et al. (2005) and, to our knowledge, previously unreported in algae.
Passage of fish larvae and eggs through the Funil, Itutinga and Camargos Reservoirs on the upper Rio Grande (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the passage of fish eggs and larvae through the Funil, Itutinga and Camargos Reservoirs, located in the upper Rio Grande basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Samples were taken downstream and upstream of the dams using a conical ichthyoplankton net and were collected every two weeks, twice per sampling day, between November 2008 and March 2009. Although eggs and larvae were abundant immediately upstream of the reservoirs, no ichthyoplankton were captured immediately downstream of the dams, possibly indicating that eggs and larvae do not pass through the reservoirs. The arrival of ichthyoplankton in the reservoirs without its effective passage downstream makes the survival of these eggs and larvae unlikely. Furthermore, this lack of downstream movement may compromise the recruitment of species to downstream stretches, especially in the case of the Funil Reservoir (because of the presence of a fish pass in this dam). We emphasize that the fish lift operation at the Funil Dam must be carefully assessed, considering not only its efficiency but also its short- and long-term effects on the recruitment of migratory fish species from the river.
Change of Rat Embryos from a Ventrally Concave U‐Shape to a Ventrally Convex C‐Shape

In an early stage of development in murine embryos, axial rotation occurs and the body axis changes from a ventrally concave U‐shape to a ventrally convex C‐shape. In this study, axial rotation in Sprague‐Dawley rat embryos occurred in about 5 h in vitro (from 27 h to 32 h in cultures of head‐fold stage embryos). In sagittal sections, the somites in the mid‐region of the body changed from a trapezoidal shape with a short dorsal side and long ventral side to the reverse trapezoidal shape with a long dorsal side and a short ventral side. The dorsal part of these somites acquired the ability to react with actin‐specific antibody and developed into dermatome. On treatment with 0.1 μg/ml cytochalasin D during this 5 h period, embryos became ventrally concave with two lordosis bends. The somites in the bends had a short dorsal side, which did not show any evidence of dermatome or intense immunocytochemical staining. These results suggest that the increase in length of the dorsal side of the somites is a cause of the axial rotation and that the organization of actin filaments plays an important role in the conformational change of the somites.
Response of durum wheat to different levels of zinc and Fusarium pseudograminearum

Abstract. Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) is susceptible to Fusarium pseudograminearum and sensitive to zinc (Zn) deficiency in Australian soils. However, little is known about the interaction between these two potentially yield-limiting factors, especially for Australian durum varieties. The critical Zn concentration (concentration of Zn in the plant when there is a 10% reduction in yield) and degree of susceptibility to F. pseudograminearum was therefore determined for five Australian durum varieties (Yawa, Hyperno, Tjilkuri, WID802, UAD1153303). Critical Zn concentration averaged 24.6 mg kg–1 for all durum varieties but differed for the individual varieties (mg kg–1: Yawa, 21.7; Hyperno, 22.7; Tjilkuri, 24.1; WID802, 24.8; UAD1153303, 28.7). Zinc efficiency also varied amongst genotypes (39–52%). However, Zn utilisation was similar amongst genotypes under Zn-deficient or Zn-sufficient conditions (0.51–0.59 and 0.017–0.022 g DM μg–1 Zn, respectively). All varieties were susceptible to F. pseudograminearum but the development of symptoms and detrimental effect on shoot biomass and grain yield were significantly greater in Tjilkuri. Even though crown rot symptoms may still be present, the supply of adequate Zn in the soil helped to maintain biomass and grain yield in all durum varieties. However, the extent to which durum varieties were protected from plant growth penalties due to crown rot by Zn treatment was genotype-dependent.
Breeding Transformed Cotton Expressing Enhanced Fiber Strength

