Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Production Potential of a Natural Pasture Compared to a Wheat Pasture, Both Grazed by Lactating Goats under Mediterranean Climate Conditions

The aim of this study was to extend the grazing period using a wheat pasture that produced high quality forage, and to compare the productivity of natural and wheat pastures for grazing goats during a 3-year period (2003-2005) in a Mediterranean zone of Turkey. Twelve 3-4-year-old Saanen goats were allocated to each pasture (10 goats ha-1). Pastures were grazed for 2 months (May and June) in 2003 and for 3 months (April, May, and June) in 2004 and 2005. In the study, pasture yield and hay intake, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content of the hay, and milk yield and milk fat percentage were determined. Pasture yield was significantly affected by pasture type (P < 0.001) for each year and the wheat pasture (5.34-6.51 t ha-1) yielded approximately 3.5-fold more hay than the natural pasture (1.48-1.88 t ha-1). Goats in the wheat pasture consumed significantly more forage in 2003 (P = 0.015), 2004 (P < 0.001), and 2005 (P < 0.001). Average hay intake in the wheat pasture ranged between 2.32 ± 0.27 and 2.53 ± 0.27 kg d-1 in 2003, 1.42 ± 0.26 and 3.35 ± 0.26 kg d-1 in 2004, and 2.69 ± 0.25 and 3.33 ± 0.25 kg d-1 in 2005, whereas it ranged between 1.54 ± 0.27 and 1.95 ± 0.27 kg d-1 in 2003, 0.79 ± 0.26 and 1.79 ± 0.26 kg d-1 in 2004, and 0.81 ± 0.25 and 1.60 ± 0.25 kg d-1 in 2005 in the natural pasture. Most of the interactions between pasture type and grazing month were statistically significant in terms of the CP, NDF, and ADF content of the pasture samples. In the first months CP content of the hay in the wheat pasture was higher than in the natural pasture, whereas this was reversed, especially in June. In addition, NDF and ADF content were not similar to CP content. In general, daily milk yield of the goats grazed on the wheat pasture was higher than that of those grazed on the natural pasture throughout the study. Milk yield was consistent with hay intake and milk fat percentage was inversely related to milk yield during the study. It was concluded that the wheat pasture had better potential for supplying nutrients to lactating dairy goats than did the natural pasture in spring.
Análise econômica da inclusão de farinha do resíduo de tucumã ("Astrocaryum vulgare", Mart) na alimentação de poedeiras comerciais

The objective of this study were analyzed economically the inclusion of different levels of flour residue of tucuma (Astrocaryum vulgare, Mart) (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) in diets for laying hens. The experiment lasted 84 days divided into four periods of 21 days, where were used 160 birds Dekalb White with 56 weeks of age. The residue tucuma flour was used in diets as an energy source and colored egg yolk. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates of eight birds each, and data were analyzed using polynomial regression. The cumulative feed intake showed significant differences (P 0.05) for the other variables. The residue flour of tucuma can be used as an alternative ingredient in diets for laying hens with the inclusion level of 5% showed higher profitability. Up to 20%, the cost of feed was lower and higher profits.
Poor Growth of Rainbow Trout Fed New Zealand Mud Snails Potamopyrgus antipodarum

Abstract The New Zealand mud snail (NZMS) Potamopyrgus antipodarum is rapidly invading North American freshwaters, leading to speculation that native fisheries, especially those involving trout, will be negatively impacted. To assess whether trout would consume NZMSs and could assimilate nutrients from them, we conducted a laboratory 15N tracer study, a laboratory feeding study, and bioenergetics modeling with rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss; we also evaluated 5 years of diet and condition data describing rainbow trout and brown trout Salmo trutta collected from a river colonized by NZMSs. The 15N tracer study showed that rainbow trout consumed and to a lesser extent assimilated NZMSs. Rainbow trout fed 15N-labeled NZMSs had muscle isotopic signatures that were 80% higher than those of fish fed unlabeled NZMSs and 30% lower than those of fish fed 15N-labeled amphipods. The feeding study showed that rainbow trout fed an exclusive and unlimited amount of NZMSs lost 0.14–0.48% of their initial body weight .
Retracted: A subfamily of RNA‐binding DEAD‐box proteins acts as an estrogen receptor α coactivator through the N‐terminal activation domain (AF‐1) with an RNA coactivator, SRA

