Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of substrate composition on burrowing depth and respiratory current in two spatangoids (Echinoidea)

To investigate the influence of substrate composition on burrowing depth and respiratory funnel diameter, two species of irregular sea urchins (Spatangoida) were allowed to burrow in different substrates in laboratory experiments. The maximum burrowing depth and respiratory funnel diameters were measured. Both are dependent on substrate composition. In muddy sand the burrowing depth of Echinocardium flavescens (O. F. Müller 1776) increased as the proportion of mud in the sediment increased. The diameters of respiratory funnels were significantly smaller where the proportion of mud exceeded 50%. An exhalation current was visualized using a rhodamin solution. In Echinocardium flavescens and Brissopsis lyrifera, the exhalation current reaches the sediment surface posterior to the echinoid through a number (three to six) of small tubes.
Extraction of wheat starch with aqueous sodium hydroxide

ABSTRACT Wheat starch was extracted with aqueous sodium hydroxide at 30–38% starch solids, pH 11.5–12.3, and 25–42°C for 0.17–24 hr. Stirring wheat starch at pH 12.3 and 25°C for 3 and 24 hr, then washing with water, neutralizing, and washing again, removed 70 and 90% phosphorus (P), respectively. Adding 16% sodium sulfate (dry starch basis) into the alkaline medium removed ≈80% of P at pH 12.0 and 25°C in 3 hr and >95% of P at pH 11.7 and 42°C in 3 hr. Sulfate ion was absorbed strongly by wheat starch in aqueous sodium hydroxide at pH 12.0, and sodium sulfate also increased the starch's uptake of hydroxide ion. Low-P wheat starch (>90% of P removed) retained the fatty acids in the untreated starch, but a fatty acid-amylose complex was not detectable by differential scanning colorimetry. The enthalpy of gelatinization of the low-P wheat starch almost matched that of prime starch, as did its X-ray diffraction pattern. Those data are consistent with saponification of the lysophospholipid in the amorphous ph.
Effects of Senescence on Female White-tailed Deer in Illinois

The fecundity and annual survival of 26 marked white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) between 8 and 18 years old were examined on 2 areas in Illinois offering some refuge protection. These females, often dominant members within the deer social structure, were healthy and productive well into old age. Fawn production declined somewhat with age (P = 0.02), but regression analysis did not reveal an obvious inflection point. Female survival after age 8 was significantly lower than survival of these same these same females 3–7 years old on the same study areas. A regression curve indicated survival began a significant decline at about age 10.
Genetic variation in Eucalyptus globulus in relation to susceptibility from attack by the southern eucalypt leaf beetle, Chrysophtharta agricola

The southern eucalypt leaf beetle, Chrysophtharta agricola (Chapuis), is an outbreak insect pest of commercial Eucalyptus globulus Labill. plantations in south-eastern Australia. We surveyed a young E. globulus family trial in southern Tasmania to determine whether genetic variation existed in the susceptibility of trees to C. agricola field oviposition. The family trial consisted of 225 families, derived from open-pollinated seed collected from native stands at 24 different localities, representing nine geographic subraces. The survey showed that E. globulus subraces from Victoria were significantly more susceptible to C. agricola oviposition than Tasmanian subraces. Significant additive genetic variation within subraces was evident for the number of egg batches, larval clutches and their combination (infestation level), although these heritability scores were all low (egg batches h2op = 0.09; larval clutches h2op = 0.14 and infestation level h2op = 0.11). Subsequent tree defoliation was significantly positively correlated with infestation at a phenotypic, genetic and environmental level. No significant differences in C. agricola oviposition on foliage sprigs was detected among subraces in an ex situ caged oviposition experiment. However, the cage experiment proved to be a good predictor of field oviposition, accounting for 70 and 88% of variation in field oviposition among localities and subraces, respectively.
Selected Fructooligosaccharide (1-Kestose, Nystose, and 1F-β-Fructofuranosylnystose) Composition of Foods and Feeds