ABSTRACT New cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seeds that can produce fiber with enhanced strength would increase efficiency of the rotor form of open end yarn manufacture. We report results of 3-yr of breeding transgenic ‘Deltapine 50’ (DP 50) germplasm expressing enhanced fiber strength. The objective was to identify germplasm that could consistently express and transmit enhanced fiber strength to their progeny. Deltapine 50 cotton was transformed via particle bombardment of meristems by Monsanto. The intent of transformation was to insert a -glucuronidase (GUS) marker gene and a proprietary gene driven by a fiber specific promoter. The R4-R6 generations descendent from three GUS-positive, enhanced strength, R3 greenhouse plants were evaluated in the field from 1996-1998 near Florence, SC. Unusual frequencies of GUS-positive progeny were found upon self-pollination of GUS-positive plants, possibly reflecting altered fitness of transgenic gametes. Fiber strength of most GUS-positive plants was 30-70% greater than the non-transformed DP 50 control plants. After examining numerous parent-offspring relationships, we did not observe any consistent transmission of enhanced fiber strength. Results of this study, however, may have application to other transgenic cotton breeding efforts.
MAXIMUM NET PRODUCTIVITY LEVEL ESTIMATION FOR THE NORTHERN FUR SEAL (CALLORHINUS URSINUS) POPULATION OF ST. PAUL ISLAND, ALASKA

The goal of this study was to assess the maximum net productivity level for the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) population of St. Paul Island, Alaska. Definitive determination of this level is not possible due to uncertainty in life table parameters and density-dependent changes in those parameters. To account for such uncertainty, repetitive numerical simulations were used to generate frequency distributions of estimates for the maximum net productivity level and related population parameters. This approach systematically varied simulation input parameters, ran a separate simulation with each input parameter combination, and validated the simulations on the basis of comparison with historical observations. Results from validated simulations were compiled in frequency distributions to provide a measure of confidence for MNPL estimates. The distributions confirm that this population is probably well below its maximum net productivity level. Because they reflect the uncertainty in our understanding of northern fur seal population dynamics, these distributions are a more realistic basis for management than single point estimates.
Germination of Lomandra sonderi (Dasypogonaceae) Promoted by Pericarp Removal and Chemical-Stimulation of the Embryo

Lomandra Labill. is a common genus in the understorey of the jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Sm.) forest of Western Australia. Species in this genus are difficult to propagate by seed and do not readily re establish following mining. Limiting factors for germination success were explored and identified. Lomandra sonderii (F.Muell.) Ewart set very few seed (seeds per flower = 0.122). Tetrazolium tests indicated that seed viability was relatively high (50%). Germination was inhibited (0%) by the inner pericarp tissues which surround the seed and are part of the diaspore. Manual removal of the inner pericarp or leaching overcame this inhibition with a fifth of seeds subsequently germinating. Similar treatments improved germination of L. drummondii (F. Muell. ex Benth.) Ewart from 40% to 80%. Soaking L. sonderi seeds in gibberellic acid (GA3, 50 mg L-1) further improved germination (28%). Ants (Camponotus sp. and Iridomyrmex sp.) collected and dispersed L. sonderi seed and are likely to improve germination in the forest by removing and consuming the inner pericarp. Only half of the Viable excised embryos of L. sonderi grew in vitro, indicating the presence of embryo dormancy. Embryo dormancy was overcome by GA3 (0.5 mM) and zeatin (0.5 mM) in the liquid culture medium. In vitro culture may be a practical means of propagating Lomandra if seed is scarce.
Public Sector Education Investment and Manufacturing Output in Nigeria: Empirics and Policy Options

Given the importance of manufacturing sector as a key driver of economic growth, this paper examines public sector education investment and manufacturing output in Nigeria. The study employed Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root test and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) technique to analyse the relationship between public educational spending, primary school enrolment rate, per capita income, exchange rate, foreign direct investment and manufacturing output growth. The study revealed that that public education spending has a positive but insignificant effect on manufacturing output growth in Nigeria. The study recommends among other things, that government should target education spending in ways that favour manufacturing industry growth. Keywords: Education spending, manufacturing output, economic development JEL Classification: H52, I25, L6
ESTRUTURA DA COMUNIDADE DE MACROALGAS DO INFRALITORAL DO LADO EXPOSTO DA ILHA DE CABO FRIO (ARRAIAL DO CABO, RJ)

