Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The importance of winter-flowering Aloe ferox for specialist and generalist nectar-feeding birds

Abstract The abundance of consumers and the availability of resources are often linked, and birds are known to track food resources at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. This study describes the seasonal influx of nectar-feeding birds during flowering in a 51-ha stand of Aloe ferox in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, over 5 years (2008–09 and 2011–13). Bimonthly point counts of birds were conducted before (April—May), during (June—July) and after (August) flowering, which occurs during the austral winter. The abundance of nectar-feeding birds increased significantly during flowering each year, whereas monthly abundances of non-nectarivores were unrelated to flowering. Models fitted to bird count-data revealed a significant interaction between feeding guild (nectarivorous versus non-nectarivorous species) and the percentage of flowering A. ferox over the 5 years of the study, confirming that these guilds responded differently to flowering events. Malachite Sunbirds (Nectarina famosa), which are specialist nectarivores, responded consistently to flowering of A. ferox each year, despite the low sugar concentrations of A. ferox nectar. The arrival of nectar-feeding birds en masse during flowering, and the number of bird species (16) observed feeding on A. ferox nectar, suggest that this plant is an important source of nutrition for birds at a time when other food resources are likely to be scarce.
Effect of formaldehyde-treated barley or escape protein on the ruminal environment and digestion in steers

Six Holstein steers fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were fed three diets: formaldehyde-treated rolled barley (0.11% wt wt−1) with canola meal (FTB); untreated rolled barley supplemented with corn distillers' grain and fishmeal (EPB); and untreated rolled barley with canola meal (CON). Foam production from ruminal fluid did not differ among diets. Mean viscosity of ruminal fluid from steers fed FTB was lower (P < 0.02) than rumen fluid from steers fed CON. Ruminal fluid pH of steers fed FTB was lower 2 h after feeding than in steers fed the EPB or CON diets. FTB led to lower (P < 0.02) ruminal ammonia concentrations 1 and 2 h after feeding and lower (P < 0.1) plasma urea nitrogen concentrations 4 h after feeding compared to EPB or CON diets. FTB and EPB tended to lower the ruminal concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) associated with microbial amino acid metabolism. Intake, ruminal and postruminal digestion of DM, OM, starch and NDF were not influenced by diet. While EPB had no effect on to.
Fossil Newtonia (Fabaceae: Mimoseae) Seeds from the Early Miocene (22–21 Ma) Mush Valley in Ethiopia

Numerous fossil winged seeds from the early Miocene (22–21 Ma) of Ethiopia represent the earliest and only definitive record of the ecologically and economically important legume genus Newtonia (Fabaceae: “Mimoseae”). These fossils represent a new species and provide evidence that tropical moist forest persisted on the Ethiopian Plateau into the early Miocene.
Loss of Parental Coding Sequences in an Early Generation of Wheat-Rye Allopolyploid

During wheat-rye allopolyploidization, the characteristics of the sequences in the bands that appear in both parents and progeny are still unclear. In this study, two different combinations of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.), including F1 hybrids and the first and second allopolyploid generations, were analyzed by PCR and sequencing using 60 wheat expressed sequence tag (EST)–derived single-sequence repeat markers and EST-derived sequence-tagged site markers. Thirty markers produced the same bands from parental plants, F1 plants, and amphiploids. Seven of the 30 markers amplified identical sequences from wheat and rye parents. Most of these sequences have high similarity between the two parental plants. The variation patterns of sequences in the bands produced by the seven markers were observed. In the F1 hybrids and amphiploids, loss of parental sequences was observed and the frequency of losing rye sequences was higher than that of losing wheat sequences. In addition, a few sequences in these bands exhibited significant differences, indicating that parental sequences changed drastically during allopolyploidization. Therefore, the fact that the parents and progeny contained the same bands should not be regarded as conservation. The results in this study add to the investigations dealing with variation patterns of coding sequences during wheat-rye allopolyploidization.
Organizational Change and Employee Performance: A Case on the Postal Corporation of Kenya