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are naturally occurring sugars with potentially beneficial nutritional effects. They are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. An ion chromatographic method was developed to rapidly and accurately measure FOS in selected food and feed ingredients ingested by humans and animals. The objective of this study was to determine the 1-kestose (1-kestotriose; GF2), nystose (1,1-kestotetraose; GF3), and 1F-β-fructofuranosylnystose (1,1,1-kestopentaose; GF4) content of a wide variety of foods and feedstuffs. After extraction with water and appropriate filtration, samples were chromatographed, using an alkaline sodium acetate gradient, through an ion exchange column and guard fitted to a Dionex chromatography unit equipped with a pulsed electrochemical detector. All samples were prepared both with and without spikes of standards to verify recovery and peak identification. Samples of the Compositae family were highest in total FOS followed by Allium species of the Amaryllidadea.
Global Analysis of Gene Expression upon Acid Treatment in Arabidopsis thaliana

To obtain global gene expression profiles of Arabidopsis thaliana by acid stress, seedlings were subjected to low pH stress. Using Affymetrix AH1 chips covering 24,000 genes, we analyzed gene expression patterns. Fifty-four genes were up-regulated, and 38 were down-regulated more than 3-fold after 2 h of acid stress (pH 3.0). Several defense and abiotic stress-related genes were recognized among the up-regulated genes and peroxidase and extensin genes were identified among the down-regulated genes. After 12 h treatment, relatively fewer genes showed changed expression, indicating that plants seem to adjust themselves to this abiotic stress. Most of the up-regulated genes are already known to be involved in abiotic stress responses and pathogen attacks, especially wounding. However, down-regulated genes for the members of extensins and peroxidases are specific to the acid treatment. These results suggest that acid treatment turns on genes involved in stress responses, especially in wounding and turns off genes very specific for the acid stress.
99Tcm-ECD SPET perfusion changes by internal pallidum stimulation in Parkinson's disease

High-frequency stimulation of the internal pallidum is an effective surgical approach for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease suffering from motor fluctuations and L-dopa induced dyskinesia. To study the acute effects of internal pallidum stimulation, changes in cerebral blood flow were measured by means of a single-day split-dose protocol using 99Tcm-ECD SPET. Nine patients with advanced Parkinson's disease and with a clinical picture predominated by tremor and drug-induced dyskinesia, were imaged before and immediately after electrostimulation. Brain perfusion data were mirrored to the same electrode side (five left and four right implants), co-registered and analysed statistically on a voxel-by-voxel basis (Statistical Parametric Mapping) and by an automated volume-of-interest approach. Acute stimulation of the internal pallidum induced a significantly decreased perfusion in the ipsilateral thalamus and striatum, as well as in the right parietal cortex. For the subgroup of seven patients with effective motor score improvements, a significant correlation between thalamic and striatal perfusion changes and UPDRS III motor score was present (P = 0.04). These results suggest that effective stimulation of the internal globus pallidus may produce symptom relief through decreased activity in pallido-thalamo-cortical circuits.
Surface Water Temperatures of the Canadian Atlantic Coast

Monthly mean surface water temperatures, based on observations from 1926 to 1935 are used to determine normal monthly mean temperatures for eight points on the Canadian Atlantic coast. Sine curves are found to fit the data for all points, with one exception. The general type of temperature curve determined by daily observations divides the regions of observation into those represented by a smooth curve, those by an erratic type, and those showing sharp but regular changes in temperatures from day to day.
Phytoestrogens modulate binding response of estrogen receptors α and β to the estrogen response element

