Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Use of Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction to Quantify Some Rumen Bacterial Strains in an In Vitro Rumen System

The aim of this work was to quantify four rumen bacterial strains (Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Ruminococcus albus, Streptococcus bovis, Megasphaera elsdenii) in an in vitro batch rumen fermentative system by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The experiment was a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two types of liquid rumen, collected from dairy cows (DC) and fattening bulls (FB) and two types of fermentation substrate (forage: concentrate ratios, 75:25 and 25:75) and was replicated in two fermentation runs. Fermentation fluids from FB compared to those from DC had lower pH, higher total VFA concentrations (averages of 0 and 24 h samplings, 6.70 vs 7.04 and 72.6 vs 42.7 mmol/l P<0.001) and contained less acetic (P=0.014) and more propionic (P<0.01) and butyric (P=0.029) acids. The two types of substrates incubated produced very small differences in the end fermentation products. B. fibrosolvens concentrations were higher (P<0.001) in the DC fermentation fluids compared to that from bulls (averages of 0 and 24 h sampling times, 3.47 vs 1.38 x109 copies /mL), while M. elsdenii was detected only in FB fermentation fluids. R. albus and S. bovis concentrations were not different between the two types of rumen liquid. With the only exception for B. fibrosolvens, bacteria strains considered in this study increased their concentrations in the fermentation fluid during the 24 h of in vitro incubation.
QTL mapping in testcrosses of European flint lines of maize. II. Comparison of different testers for forage quality traits

In the cooler temperate regions of the world, maize (Zea mays L.) is primarily cultivated for forage usage. In this study, we mapped and characterized quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting testcross performance of important forage maize traits and investigated their consistency across environments and testers. Two elite flint inbred lines were crossed to generate 380 F2 individuals, 345 of which were genotyped at 89 RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) marker loci. The 380 F3 lines obtained by selfing the F2 individuals and the parent lines were crossed to two diverse dent inbred testers. Each series of testcrosses (TC) was evaluated in field trials with two replicates in five environments. Five traits were analyzed: dry matter yield (DMY), dry matter concentration (DMC), plant height (PHT), starch concentration (STC), and starch yield (STY). Genotypic (σ g 2 ) and genotype x environment variances were highly significant for all traits in both TC series. Heritabilities ranged from 0.64 to 0.88 except for STY (0.46, 0.47). Genotypic correlations between testers were high (>0.80) for all traits. QTL analyses were performed by composite interval mapping. Between seven (STY) and 16 (PHT) QTL were detected in each testcross series, explaining between 52 and 71% of σ g 2 in a simultaneous fit. Few QTL displayed significant interactions with environments. Results were highly consistent across testers for DMC and PHT, but not for DMY, STC, and STY. Although a comparison of TC generation means indicated significant epistasis for DMY and PHT, significant interactions between QTL were detected in two cases only. If a genomic region simultaneously affected two characters, the increasing alleles for the individual traits originated in most cases from the same parent for positively correlated traits and from different parents for negatively correlated traits.
AGE, FECUNDITY, WEIGHT, AND THE INTRINSIC RATE OF INCREASE OF THE LUPINE APHID MACROSIPHUM ALBIFRONS (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE)

Abstract The fecundity, survivorship, and rate of development of the lupine aphid Macrosiphum albifrons Essig were determined and summarized into life tables from which the intrinsic rate of increase was computed. The life tables, using a time scale in days, were converted to a variable life table model using a physiological time scale based on an estimated thermal threshold of development of 3.59° (± 0.587°). A method of determining age and fecundity of adult aphids was developed from weight and embryo content. The use of intrinsic rate of increase and of the method of aging in field population dynamics are discussed. Résumé La fécondité, la longévité et le taux de croissance du puceron du lupin Macrosiphum albifrons Essig ont été déterminés et résumés en tableaux de cycle biologique à partir desquels on a calculé le taux intrinsèque de multiplication. Les tableaux qui utilisent une échelle de temps en jours ont été convertis en un modèle de cycle biologique variable au moyen d’une échelle physiologique basée sur le seuil thermique estimatif de développement de 3,59° (± 0,587°). On a mis au point une méthode de détermination de l’âge et de la fécondité des pucerons adultes à partir du poids et du contenu de l’embryon. L’auteur examine l’utilisation du taux intrinsèque de multiplication et de la méthode de détermination de l’âge dans une perspective de dynamique des populations.
Genetic differentiation of larch populations from the larix olgensis range and their relationships with larches from Siberia and Russian Far East