One class of the nuclear receptor AF‐2 coactivator complexes contains the SRC‐1/TIF2 family, CBP/p300 and an RNA coactivator, SRA. We identified a subfamily of RNA‐binding DEAD‐box proteins (p72/p68) as a human estrogen receptor α (hERα) coactivator in the complex containing these factors. p72/p68 interacted with both the AD2 of any SRC‐1/TIF2 family protein and the hERα A/B domain, but not with any other nuclear receptor tested. p72/p68, TIF2 (SRC‐1) and SRA were co‐immunoprecipitated with estrogen‐bound hERα in MCF7 cells and in partially purified complexes associated with hERα from HeLa nuclear extracts. Estrogen induced co‐localization of p72 with hERα and TIF2 in the nucleus. The presence of p72/p68 potentiated the estrogen‐induced expression of the endogenous pS2 gene in MCF7 cells. In a transient expression assay, a combination of p72/p68 with SRA and one TIF2 brought an ultimate synergism to the estrogen‐induced transactivation of hERα. These findings indicate that p72/p68 acts as an ER subtype‐selective coactivator through ERα AF‐1 by associating with the coactivator complex to bind its AF‐2 through direct binding with SRA and the SRC‐1/TIF2 family proteins.
3D QSAR Analyses-Guided Rational Design of Novel Ligands for the (α4)2(β2)3 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Three-dimensional quantitative structure−activity relationship methods, the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and the comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA), were applied using a training set of 45 ligands of the (α4)2(β2)3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). All compounds are related to (−)-epibatidine, (−)-cytisine, (+)-anatoxin-a, and (−)-ferruginine, and additionally, novel diazabicyclo[4.2. 1]nonane- and quinuclidin-2-ene-based structures were included. Their biological data have been determined by utilizing the same experimental protocol. Statistically reliable models of good predictive power (CoMFA r2 = 0.928, q2 = 0.692, no. of components = 3; CoMSIA r2 = 0.899, q2 = 0.701, no. of components = 3) were achieved. The results obtained were graphically interpreted in terms of field contribution maps. Hence, physicochemical determinants of binding, such as steric and electrostatic and, for the first time, hydrophobic, hydrogen bond donor, and hydrogen bond acceptor p.
Extreme Mitochondrial DNA Variability and Lack of Genetic Structure in Populations of Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Cuterebridae) from Brazil

Abstract Restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was used to characterize the genetic variation and population structure of the human bot fly, Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Cuterebridae), in parasite populations from cattle in southeastern, southern and central regions of Brazil. Forty-eight haplotypes with a nucleotide sequence divergence of 2.75% were found among 227 individuals. Haplotypes could be divided into three clades, with interclade variation ranging from 0.94% to 2.00%. The degree of differentiation obtained suggests that the mitochondrial clades may have differentiated in allopatry, and that their contemporary pattern of distribution probably results from secondary contact of isolated populations, reinforced by the introduction and movement of livestock in South America.
Micranthes hitchcockiana (Saxifragaceae), a New Combination for North America

ABSTRACT Following recent phylogenetic work segregating Micranthes Haworth from Saxifraga L. (Saxifragaceae) and to complete the transfer of names from Saxifraga to Micranthes in North America, we are proposing the new combination M. hitchcockiana (Elvander) Brouillet & Gornall.
Cell elongation, turgor and osmotic pressure in developing sunflower hypocotyls

The relationship between cell elongation, change in turgor and cell osmotic pressure was investigated in the sub-apical region of hypocotyls of developing sunflower seedlings (Helianthus annuus L.) that were grown in continuous white light. Cell turgor was measured with the pressure probe. The same hypocotyl sections were used for determination of osmotic pressure of the tissue sap. Acceleration of cell elongation during the early phase of growth was accompanied by a 25% decrease in both turgor and osmotic pressure. During the linear phase of growth both pressures remained largely constant. The difference between turgor and osmotic pressure (water potential) was -0.10 to -0.13 MPa
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IN SPRING AFFECTS HORN GROWTH IN MALE ALPINE IBEXES