Binding of estrogen receptor (ER) to estrogen response element (ERE) induces gene activation and is an important step in estrogen-induced biological effects. Here, we investigated the effects of some dietary phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein, its metabolite equol, and the coumestane coumestrol on the binding rate of ERα and ERβ to ERE by a nonradioactive real-time method, the Biacore Technology. ERα and ERβ were able to bind to ERE immobilized on the surface of a sensor chip even in the absence of estrogens. 17β-Estradiol and phytoestrogens induced an increase in ER binding to ERE in a concentration-dependent manner. 17β-Estradiol was a more potent activator of binding than the phytoestrogens studied. The concentrations of 17β-estradiol inducing an increase in the binding response of ERα and ERβ to ERE by 50% (EC(50)) as compared to unliganded ER were 0.03 and 0.01 μM, respectively. Regarding the efficacy of activation of ERα, from the most to the least effective compound, the .
Intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in lactating dairy cows fed diets containing sunflower cake.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes niveis de inclusao de torta de girassol (TG) na dieta de vacas em lactacao sobre o consumo de materia seca (MS), digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes da dieta e balanco de nitrogenio. Oito vacas Girolanda com producao diaria de leite de 20 ± 2 kg/dia foram distribuidas em delineamento em quadrado latino duplo 4x4, em que foram testados os efeitos de quatro niveis de inclusao da TG (0, 7, 14 e 21% MS). Foi utilizado o feno de Tifton-85 ( Cynodon dactylon ) como volumoso em uma relacao volumoso:concentrado de 60:40. A inclusao de TG nao afetou o consumo (kg/dia) de MS, proteina bruta, materia orgânica (OM) e carboidratos totais (CT). Entretanto, foi observado efeito quadratico (P < 0,05) no consumo (kg/dia) de fibra em detergente neutro e carboidratos nao-fibrosos (CNF). Nao houve efeito da inclusao de TG na digestibilidade de MO, CT e CNF, assim como para o balanco de nitrogenio. Foi observado efeito linear para o nitrogenio endogeno basal (g/dia). A torta de girassol pode ser recomendada como um ingrediente de racoes para vacas em lactacao.
ENTEROBACTER AGGLOMERANS—A NEW BACTERIAL CONTAMINANT ISOLATED FROM LAGER BEER BREWERIES

From a large number of bacterial strains isolated from all stages of the brewing process in four different beer breweries in South Africa, fifty-five bacterial strains were identified as Enterobacteriaceae by phenotypic analysis. All enterobacterial species previously reported in brewery samples, as well as eighteen strains of Enterobacter agglomerans were found. E. agglomerans strains were isolated from pitching yeast and fermenting wort samples. The occurrence of E. agglomerans in pitching yeast is significant and indicates that these bacteria survive the brewing process. E. agglomerans is regarded as a potential beer spoilage contaminant in lager beer breweries.
A DdeI PCR-RFLP detecting genetic variation of goat POU1F1 gene

We described a DdeI PCR-RFLP method for detecting silent allele at goat POU1F1 locus: p.S241S. Frequencies of D1 allele varied from 0.600 to 1.000 in eight Chinese native breeds. Association of DdeI RFLP genotypes with milk yield of dairy goat was significant (P < 0.05). Key words: Goat, POU1F1 gene, polymorphism, association, milk yield
Toxicological assessment of Parquetina nigrescens extracts in rats

The toxicological potential of Parquetina nigrescens was investigated using Sprague-Dawley rats. Liver enzymes like Aspartate and Alanine aminotranferases (AST/ALT), Alkaline phoshatase(ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), as well as some haematological indices (red and white blood cells), and urea levels were assayed as evidence of toxicity. The extract, administered (400-1600 mg kg -1 , p.o.) for six weeks did not cause any significant (p -1 p.o), but in the sixth week the mean total WBC count in rats treated with 1600 mg kg -1 p.o of the extract reduced by 49.0 %. The dose range 400–1600 mg kg -1 , p.o did not cause any significant (p Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 26 (3) 2003: pp. 24-31
A study of Raphanus sativus and its endophytes as carbonyl group bioreducing agents

Abstract The reported anti-Prelog selectivity in Raphanus sativus hairy roots prompted us to search for similar activity in other R. sativus systems, such as in vitro germinated sprouts, edible roots, and its associated endophytic microorganisms. Two test substrates were used in these studies: acetophenone and rac-ethyl 2-ethyl-3-oxobutanoate. Endophytes were isolated under substrate selective pressure and individual strains were evaluated for their ability to reduce both substrates. Among the isolates, two bacteria and a fungus having the potential to be used as biocatalysts were found: Bacillus megaterium which reduces acetophenone with excellent anti-Prelog selectivity, and Pseudomonas sp. and Penicillium chrysogenum with enantioselectivity and stereoselectivity for the reduction of rac-ethyl 2-ethyl-3-oxobutanoate, respectively.
Determinants of lead shot, rice, and grit ingestion in ducks and coots.