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of organizational change on employee performance. The objectives of this study were to mainly assess the effects of technological change, structure change, the changing roles and responsibilities of employees and the changes in management on the performance of workforce. This study sought to answer questions raised regarding the effects of technological change, structure change, the changing roles and responsibilities and change in management on employee performance. The significance of this study was to track changes in the workplace over time in an organization undergoing a number of changes and to determine how it affects the employees. This study will be of use to information centres, other scholars and researchers as well as research organizations. The limitations of this study were that there was unwillingness of the respondents to co-operate and the respondents were reluctant to give their views. The employees of the Postal Corporation of Kenya - Nairobi, which this study was based on, comprised of the target population, which has a total population of 300 employees. The study focussed on the organizational changes that have occurred in the last 7 years. The sampling technique used was the stratified random sampling and the researcher sampled 20 percent of the target population of which 61 employees comprised of the sample size. The main instrument that was used to collect data was the questionnaire. This study employed descriptive research design of which the research was descriptive in nature. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. From the findings, the study revealed that employee performance has been positively influenced by organizational change. The variable that has changed the most and influenced employee performance positively is technology. This is because it has provided an internship programme which, as a result, has provided more job opportunities. This has motivated even the existing staff leading to greater performance. When public organizations are pursuing changes, it is recommended that organizations highlight the urgency and necessity of those changes in simple, easy-to-understand terms. Keywords: Organizational change, Employee performance, Technology
Genetic structure of the first brood of workers and mating frequency of queens in a Japanese paper wasp, Polistes chinensis antennalis

Genotypes of a queen and the first brood of workers of 20 colonies of Polistes chinensis antennalis were electrophoretically analyzed. We found allelic polymorphisms in two loci which encodes two enzyme, i.e., creatine kinase (CK) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH). The genotype array of the first brood of workers in five colonies could not be explained by monoandry of the queen. Two to four suggested multiple mating of the queen, and one to three suggested replacement of the queen. Although multiple matings of some queens is apparent, the mean estimate of relatedness of the first brood of workers from the genotype frequency data, 0.648, is ambiguous, because it is not significantly different from 0.75 (one singly-mated queen) nor 0.545 (one doubly-mated queen).
Die Rhopalidae der afrotropischen Region unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Fauna der Republik Namibia (Insecta: Heteroptera, Coreoidea)†

The Rhopalidae of the Afrotropical Region with Special Reference to the Fauna of the Republic of Namibia (Insecta: Heteroptera, Coreoidea) The paper summarizes the knowledge on the species of the insect family Rhopalidae of the afrotropical region with special consideration of the Namibian fauna. From the afrotropical region including Madagascar 44 species of this family are known, 14 species are distributed in Namibia, three of which are new for the Namibian fauna. The food plants of the Rhopalidae are listed as far as these are known. A key to all genera of the afrotropical Rhopalidae is presented.
Use of Nitrate Reductase Activity for Assessing Effectiveness of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Dorycnium pentaphyllum Under Induced Water Deficit

The effects of arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae or Glomus deserticola on root nitrate reductase (NR) activity, growth parameters, colonization rate and foliar nutrient (NPK) concentrations were assessed in Dorycnium pentaphyllum L. seedlings grown under well-watered (−0.03 MPa) or drought conditions (−0.60 MPa). Under water stress, plants colonized by AM fungi exhibited root dry weights and root/shoot ratios, which were lower than un-inoculated plants. G. deserticola had more effect on N uptake whereas G. intraradices and G. mosseae had more effect on phosphorus (P) uptake under the water-limited conditions tested. Nodulation was inhibited and AM colonization rate was increased by water stress in D. pentaphyllum seedlings inoculated with G. deserticola. Root NR activity increased significantly in G. deserticola-colonized plants, under both well-watered (by 137%) and drought-stressed conditions (by 140%), with respect to un-inoculated plants. NR activity could be used as an index for assessing the effectiveness of fungus-host plant combinations for mitigation of water-deficit stress.
Genetic Improvement of Agronomic Traits of Winter Wheat Cultivars Released in France from 1946 to 1992

In a context where agricultural practices in Europe are likely to go toward extensive systems with lower inputs, it is important to determine the genetic improvement of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) not only in high-input agricultural systems but also in low-input systems. This study assesses the improvement in agronomic traits of winter wheat cultivars cultivated in France during the second half of the 20th century at four agronomic treatments: two levels of fungicide were combined with two levels of nitrogen fertilizer. Fourteen cultivars introduced between 1946 and 1992 were grown for two years (1994 and 1995) at five locations. Selection played a major role in the increase in winter wheat yield after 1946. The contribution of selection to this increase depended on the agronomic treatment and varied from one third to one half. Reduction of height was the most important factor. New cultivars with shorter straw expressed higher harvest index values and more consistent higher yields since they were less susceptible to lodging. The ability to produce more kernels from a given total above-ground biomass was the second factor. The number of kernels per unit area had increased over time without alteration of the weight of the kernels. The negative relationship between 1000-kernel weight and kernel number/m 2 was therefore shifted and new cultivars were thus able to fill more kernels than older entries. Modern cultivars used N more efficiently than their predecessors. The future challenge will be to obtain, in low-input systems, the same genetic gains as in high-input systems.
Population subdivision of house mice (Mus musculus) in an agrarian landscape: consequences for control