Abstract Horn growth in the Caprinae is affected by several factors including age and nutrition, and analysis of annual horn increments can be used to interpret past events. We documented patterns of horn growth in male alpine ibexes (Capra ibex ibex) in the central European Alps and analyzed relationships between annual horn increments, weather, and plant phenology in 2 different climatic regions during 1981–1990. Age accounted for 50% of total variance in horn growth in male alpine ibexes 1–6 years of age. Horn growth differed among climatic regions and calendar years. In years with early onset of vegetation growth, horn growth was enhanced uniformly over all age classes in both climatic regions. Horn growth was a function of ambient temperature during March–May and of plant phenology in spring, implicating onset of growth of vegetation and availability of food resources. Duration of growth of vegetation was assumed to be directly related to date of vegetation onset, but further studies are necessary to test this hypothesis.
Diuron Sorption by Pine-Bark Substrate and Foliar vs. Root Absorption by Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta)1

Postemergence-applied diuron effectively controls yellow woodsorrel in nursery crops grown in pine bark–based container substrate. Whether the phytotoxicity of diuron on yellow woodsorrel is exclusively the result of foliar activity or is partially the result of root-based activity has not been determined. Application in which diuron was allowed to contact both the foliage and the pine bark–based substrate provided 84% control as determined by shoot fresh-weight reduction relative to that of a nontreated control. Foliar-only and root-only applications provided 52 and 12% shoot fresh-weight reduction, respectively. Absorption and translocation of foliar-applied diuron by yellow woodsorrel was evaluated using radiotracer techniques. After 24 h, 86% of the applied diuron had been absorbed, and 76% of the amount applied remained in the treated leaflet, indicating minimal translocation. Diuron sorption by the pine bark–based substrate was evaluated using radiotracer techniques. After 3 h, less than 6% of applied diuron remained in the aqueous phase, indicating 94% sorption. Exposing yellow woodsorrel roots to diuron concentrations as low as 0.50 mg/L resulted in injury, and concentrations equal to or greater than 10 mg/L resulted in death. Calculations described herein indicate the concentration that probably would occur within the aqueous solution held within the substrate following a 1.12-kg ai/ha application is sufficient to be phytotoxic to yellow woodsorrel. Thus, root-based absorption is a contributing factor in the overall efficacy of postemergence-applied diuron in controlling yellow woodsorrel. Nomenclature: Diuron; yellow woodsorrel, Oxalis stricta L. #3 OXAST. Additional index words: Herbicide translocation, soil sorption. Abbreviations: ANOVA, analysis of variance; PPFD, photosynthetic photon flux density; WAT, weeks after treatment.
Stress tolerance in auxin heterotrophic and autotrophic tobacco tissue cultures

The natures of the stress tolerance of auxin autotrophic and heterotrophic tobacco calli were compared. 50 mM NaCl did not inhibit the growth of auxin autotrophic calli and they exhibited a lower level of peroxidase secretion into the media than that of heterotrophic cultures. The ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities of these lines did not decrease in the presence of stressors. In the second half of the culturing period, the auxin autotrophic tissues expressed a higher GST activity than that of the heterotrophic lines. Acta Biol Szeged 46(3-4):83-84 (2002)
Why Should We Closely Monitor Fecundity in Marine Fish Populations

Reproductive success, best defined as lifetime total offspring to reach maturity, is the product of the number of eggs produced (i.e., fecundity) per season, adult reproductive life span and offspring survival to maturity. Life history traits at the population level can be seen as a representation of the fate of individuals through their life cycle. For practical purposes, reproductive success is often separated in two components: reproductive potential and offspring survival to maturity. In studies of exploited marine fish populations, spawning stock biomass (SSB) is commonly used as a proxy of reproductive potential instead of direct measures of the egg production of the stock. This technique assumes, however, that egg production per unit of biomass is time-invariant. This assumption is unsupported by a review of the literature. Seasonal fecundity varies in relation to parental quality (e.g., size, condition), resource availability (e.g., food abundance and quality), environmental (e.g., temperature) and evolutionary factors (e.g. stock biomass, fishing pressure). Recent studies and use of generalized linear models to hindcast fecundity variations demonstrate that stock reproductive potential estimated by the total egg production can lead to different perceptions of the state and productivity of the stock. The recent development of cost-effective methods to count egg numbers of fish now makes it practical to routinely determine potential fecundity. Adding measures of fecundity to other demographic parameters that are already commonly measured for exploited marine fish stocks allows a more precise measurement of the reproductive potential. One possible outcome of measuring reproductive potential as demonstrated using northern Gulf of St. Lawrence cod as a case study is the calculation of the intrinsic rate of population increase (r), an essential parameter in population dynamics and evolutionary ecology, which can be used in determining sustainable harvesting, resilience, and potential rates of recovery of populations.
Summer vs. winter: Examining the temporal distribution of avian biodiversity to inform conservation