We investigated the relationships between lead shot ingestion, grit size selection, bill morphology, and diet in a community of 8 duck species and common coot (Fulica atra) wintering in the Ebro Delta, Spain. There were no intraspecific differences related to sex or age in grit composition, lead shot, and rice-grain ingestion. Strong interspecific differences were recorded for all these variables and for the density of bill lamellae. The proportion of grit of size >1 mm (especially >2-3 mm) was positively correlated with the prevalence of lead shot ingestion, as well as with rice ingestion. Rice ingestion was also positively correlated with the prevalence of lead shot ingestion. Those duck species feeding on rice had larger grit and higher prevalences of lead shot than herbivorous species. Contrary to the predictions of a straining model for food or grit ingestion, lamellar density did not explain interspecific differences in grit selection, rice ingestion, or prevalence of lead shot ingestion. These findings contradict previous claims in the literature, and suggest that mechanisms other than straining are used by ducks for grit selection and lead shot ingestion.
A seed parasitoid wasp prevents berries from changing their colour, reducing their attractiveness to frugivorous birds

1. Frugivorous and seed‐feeding insects may alter the traits of fruits, such as shape and size, which may influence fruit attractiveness to frugivorous birds. Consequently, trait‐mediated interactions may occur in systems where plants, seed‐dispersing frugivorous vertebrates, and frugivorous or seed‐feeding insects interact. We investigated colour manipulation in Ilex integra Thunb. berries caused by the seed parasitoid wasp Macrodasyceras hirsutum Kamijo and how that manipulation relates to fruit attractiveness for frugivorous birds.
ON THE SEASONALITY OF ISOPRENE EMISSIONS FROM A MIXED TEMPERATE FOREST

Measurements of isoprene concentration and flux were made at a mixed deciduous forest in southern Canada during 1995 to characterize diel and seasonal emissions and thus deduce annual inventories. Isoprene inventories are necessary for inputs to modeling systems to study atmospheric chemistry and carbon budgets. Despite adequate environmental conditions to promote emissions, the onset of isoprene emission occurred two weeks after full leaf expansion, and two additional weeks were required for plants to emit isoprene at the maximum capacity. Such maximum isoprene emission was measured during July when canopy isoprene fluxes reached 40–60 nmol (isoprene)·m−2 (ground area)·s−1. Isoprene emission precipitously declined in concert with autumnal leaf senescence, with fluxes reaching the detection limit before the forest became leafless. In addition to plant development controls on emissions, temperatures below 10°C strongly modulated isoprene emission. After plants were exposed to low temperatures, isoprene emission remained suppressed and did not correspondingly increase in the manner that temperature is known to influence isoprene biosynthesis. Using a one-dimensional model to vertically adjust temperature and visible solar radiation with depth in the canopy, coupled with a seasonally adjusted emission rate, we estimated that the forest produced 71 mmol isoprene/m2 during 1995. For a deciduous forest with final leaf-area index of 4.1 and active isoprene biomass of 75 g (dry mass)/m2, on average such isoprene source accounted for 2% of the carbon fixed through photosynthesis. The percentage of carbon entering the atmosphere in the form of isoprene became as high as 10% during warm (>30°C) and dry conditions. The data set reported here demonstrates that constant emission rates are inadequate to characterize emission rates for the entire growing season. Improved isoprene-emission inventories can be achieved if emission factors are seasonally adjusted. In this study we adopted a method to express the emission rates as a function of degree days.
Stratégies reproductrices chez la fourmi Cataglyphis cursor