In Argentinean agroecosystems, house mice (Mus musculus L., 1758) show a discontinuous distribution, with high abundances in farms but scarce abundance in crop fields. In our study area, the abundance of M. musculus could be affected by their movements among farms. We hypothesize that (1) M. musculus do not move among farms versus (2) M. musculus do move among farms. Furthermore, based on our second hypothesis, M. musculus move actively (hypothesis 2.1) or passively by human transport (hypothesis 2.2). Based on hypothesis 1, we predict that genetic subdivision will exist among farms and that genetic divergence will be independent of geographic distance. Based on hypothesis 2.1, genetic differentiation will be correlated with geographic distance. Based on hypothesis 2.2, genetic subdivision will be absent, or genetic differentiation will be related to human movements. We examined genetic variation among farms (n = 15) using five microsatellite loci and tracked the movements of 36 individuals from five farm.
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES USED BY FRONTLINE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF WHEN INTERACTING WITH FOREIGN STUDENTS

Intercultural communication strategies are used to overcome language barriers across cultures (Berardo, 2008). The strategies are important for frontline administrative staff when interacting with foreign students in a local university. This qualitative study was carried out in three centres in a public university. The study used Gallois and Giles’ communication adaptation theory (2015) and Hall’s theory of intercultural communication (1959). Data were collected from observations and semi-structured interviews with six Malaysian administrative officers and six foreign students. The findings revealed that although the Malaysian administrative staff members have good command of English and communication skills, they still encountered problems when dealing with foreign students. Most of the foreign students reacted positively towards the intercultural communication strategies, but a few reacted negatively because they did not understand the differences between cultures. High-context communication and low-context communication were essential in interactions across cultures. This study provides insights into the use of intercultural communication strategies when communicating with foreign students. This enables them to foster norms that could reduce conflict from miscommunication or cross-cultural differences.
A System for Measuring in situ CO 2 and CH 4 Flux in Unmanaged Ecosystems: An Arctic Example

A passive, rapid response, closed system was developed to measure in situ ecosystem CO 2 and CH 4 flux in 0.5-m 2 plots over diurnal, seasonal, and annual time scales in arctic tundra ecosystems. The system consists of a chamber measuring 0.75 m on a side, 0.3 m in height, with acrylic sides, a mylar top, and 6-10 cm radial fans to ensure thorough mixing of the chamber environment. CO 2 concentration and flux rates were measured using a Li-Cor 6200 Portable Photosynthesis System, which is capable of measuring 0.1 p.p.m. s −1 changes in CO 2 concentration. CH 4 flux rates were measured by sequential sampling of the CH 4 concentration in the chamber over the duration of a 15-20-min incubation period (.)
Abstract A120: Cellular inhibition of Chk2 kinase and potentiation of camptothecins and radiation by the novel Chk2 inhibitor PV1019

Chk2 is a checkpoint kinase involved in the ATM pathway, which is activated by genomic instability and DNA damage, leading to either cell death (apoptosis) or cell cycle arrest. Chk2 provides an unexplored therapeutic target against cancer cells. We recently reported NSC 109555 as a novel chemotype Chk2 inhibitor. We have now synthesized a derivative of NSC 109555, PV1019 (NSC 744039), which is a selective sub‐micromolar inhibitor of Chk2 in vitro. The co‐crystal structure of PV1019 bound in the ATP binding pocket of Chk2 confirmed enzymatic/biochemical observations that PV1019 acts as a competitive inhibitor of Chk2 with respect to ATP. PV1019 was found to inhibit Chk2 in cells. It inhibits Chk2 autophosphorylation (which represents the cellular kinase activation of Chk2), Cdc25C phosphorylation, and HDMX degradation in response to DNA damage. PV1019 also protects normal mouse thymocytes against IR‐induced apoptosis, and it shows synergistic antiproliferative activity with topotecan, camptothecin, and radiation in human tumor cell lines. We also show that PV1019 as well as Chk2 siRNA can exert antiproliferative activity themselves in the cancer cells with high Chk2 expression in the NCI60 screen. These data indicate that PV1019 is a potent and selective inhibitor of Chk2 with chemotherapeutic and radiosensitization potential. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A120.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in Pacific white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei

Five polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized for Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei. Loci were isolated using a partial Sau3A1 genomic library by the sequencing of randomly selected clones and by a biotinylated (CT)10 and (GT)10 probes screening procedure. The last strategy resulted in the most useful data. About 40% of the clones showed a previously reported satellite/microsatellite (PVS1), reducing the chance of finding new microsatellite regions. Whereas two of the microsatellite loci with more than 10 alleles will be useful for mating analysis in a breeding program, the others might prove useful for population genetic studies.
Temporal variations of lipid peroxidation products, antioxidants and liver marker enzymes in experimental hyperammonemic rats