Random amplification polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic differentiation between twelve larch populations from various parts of the Larix olgensis A. Henry range and to reveal the genetic relationships between these populations and pure larch species (L. sibirica, L. gmelinii, L. cajanderi, L. kamtschatica and L. kaempferi) and hybrid larch species (L. amurensis, L. komarovii and L. ochotensis) from Siberia and Russian Far East. Analysis of Nei's genetic distance values and molecular variance revealed a significant differentiation between the L. olgensis range populations that was similar in magnitude to that among species. It was found that these populations are as genetically distant from population collected L. olgensis locus classicus as from other pure larch species. At the same time, the similarity of the L. olgensis range populations to hybrid species located in adjacent territories was shown. A possible scenario to explain these results is suggested.
Quantitative trait locus mapping of ovicidal response in rice (Oryza sativa L.) against whitebacked planthopper (Sogatella furcifera Horváth)

The ovicidal response in rice (Oryza sativa L.) to whitebacked planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera Horvath, is characterized by the formation of watery lesions which result in the death of WBPH eggs. To determine the genetic mechanism of this ovicidal response, a set of 71 rice recombinant inbred (RI) lines (F 8 , F 9 , and F 10 ) derived from a cross of japonica cultivar Asominori and indica cultivar IR24, the two parents, and the F 1 were phenotyped for percentage of watery lesions (PWL) and WBPH egg mortality (EM). PWL and EM showed significant positive correlations (P < 0.001) and transgressive segregation was observed for both traits. A total of 10 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for ovicidal response were detected with 292 RFLP markers in the F 6 and F 7 populations by composite interval mapping (LOD ≥ 1.5). Four of 10 QTLs coincided for PWL and EM and each three QTLs were only detected for PWL and EM. The QTL on chromosome 6 (R1954-L688) was most significantly associated with the ovicidal response and accounted for 69.9% of phenotypic variance for PWL (F 8 ) and 46.0% of phenotypic variance for EM (F 8 ). Positive alleles for ovicidal response came from Asominori on chromosomes 1, 3, 6S (short arm), 8, and 12 and from IR24 on chromosomes 2, 6L (long arm), and 10. QTL accumulation from both parents was the genetic basis of the transgressive segregation in the RI population. No epistatic interaction was detected. The Asominori allele on the chromosome 6S QTL was essential to the ovicidal response, and R1954 was found to be a target marker for marker assisted selection.
Genetic relationships among 22 Japanese species ofthe genus Polypedilum (Chironomidae, Diptera)

: A genetic tree of the Japanese species of the genus Polypedilum (Chironomi-dae: Diptera) was constructed based on the DNA sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I region. P. (Polypedilum) tamanigrum Sasa and P. (Po.) okiflavum Sasa; P. (Po.) tamahosohige Sasa and P. (Po.) sp. ; and P. (Po.) pedestre (Meigen) and P. (Po.) tamaharaki Sasa each constructed a small cluster. However, P. (Po.) nubifer Skuze and P. (Tripodula) unifascium (Tokunaga); P. (Po.) nubeculosum (Meigen) and P. (T.) decematoguttatum (Tokunaga); P. (Po.) takaoense Sasa and P. (Uresipedilum) hiroshimaense Kawai et Sasa; and P. (Po.) kyotoense (Tokunaga) and P. (U.) tamasemusi Sasa each constructed a small cluster despite the combinations of different subgenera. In addition, 3 species of the subgenus Pentapedilum each occurred in distinct clusters. These results suggest that a remarkable convergence has occurred among a wide range of species of Polypedilum and that the present taxonomic systems should be reconstituted in order to reflect evolutionary processes.
Dégradabilité en sachets des matières azotées des aliments concentrés : standardisation de la méthode et variabilités intra- et interlaboratoires

