Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reintroduction of the Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea to Pambula on the south coast of New South Wales

Captive bred Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea tadpoles were introduced to a coastal wetland near Pambula on the far south coast of New South Wales. The reintroduction involved the release of approximately 5000 captive-bred tadpoles and subsequent monitoring. Before the reintroduction could take place several requirements had to be satisfied. A re-introduction proposal was prepared for the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and independently reviewed by two referees, pre-release surveys of frogs were undertaken to determine if L. aurea existed on the site and to ascertain if the pathogen Bactrachochytrium dendrobatiodis (chytrid) was present within the endemic frog population. The captive bred tadpoles were tested for the presence of chytrid prior to release. The water quality was tested at the proposed release site and potential predators were removed. The project required maintenance and breeding of the captive population, and post release surveys. The project took 4.5 years from su.
Nucleic Acids Research

Poly(dG-dC). poly(dG-dC) was modified by the reaction with N-acetoxy-Nacetyl-2-aminofluorene. The conformations of poly(dG-dC). poly(dG-dC) and of poly d(G-C)AAF were studied by circular dichroism under various experimental conditions. In 95 % ethanol, the two polynucleotides adopt the A-form. In 3.9 M LiCl, the transition B-form-C-form is observed with poly(dG-dC). poly (dG-dC) but not with poly d(G-C)AAF. In 1 mM phosphate buffer, poly d(G-C)AAF behaves as a mixture of Band Z-form, the relative percentages depending upon the amounts of modified bases. The percentage of Z-form is decreased by addition of EDTA and is increased by addition of Mg++. Spermine favors the Z-form in modified and unmodified polynucleotides. No defect in the double helix of poly d(G-C)AAF is detected by SI endonuclease.
Field Response of Sugarcane Genotypes to Freeze Stress with Genotype x Environment Effects on Quality Traits

Freeze stress negatively affects sucrose yield in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids), particularly during the harvest season. To understand its impact on the performance of genotypes in the Canal Point (CP) breeding program, the genotype-environment (GxE) interaction was appraised via additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis and group-based trajectory modeling (GTM). Forty-five selections of the CP01, CP02, and CP03 series and three cultivars were examined in replicated field tests at Hague and Canal Point, Florida, in the plant-cane (CP01-CP02 in 2006-07) or through the first ratoon (CP03 in 2007-09). Profile analyses of Brix, pol, and sucrose content (SC) were developed from stalks sampled at different times of year to follow their deterioration. Hague experienced more intense freeze nights (17–22 d yr−1 with temperatures [TC] from −0.4 °C to −8 °C) than CP (2 nights, rarely down to −2 °C). Temperatures ≥−2 °C increased SC in a majority of the genotypes and TC ≤ −4 °C hastened juice deterioration. The response was nonlinear when TC gradually declined from 0 ° to −4 °C, but linear after early freeze of ≤−4 °C. The AMMI analysis was appropriate for interpreting the GxE interaction variation, indicating a greater contribution from environments (location-year-sampling combinations) than from G or GxE interaction. The AMMI and GTM identified two to four reaction norms as differential performance under freeze: a susceptible group in the minority with SC declining constantly with TC; the other groups typifying the common profile had an increase in SC with TC ≥ −2 °C and a decline with TC ≤ −4 °C. Genotypes with the highest SC at the onset of freeze tended to hold this level longer than those with the lowest content. The identification of different reaction norms suggests that a genetic component may underpin freeze adaptation in modern sugarcane cultivars relative to the old tropical hybrids. However, breeding efforts to increase the tolerance of sugarcane cultivars to temperatures <−3 °C must be given due consideration.
Development of microsatellite markers for the endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera L. (Bivalvia: Unionoidea)

Freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) are among the most critically endangered freshwater invertebrates. We describe the isolation and characterization of the first microsatellite markers for this species, which were obtained by screening 4900 recombinant clones from two genomic libraries. Thirteen loci revealed polymorphisms as demonstrated on 42 tested individuals from four river drainages. Allelic richness ranged from two to 12 alleles and averaged 6.8 alleles per locus with heterozygosity levels varying from 0 to 0.850 for observed heterozygosity (HO) and from 0.174 to 0.850 for expected heterozygosity (HE). Deficiency of heterozygous genotypes was observed in eight of 13 loci.
A Special Method to Confirm Non-Feasibility of Secondary Spread of Downy Mildew Systemic Infection between Sorghum Seedlings of Similar Age