Abstract Circadian variations of lipid peroxidation products: thiobarbituric acid and reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidants: reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and liver marker enzymes such as transaminases (aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in circulation were analysed in control and ammonium chloride (AC) induced (100 mg/kg bodyweight) hyperammonemic rats. Elevated lipid peroxidation and liver marker enzymes (increased mesor of TBARS, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT) associated with decreased activities of antioxidants (decreased mesor of GPx, GSH, SOD and CAT) were found in hyperammonemic rats. Variations in acrophase, amplitude and r values were also found in between the control and hyperammonemic rats. These alterations clearly indicate that temporal liver marker enzymes and redox status are modulated during hyperammonemic conditions, which may also play a crucial role in disease development.
Waddington’s Unfinished Critique of Neo-Darwinian Genetics: Then and Now

C.H. Waddington is today remembered chiefly as a Drosophila developmental geneticist who developed the concepts of “canalization” and “the epigenetic landscape. ” In his lifetime, however, he was widely perceived primarily as a critic of Neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory. His criticisms of Neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory were focused on what he saw as unrealistic, “atomistic” models of both gene selection and trait evolution. In particular, he felt that the Neo-Darwinians badly neglected the phenomenon of extensive gene interactions and that the “randomness” of mutational effects, posited in the theory, was a false postulate. This last criticism dealt with the phenomenon known today as “developmental constraints. ” Although population genetics itself has evolved considerably from its form at mid-20th century, much of Waddington’s critique, it is argued here, retains cogency. Yet, he did not attempt to develop a full-fledged alternative theory himself. Perhaps most surprisingly, in retrospect, is that he did not try to marry his work on gene interactions in development with his evolutionary interests, to create a theory of “genetic networks” and their evolution. Whether evolutionary genetics today will incorporate “network thinking” as a central element or whether there will be a general retreat to the more atomistic approach offered by genomics, remains an open question.
Physiological and Immunological Effects of Adjuvanted Aeromonas salmonicida Vaccines on Juvenile Rainbow Trout

Abstract The effects of injectable vaccines against Aeromonas salmonicida on oxygen consumption, growth, kidney lysozyme activity, and anti-A. salmonicida plasma antibody titers of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were examined. The vaccines were A. salmonicida bacterin only, bacterin adjuvanted with levamisole, bacterin in emulsified oil, microencapsulated bacterin, microencapsulated bacterin with muramyl dipeptide, microencapsulated bacterin with β-1,3-glucan, and microencapsulated bacterin with Vibrio anguillarum lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The greatest and broadest ranges of responses were caused by the microencapsulated bacterin with V. anguillarum LPS. Oxygen consumption rates and specific growth rates were significantly higher over the course of 1 month among fish treated with the LPS vaccine. These fish also maintained a higher anti-A. salmonicida plasma antibody titer and kidney lysozyme activity for a substantially longer period than fish receiving the other treatments.
MITE-transposon Display Efficiently Detects Polymorphisms among the Oryza AA-genome Species

Miniature inverted repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are a major component of interspersed repetitive sequences in the rice genome. These elements serve as excellent tools for fine genomic analysis throughout the genome. Using the rice genome database, we evaluated MITEs present in a 200-kb region surrounding the rice waxy locus and selected four MITE subfamilies for MITE-transposon display (MITE-TD) analyses. MITE-TD, which is an AFLP-related technique based on MITE sequences, was applied to detect polymorphisms among the AA-genome Oryza species using the four selected MITEs. The MITE-TD used here enabled the most efficient detection of polymorphisms of all the molecular marker techniques applied to date in the Oryza species. Of the four MITEs, Mashu, a new MITE family, was found to be the best system for detecting the polymorphisms, with a detection frequency 3-1.5 times higher than that of the other three MITEs. The MITE-TDs also revealed information about genetic variations within the AA-genome species, and the complexity of the genetic relationships between O. sativa and O. rufipogon.
Factors influencing the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis to the grape moth Eupoecilia ambiguella Hb. (Lep., Cochylidae)

Toxicity correlated patterns like feeding behaviour, temperature and resulting feeding rate (pellets/h) were examinated. UV‐ and Cobalt‐irradiated Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki preparations were found to be significantly toxic. Compared to active toxin with living spores an inactivated sporal preparation is less active, but not ineffective: LT50 26–60 h (UV‐inactivated, still some living spores) and 43–58 h (gamma‐inactivated, no active spores). Simultaneously it can be demonstrated that the reduction of feeding rate in test is still comparable to material with living spores.