Summary &horbar; In sacco degradability of feed protein (D7! was measured in 13 feedstuffs by 4 labora- tories according the French standardized procedure. Adjustment for variations in microbial activity by reference to DM disappearance of a standard sample of lucerne decreased within and between lab variability. When the standardized procedure was carefully followed, results were in rather good agreement between labs.
Survival of Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) in Michigan

Abstract The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus, is a candidate for US federal listing and is legally protected in every state or province in which it occurs. Habitat degradation and human persecution have contributed to range-wide population declines. Survival estimates are essential for a thorough understanding of population dynamics, yet are rarely reported for S. c. catenatus in the peer-reviewed literature. There has been little research on massasauga survival in managed areas of Michigan, USA, the state considered to be the last S. c. catenatus stronghold. Our objectives were to estimate survival of massasaugas during the active season (May–October) in southwestern Lower Michigan and describe causes of mortality. We captured (mid-May to late August), radiomarked, and monitored 27 adult massasaugas in 2008 and 2009 and pooled data for analyses. We observed snakes throughout the active season and estimated survival (Mayfield method) for that period (11 May–29 October; 168 d). Cause-specific mortality was investigated qualitatively. Estimated survival probability for the active season was 0.9472 (CI = 0.8518–1.0000), higher than any estimate for similar studies of which we are aware. The single mortality event observed was caused by predation. We suggest that the high massasauga survivorship in this area might be attributable to habitat management for S. c. catenatus combined with a relative lack of infrastructure and human persecution. Our results suggest that adult S. c. catenatus survival is potentially geographically variable and can be high in areas not well-investigated, such as southwestern Lower Michigan. More research would yield long-term survival trends for the studied population as well as throughout their range.
Genetic patterns and pollination in Ophrys iricolor and O. mesaritica (Orchidaceae): sympatric evolution by pollinator shift

Ophrys iricolor and O. mesaritica are a pair of morphologically similar, closely related sexually deceptive orchids from the eastern Mediterranean. Ophrys iricolor is known to be pollinated by Andrena morio males and the specific pollinator of Ophrys mesaritica is determined as Andrena nigroaenea. Amplified fragment length polymorphism revealed O. iricolor and O. mesaritica to be genetically intermixed on the whole, although populations of O. iricolor and O. mesaritica in geographical proximity are strongly differentiated, suggesting that specific pollinators locally differentiate these taxa. Based on the available biological data and the system of pollinator attraction operative in Ophrys, we hypothesize that O. mesaritica may have arisen from O. iricolor by pollinator shift and that this is more probable than scenarios invoking hybridization as a result of mispollination by rare, non-specific flower visitors or specifically attracted insects.
Adaptive differences in the timing of egg laying between different populations of birds result from variation in photoresponsiveness

Although intraspecific variation in reproductive photoresponsiveness has been demonstrated in many bird species, it has never been examined in conjunction with comparative long-term field studies which accurately identified key factors governing local adaptation of life history traits, and rarely in combination with studies of non-domesticated birds that breed in captivity. Furthermore, it is generally assumed that, within species, adaptive differences in photoresponsiveness mainly occur across populations breeding at different latitudes, and that at similar latitudes, interpopulation variations in timing of breeding is mainly caused by proximate responses to variations in micro-climate or food. Considering results of breeding experiments in laboratory conditions in the framework of long-term comparative studies of natural populations, we here provide the first evidence in a bird that adaptive differences in the onset of first clutches between populations breeding at similar latitudes proximately mainly results from variation in responses to daylength.
Insecticidal activity of oxadiazine insecticide indoxacarb and its N-decarbomethoxylated metabolite and their modulations of voltage-gated sodium channels