A method has been devised to test the possibility of spread of secondary infection in green-house experiments in case of downy mildew of sorghum. Treatment pots were planted with inoculated sprouts in the peripheral ring and sown with seeds in the centre to study disease transmission from periphery to the centre. In the treatment pots containing a peripheral ring of 6 days old sporulating seedlings and central seedlings of 1-2 days age, 46% disease transmission from periphery to centre was recorded. In pots with 6 days old peripheral sporulating seedlings and central seedlings of 3-4 days age, disease transmission was 13% and in pots where peripheral and central seedlings were both of 6 days age, no transmission was recorded. Results indicate that disease transmission between siblings of same age is not feasible in greenhouse or field con- ditions.
THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS GYMNOSPORANGIUM

This study of geographical distribution shows that species of the genus Gymnosporangium are found in the northern hemisphere only and occur most abundantly in the temperate portion. Each of the three major continents contains a distinctive Gymnosporangium flora and, with the exception of three species called the "tricontinental species", species occur naturally in one continent only. The genus contains about 48 species; 33 occur in North America, 15 in Asia and 6 in Europe (including the three tricontinental species in each case). Explanations of the types of geographical distribution of the North American species are given under four categories: (i) species that occupy all potential territory covered by the coincident ranges of their alternate hosts, (ii) species that are confined by the range of their "primary" telial host, (iii) localized species that are confined within a portion of the coincident ranges of their alternate host, and (iv) widely distributed species that are not limited in their range b.
Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Exotic Fruits and Commercial Frozen Pulps from Brazil

The objective of this work was to characterize exotic fruits (cambuci, araça-boi, camu-camu, jaracatia, araça) and commercial frozen pulps (araça, cambuci, umbu, coquinho, pana, native passion fruit, cagaita) from Brazil in relation to their bioactive compounds contents and antioxidant capacity. Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) presented the highest vitamin C and total phenolics contents (397 and 1797 mg/100 gf.w., respectively) and the highest DPPH• scavenging capacity. Coquinho (Butia capitata) also showed a significant vitamin C content (43 mg/100 gf.w.). Among the commercial frozen pulps, cagaita presented the higher DPPH scavenging activity and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. A good correlation between total phenols and DPPH scavenging activity was found for fruits (r = 0.997) and commercial frozen pulps (r = 0.738). However, no correlation was found for total phenols and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. Quercetin and kaempferol derivatives were the main flavonoids present in all samples and cyanidin derivatives were detected only in camu-camu. Camu-camu and araça (Psidium guineensis) showed the highest total ellagic acid contents (48 and 63.5 mg/100 gf.w.). All commercial frozen pulps presented lower contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than their respective fruits. According to our results, camu-camu and araça might be sources of bioactive compounds.
Potentiality of Micraspis discolor (F.) as a Biocontrol Agent of Nilaparvata lugens (Stal)

Life cycle of Micraspis discolor (Fabricious), a predator of brown plant hopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) was studied in the laboratory and its potentiality in biological control was investigated. A female M. discolor laid an average of 117.7 eggs in 25.1 days of oviposition period. Preoviposition period ranged from 5-10 days with an average of 6.6 days. The eggs hatched in 2-3 days with 83.7% hatching success. Predator had 4 larval instars requiring a total period of 12-15 days. Mean developmental period of the predator was 20.2 days. Male and female beetles lived for 27.4 and 32.4 days respectively. A predator larva consumed an average of 47.6 third instar brown plant hopper, while an adult beetle consumed an average of 112.6 BPH during 30 days after emergence. Predator, M. discolor both in larval and adult stage showed preference for second and third instar brown plant hopper.
Phenotypic Diversity and Associations of Some Potentially Drought-responsive Characters in Durum Wheat