ABSTRACT Winter habitat quality plays a key role in avian population regulation, and conservation of winter habitat is a priority for waterfowl, shorebirds, and Neotropical migrant landbirds. Yet, there has been little discussion of the importance of conserving temperate wintering habitat for landbirds, including the billions of Neotemperate migratory landbirds that winter in the United States. The value and impact of conservation initiatives in the U.S. could be maximized by accommodating the habitat requirements of bird communities throughout the full annual cycle, particularly in the southern and western U.S. where winter species richness is concentrated. To estimate the degree to which winter bird communities should be a conservation priority, we examined the temporal distribution of avian diversity using riparian habitat in the lower Cosumnes River and lower Putah Creek watersheds in California's Central Valley. We used hierarchical multispecies occupancy models to estimate seasonal species richness and phylogenetic diversity in each watershed. We found that total species richness was equally as high in winter as in summer, and that phylogenetic diversity was higher in winter, with a considerable proportion of the winter avian diversity attributable to boreal-breeding Neotemperate migrants. Our results provide evidence that maintaining and restoring high-quality riparian habitat for winter bird communities in California is an important conservation opportunity. Broader recognition of the diversity of temperate winter bird communities and additional research into the factors affecting body condition and survival would facilitate effective conservation of high-quality winter habitat, benefiting Neotemperate migrants and year-round residents during a season that can have important impacts on their population dynamics.
Social Group Patterns and Associations of Nonmigratory Elk (Cervus elaphus) in Michigan

Abstract We investigated the annual pattern of elk (Cervus elaphus) social group sizes and associations in Michigan's nonmigratory herd. Group observations were used to determine social group sizes and patterns throughout the year. Social group associations of individual elk were determined from 31 cow and 20 bull elk equipped with radio-collars. Bull and cow elk differed in their probabilities of belonging to single sex or mixed groups in 6 of 7 biological periods. Bull-only groups were small (mean = 1.3–2.7) and constant in size annually, while cow-calf (mean = 1.6–9.6) and mixed (mean = 5.2–35.1) groups were larger and varied in size throughout the year. Annual grouping patterns in Michigan were similar to grouping patterns observed for western North American elk herds. In contrast to other sedentary herds in stabilized habitats, elk in Michigan showed little annual (mean coefficients of association = 0.16) or seasonal (mean coefficients of association = 0.07–0.32) cohesion in social group membership, likely a result of seasonal limitations on the availability of food resources and/or hunting harassment.
Environmental risk assessment of genetically modified chrysanthemums containing a modified cry1Ab gene from Bacillus thuringiensis

Insect-resistant transgenic chrysanthemum plants expressing a modified cry1Ab gene of Bacillus thuringiensis were produced, and an environmental risk assessment of these plants was undertaken in preparation for release their into the field. These plants were examined for molecular profiles, morphological and growth characteristics, cross compatibility, production of allelopathic substances, and influence on soil microbes. The results showed that the insect-resistance trait of the GM chrysanthemum plants is stably integrated in the nuclear genome, and the expression of the mcbt gene did not cause significant differences in the morphological characteristics, the production of allelopathic substances, or the effect on soil microorganisms compared to non-GM chrysanthemums. However, because these plants have cross-compatibility with wild related species, they will be forbidden to be cultured in the open field under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Therefore, we are attempting to introduce a male and/or female sterility trait to GM chrysanthemums with insect resistance to reinforce their biosafety for the practical uses.
Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of Fibroporia (Basidiomycota) in China

Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on the Chinese species of Fibroporia were carried out. Fibroporia albicans sp. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of collections originating from Jiangxi and Xizang provinces, based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis of ITS rDNA sequences. Morphologically, it is characterized by resupinate, annual basidiocarps, white to cream-colored pore surface when fresh, becoming cream to cream-buff upon drying, small pores (6–8 per mm), presence of white to cream rhizomorphs, a dimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, fusoid cystidioles, and oblong to ellipsoid basidiospores; moreover, it causes a brown rot. Molecular data suggested a close relationship between Fibroporia albicans and F. citrina . Six species of Fibroporia form a monophyletic entity with 100% MP and 1.00 BPP supports. An identification key to the Chinese species of Fibroporia is provided.
Rotavirus spike protein VP5* binds α2β1 integrin on the cell surface and competes with virus for cell binding and infectivity

Rotaviruses recognize several cell-surface molecules, including the α2β1 integrin, and the processes of rotavirus cell attachment and entry appear to be multifactorial. The VP5* subunit of the rotavirus spike protein VP4 contains the α2β1 ligand sequence Asp–Gly–Glu at residues 308–310. Binding to α2β1 and infectivity of monkey rotavirus strain RRV and human rotavirus strain Wa, but not porcine rotavirus strain CRW-8, are inhibited by peptides containing Asp–Gly–Glu. Asp308 and Gly309 are necessary for the binding of RRV VP5* (aa 248–474) to expressed I domain of the α2 integrin subunit. Here, the ability of RRV VP5* to bind cells and affect rotavirus–integrin interactions was determined. Interestingly, VP5* bound to cells at 4 and 37 °C, both via α2β1 and independently of this integrin. Prior VP5* binding at 37 °C eliminated RRV binding to cellular α2β1 and reduced RRV and Wa infectivity in MA104 cells by 38–46 %. VP5* binding did not affect the infectivity of CRW-8. VP5* binding at 4 °C did not affect permissive-cell infection by RRV, indicating an energy requirement for VP5* competition with virus for infectivity. Mutagenesis of VP5* Asp308 and Gly309 eliminated VP5* binding to α2β1 and the VP5* inhibition of rotavirus cell binding and infection, but not α2β1-independent cell binding by VP5*. These studies show for the first time that expressed VP5* binds cell-surface α2β1 using Asp308 and Gly309 and inhibits the infection of homologous and heterologous rotaviruses that use α2β1 as a receptor.
Aposematism and mimicry in soft‐bodied beetles of the superfamily Cleroidea (Insecta)

The evolution of animal life strategies is among the main themes of current evolutionary biology. Checkered beetles, soft‐winged flower beetles and their allies (superfamily Cleroidea), exhibit well‐known aposematic colour patterns, particularly in the family Cleridae, which participate in mimicry complexes mostly with unpalatable beetles, ants and velvet ants representing a Müllerian–Batesian continuum. Many cleroids also exhibit attenuated hardening of cuticular layers resulting in a soft‐bodied appearance. Here, a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the entire Cleroidea was performed using sequences of two nuclear and two mitochondrial loci of ~4 kb total length. Inferred phylogenies were used to reconstruct ancestral colour patterns and involvement in mimicry complexes. The hypothesis of a soft‐bodied ancestor of Cleridae and allies was tested. The phylogenetic analyses corroborated the expanded Cleroidea concept including Byturidae and Biphyllidae formerly classified as Cucujoidea. Character state optimization showed cryptic coloration was the ancestral state in Cleroidea, from which aposematic coloration originated several times in distant cleroid lineages. Within Cleridae, mimicry also arose from an ancestor that was cryptic, and multiple lineages that mimicked unpalatable beetles (Chrysomelidae, Meloidae, Lycidae) and stinging Hymenoptera evolved. Aposematic coloration was acquired in all major clerid lineages including Thanerocleridae, which are either the sister group of Chaetosomatidae or Cleridae. These findings suggest that mimetic traits in the clerid clade evolved at various times, possibly soon after the origin of soft‐bodiedness. The adaptive value of aposematism in cleroids is likely to be enhanced in soft‐bodied species, as this trait provides limited means of protection against predators, and therefore may promote the acquisition of aposematic and mimetic coloration in various ecological situations.