Insecticidal bioassays on Plutella xylostella (Linneaus) of an oxadiazine insecticide indoxacarb and its N-decarbomethoxylated metabolite (DCJW), and their modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons were examined. No significant difference was observed in insecticidal activity between indoxacarb and DCJW in ingestion and contact tests. In patch-clamp experiments, both indoxacarb and DCJW suppressed the peak sodium currents in a time- and dose-dependent manner. DCJW at 1 μM blocked the sodium currents to 62.7±3.0% (n=5) of the control after 25 min of bath application. In contrast, in the presence of 1 μM indoxacarb, currents were blocked to 4.5±0.6% (n=4) of control. Thus, the potency of DCJW in blocking sodium currents was higher than that of indoxacarb in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.
A Selective ε-Protein Kinase C Antagonist Inhibits Protection of Cardiac Myocytes from Hypoxia-induced Cell Death*

Protein kinase C activation is thought to protect cardiac tissue from subsequent ischemic injury by a process termed preconditioning. The protein kinase C isozyme that mediates preconditioning has not yet been identified. Using a cell culture model of hypoxic preconditioning, we found that cardiac myocyte viability after 9 h of hypoxia was increased by more than 50% over control. Preconditioning activated protein kinase C isozymes as evidenced by translocation from one cell compartment to another as follows: there was a 2.1-fold increase in ε-protein kinase C activation, a 2.8-fold increase in δ-protein kinase C activation, and no increase in βI-protein kinase C activation. 4β-Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate mimicked hypoxic preconditioning, increasing myocyte survival after prolonged hypoxia by 34% compared with control. We previously identified an ε-protein kinase C-selective antagonist, εV1-2 peptide, that inhibits ε-protein kinase C translocation and function in cardiac myocytes (Johnson, J. A., Gray, M. O., Chen, C.-H., and Mochly-Rosen, D. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 24962–24966). εV1-2 peptide abolished hypoxic preconditioning and phorbol ester-mediated cardiac protection. Therefore, preconditioning can be induced in this culture model, and activation of ε-protein kinase C is critical for cardiac myocyte protection.
Mesopedinella arctica gen. et sp. nov. (Pedinellales, Dictyochophyceae) I: fine structure of a new marine phytofiagellate from Arctic Canada*

Abstract A new marine phytoflagellate is described by means of light and electron microscopy. Clonal cultures were established from sea water samples collected in June 1989 in the vicinity of Igloolik Island, northern Foxe Basin, Northwest Territories, Canada. It was observed again when visiting Igloolik Island in June 1992. Cells are radially symmetrical, 6–8 μm long and 7–10 μm wide, with a single projecting flagellum inserted in an apical depression. The flagellum bears two rows of tripartite flagellar hairs but lacks flagellar scales. A trailing stalk is present at the posterior end of some cells but appears to be missing in others. The cell body is covered by flat oval scales with a slightly thickened marginal rim. Body scales are composed of fibres forming a fine but irregular network. Cells possess six parietal chloroplasts without pyrenoids. The cytoskeleton consists of microtubular triads originating on the surface of the nuclear envelope. Triads were not observed to emanate into tentacles. Anter.
New or Interesting Records of Lichenicolous Fungi from Poland IX

Abstract: KUKWA, M. , SZYMCZYK, R. & KOWALEWSKA, A. 2013. New or interesting records of lichenicolous fungi from Poland IX. — Herzogia 26: 159–168. Records of 41 rare or overlooked lichenicolous fungi and lichens are presented. Seven species are new to Poland: Bachmanniomyces uncialicola, Epicladonia simplex, Leptosphaeria ramalinae, Lettauia cladoniicola, Lichenostigma maureri, Phoma ficuzzae and Sclerococcum serusiauxii. Biatoropsis usnearum and Phaeosporobolus usneae are new to the Carpathians. Lecanora pulicaris is a new host for Briancoppinsia cytospora.
Macropod studies at Wallaby Creek. 4. Home range and movements of the red-necked wallaby

Red-necked wallabies were observed to live in small home ranges, the locations of which changed little from season to season and from year to year. Home ranges were situated in places where open areas, used for feeding, lay close to the cover offered by dense vegetation and gullies. The home ranges of medium-sized males tended to be peripheral to areas preferred by females, and by larger and smaller males. Females tended to shift their home ranges towards the edges of large beds of cover as their infants left the pouch. The home ranges of males were larger than those of females, and body size and homerange size were positively correlated among males. Females used larger home ranges in winter than in summer.
Consistency in Egg Rejection Behaviour: Responses to Repeated Brood Parasitism in the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)