La selection de la parentele est le concept actuellement le plus frequemment avance pour justifier l’evolution et le maintien d'une caste ouvriere sterile chez les Hymenopteres sociaux. La fourmi mediterraneenne Cataglyphis cursor possede plusieurs traits biologiques qui font de cette espece un modele particulierement interessant pour tester les predictions de la theorie de la selection de la parentele, le plus important d'entre eux etant la capacite des ouvrieres, qui ne s'accouplent jamais, a produire une descendance mâle (haploide) par parthenogenese arrhenotoque, ou femelle (diploide) par parthenogenese thelytoque. Nos analyses genetiques, basees sur des marqueurs microsatellites developpes au prealable pour cette espece, ont revele que les reines utilisent la reproduction sexuee et asexuee respectivement pour la production de la caste ouvriere et reproductrice. L'analyse du pedigree des reproductrices issues de la reproduction asexuee nous a permis d'identifier le mecanisme cytologique de la parthenogenese thelytoque et d'estimer la proportion de reines issues de la reproduction des ouvrieres au sein de la population. De plus, bien que les reines soient capables de produire une descendance diploide (femelle) par parthenogenese thelytoque, elles ont conserve la reproduction sexuee pour la caste ouvriere et s'accouplent avec plusieurs mâles. Ceci indique que la reproduction sexuee a une fonction importante au niveau de la colonie, et nous avons teste certaines des hypotheses avancees pour justifier l'evolution de la polyandrie. Finalement, nous avons etudie l'impact des strategies de dispersion de cette espece sur le sex-ratio de la descendance sexuee. Ces resultats confirment l'interet que represente l'etude des strategies reproductrices chez les Hymenopteres sociaux pour tester les prediction de diverses theories en biologie evolutives et ouvrent egalement de nouvelles perspectives de recherche, tant chez C. cursor que chez d'autres especes appartenant au genre Cataglyphis.
A Novel Polymorphic mtDNA Marker for Population Studies of the Pink Shrimp, Farfantepenaeus duorarum (Crustacea, Penaeidae)

The pink shrimp, Farfantepenaeus duorarum, is one of the most important shrimp species commercially harvested along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the US. In this study we developed a mitochondrial marker suitable for population studies of the species. A 611–617 bp hypervariable portion of the AT-rich region of the mt genome was amplified and sequenced. The 617 bp long consensus sequence contained 15 polymorphic insertion/deletion sites and 165 polymorphic substitution sites. Kimura 2-parameter distances ranged from 0.00 to 0.06 with a mean of
Heritability estimates of larval shell length in the Chilean blue mussel Mytilus chilensis, under different food densities

Heritability of larval growth rate in diferent food environments and genotype-food environment interaction (during larval growth) are estimated in Mytilus chilensis, based on a nested design, involving 24 full-sib families (8 males each mated to 3 separated females) grown under three different algal concentrations. The heritability estimates for larval shell length ranged between 0.2 ± 0.1 and 0.9 ± 0.3 and showed a decreased towards the low food treatment; but the values suggest that selection would be effective. However, since there is a significant genotype-food interaction, selection should be done in each environment in which the animals are expected to perform. The significant interaction term ( p ) associated with a significant genetic variability for larval growth suggest the presence of genes in the population whose expression depends upon local food conditions.
Responses by adult Nitidulidae (Coleoptera) to synthetic aggregation pheromones, a coattractant, and effects of trap design and placement

Aggregation pheromones of the nitidulids, Carpophilus hemipterus (L.), C. freemani Dobson, C. mutilatus Erichson, and C. lugubris Murray were field tested at two sites (one in Crawford County and the other in Knox County) in Ohio. At both sites traps baited with pheromone plus bread dough caught at least five times more adult beetles than bread dough by itself. Trap design and height influenced trap catch. In most cases the nitidulid inventory technique trap yielded more nitidulids than did the wind-oriented pipe trap or the Japanese beetle trap. Trap performance in the field was dependent upon the nitidulid species responding. Aerial traps were preferred by C. lugubris and C. hemipterus, while C. freemani indicated no clear preference between aerial or ground traps. Two additional nitidulid species were captured in relatively large numbers by the coattractant: Stelidota geminata (Say), and Glischrochilus quadrisignatus (Say).