Um povoamento infralitoral dominado por macroalgas bentonicas foi estudado no lado externo da Ilha de Cabo Frio em Arraial do Cabo (estado do Rio de Janeiro). Para esse estudo foram utilizadas tecnicas de fitossociologia, ainda pouco conhecidas no Brasil, aplicadas as algas marinhas. As amostras coletadas ou parcelas correspondem a amostragem integral de uma superficie determinada incluindo o substrato, acrescida de parâmetros fitossociologicos (como o numero total de especies) e informacoes de campo (como profundidade, batimento; entre outros). O povoamento e composto na maior parte das profundidades e locais estudados, por diferentes estratos: um incrustante a rocha, um ereto formando dossel, um arbustivo com varias especies entrelacadas e um ou dois estratos de epifitas sobre as algas formadoras de dossel. Este trabalho permitiu identificar um gradiente de variacao dos dados correspondendo a duas associacoes distintas e bem caracteristicas. A Associacao Pterocladiella capillacea-Cheilosporum sagittatum e quem caracteriza o costao na profundidade mais rasa dos locais estudados, sendo que os grupos ecologicos a ela ligados sao principalmente de infralitoral fotofilo batido e o epifita infralitoral, e nao os grupos de sombra como suspeitado inicialmente. As especies caracteristicas (preferenciais, mas nao exclusivas) dessa associacao sao Pterocladiella capillacea, Cheilosporum sagittatum, Arthrocardia flabellata, A. gardneri, Ceramium tenerrimum, Ulva rigida e Protectocarpus speciosus. A outra associacao, identificada como Associacao Acrosorium uncinatum-Rhodymenia delicatula, e formada pelos grupos ecologicos tipicos de sombra (esciafilos). Essa associacao tem extratos eretos menores, pouca iluminacao e pouca adaptacao um batimento muito forte. Essa associacao tem como especies caracteristicas: Acrosorium uncinatum, Callophyllis microdonta, Peyssonnelia capensis, Plocamium brasiliense, Ceramium comptum, Rhodymenia delicatula, Ulvella lens e Dictyota menstrualis. Palavras-chave: Algas marinhas, fitossociologia, associacao, hidrodinamismo, biotopo de sombra.
Leaf Spot on Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Caused by Stemphylium solani, a New Disease in China

During 2010–2011, a severe leaf spot disease of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) was found in Haikou City, Hainan province of China. The disease is characterized with large, irregular, brown, necrotic lesions on the margin or in the centre of leaves. A species of Stemphylium was consistently recovered from pieces of symptomatic tissues on PDA. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular identification by rDNA-ITS gene analysis, the fungal species was identified as Stemphylium solani Weber, and its pathogenicity was confirmed by Koch's postulates. This is the first report of leaf spot on sweet potato caused by S. solani in China.
Cutting Edge: Lipopolysaccharide Induces Physical Proximity Between CD14 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Prior to Nuclear Translocation of NF-κB1

CD14, a GPI-linked protein, plays a pivotal role in LPS-mediated signaling by potentiating leukocyte adherence, activation, and cytokine production. Recent studies have identified the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) as a membrane cofactor in LPS-mediated transmembrane signaling in cytokine induction, although the mechanism responsible for this cooperation is unknown. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (RET) techniques, we demonstrate that LPS triggers a physical association between CD14 and TLR4. Because LPS stimulation up-regulates CD14 and TLR4 expression, it was necessary to control for the possibility that these newly expressed molecules were associated with one another independent of LPS stimulation. Although the calcium ionophore A23187 increased the expression of CD14 and TLR4, they did not exhibit energy transfer. However, following A23187 treatment, LPS promoted physical proximity between CD14 and TLR4. Therefore, we suggest that a close interaction between CD14 and TLR4 participates in LPS signaling, leading to nuclear translocation of NF-κB.