To evaluate host responses towards repeated brood parasitism we experimentally parasitized and continuously videotaped blackcap nests in two consecutive trials. The ejection of a foreign egg was the most common response (94.5%) in both trials, but desertion (4.1%) and acceptance (1.4%) also occurred. The general method of ejection was puncturing. In 9.8% of identified ejections, already punctured eggs stuck to the abdominal feathers of the incubating bird and were carried out of the nest. Females were responsible for the majority of ejections in both trials and their response time was significantly shorter than that of males. Blackcaps exhibited consistency in the sex responsible for egg ejection over the two trials; but in five (20.8%) experiments individuals changed their behaviour. Repeatability for host responses within the nest was very high. In ejections accomplished by the same bird, the response was significantly quicker in the second trial, indicating the presence of certain learning abilities. Our results suggest that cuckoo hosts are quite consistent in their responses towards parasitic eggs when parasitized repeatedly within one breeding attempt.
Efficacy of a rapamycin analog (CCI‐779) and IFN‐γ in tuberous sclerosis mouse models

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a familial tumor disorder for which there is no effective medical therapy. Disease‐causing mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene lead to increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase activity in the conserved mTOR signaling pathway, which regulates nutrient uptake, cell growth, and protein translation. The normal function of TSC1 and TSC2 gene products is to form a complex that reduces mTOR kinase activity. Thus, mTOR kinase inhibition may be a useful targeted therapeutic approach. Elevated interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) expression is associated with decreased severity of kidney tumors in TSC patients and mouse models; therefore, IFN‐γ also has therapeutic potential. We studied cohorts of Tsc2+/− mice and a novel mouse model of Tsc2‐null tumors in order to evaluate the efficacy of targeted therapy for TSC. We found that treatment with either an mTOR kinase inhibitor (CCI‐779, a rapamycin analog) or with IFN‐γ reduced the severity of TSC‐related disease without significant toxicity. These results constitute definitive preclinical data that justify proceeding with clinical trials using these agents in selected patients with TSC and related disorders. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Population effects of shrimp trawl bycatch on Atlantic croaker

We used stage-within-age based matrix models of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in the Gulf of Mexico and the South and Mid-Atlantic bights to explore the population-level impacts of shrimp trawl bycatch on estuarine-dependent fishes and to investigate tradeoffs between directed adult fisheries and bycatch mortality. The Gulf model reflected a rapidly declining population, while the Atlantic population showed a modest decline. Elasticity analyses indicated that both populations were more sensitive to the summed survival of adults than first-year survival, particularly in the Gulf. Contrary to our expectations, bycatch mortality on late juveniles was not the most important factor affecting either population of Atlantic croaker, and this result was robust to uncertainty in both adult and late juvenile mortality estimates. Both populations were most sensitive to ocean larva mortality, followed by mortality of estuary larvae and adults in the Gulf and of early juveniles and adults in the Atlantic.
Measuring ICT‐based agricultural knowledge transfer under a sender advantage asymmetric information structure

Abstract Knowledge transfer (KT) has received increasing attention in recent years. This is evident from many knowledge transfer initiatives and projects reported in the literature. However, how to measure the success of knowledge transfer projects still remains a challenge because knowledge transfer is a very complex process. This paper focuses on agricultural knowledge transfer facilitated by information and communication technologies (ICT). It attempts to develop a conceptual model for identifying the causal factors affecting the success of ICT‐based knowledge transfer. Drawing from relevant literature it also proposes a set of associated measures for each dimension in the model. The success model of ICT‐KT is based on a modification of a Delong & Mclean (2003) information system success model. Six dimensions in the model are developed, these being: knowledge quality; system quality; service quality (with sub‐dimensions of e‐service quality and extension quality); use; user satisfaction; and net benefits. Preliminary measures associated with each dimension are discussed and directions for future research are identified.