Genetic improvement of crop plants for drought resistance is hindered by lack of information on variability and associations of drought-response characters in breeding materials. We evaluated 3430 accessions in a world collection of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) for 19 characters under severe moisture-limiting field conditions at Swift Current, SK, Canada in 1984
BIO‐OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PHOTOADAPTIVE RESPONSES IN THE TOXIC AND BLOOM‐FORMING DINOFLAGELLATES GYRODINIUM AUREOLUM, GYMNODINIUM GALATHEANUM, AND TWO STRAINS OF PROROCENTRUM MINIMUM 1

Photoadaptive responses in the toxic and bloom‐forming dinoflagellates Gyrodinium aureolum Hulbert, Gymnodinium galatheanum Braarud, and two strains of Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard)Schiller were evaluated with respect to pigment composition, light‐harvesting characteristics, carbon and nitrogen contents, and growth rates in shade‐ and light‐adapted cells. The two former species were grown at scalar irradiances of 30 and 170 μmol · m −2 at a 12‐h daylength at 20° C. The two strains of P. minimum were grown at 35 and 500 μmol. m−2· s−1 at a 2‐h daylength at 20° C. For the first time, chlorophyll (chl) c3, characteristic of several bloom‐forming prymnesiophytes, was detected in G. aureolum and G. galatheanum. Photoadaptional status affected the pigment composition strongly, and the interpretation of the variation depended on whether the pigment composition was normalized per cell, carbon, or chl a. Species‐specific and photoadaptional differences in chl a‐specific absorption (°ac, 400–700 nm) and chl a‐normalized fluorescence excitation spectra of photosystem II fluorescence with or without addition of DCMU (°F and °FDCMU 400–700 nm) were evident. Gyrodinium aureolum and G. galatheanum exhibited in vivo spectral characteristics similar to chl c3‐containing prymnesiophytes in accordance with their similar pigmentation. Prorocentrum minimum had in vivo absorption and fluorescence characteristics typical for peridinin‐containing dinoflagellates. Species‐specific differences in in vivo absorption were also observed as a function of package effect vs. growth irradiance. This effect could be explained by differences in intracellular pigment content, cell size/shape, and chloroplast morphology/numbers. Light‐ and shade‐adapted cells of P. minimum contained 43 and 17% of photoprotective carotenoids (diadino + diatoxanthin) relative to chl a, respectively. The photoprotective function of these carotenoids was clearly observed as a reduction in °F and °F DCMU at 400–540 nm compared to °ac in light‐adapted cells of P. minimum. Spectrally weighted light absorption (normalized to chl a and carbon, 400–700 nm) varied with species and growth conditions. The use of quantum‐corrected and normalized fluorescence excitation spectra with or without DCMU‐treated cells to estimate photosynthetically usable light is discussed. The usefulness of in vitro absorption and fluorescence excitation spectra for estimation of the degradation status of chl a and the ratio of chl a to total pigments is also discussed.
Reproduction in Dasykaluta-Rosamondae (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae) - Field and Laboratory Observations

Observations on reproduction in both wild-caught and laboratory-maintained Dasykaluta rosamondae have led to the conclusion that this species is one of 10 dasyurid marsupials in which males die soon after their first mating period. D. rosamondae have a short annual breeding season. The females are monoestrous, mating in September and bearing the young in November. Laboratory-reared young are weaned at an age of about 3 1/2-4 months, in February and March, and juveniles appear in the field population at this time. Both mates and females reach sexual maturity at an age of about 10 months. In the laboratory, males breed in only one season, after which those that survive become reproductively senile. Mature males disappear from the field population about the time the young are born; those collected shortly before this show signs of reproductive senescence. Males collected in the months after the young are weaned represent a single age-class; their reproductive development parallels that of maturing known-age males. Females are capable of breeding in at least two seasons and litters of up to eight are reared. Development of the pouch young is described. Unusual interstitial tissue masses develop in the ovaries of D. rosamondae; the granulosa cells of some follicles undergo transformation to interstitial cells, and the oocytes in these follicles degenerate, shortly before the females enter oestrus.
Little tuna,Euthynnus alletteratus, in Northern Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, with an illustration of its skeleton

Catches of hook-and-line and commercial pound-net fishermen, and sightings of schools, of little tuna in northern Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, are discussed. This species had never been recorded in the estuary before 1951 in Maryland or in Virginia before 1946. Its occurrence in the Bay is irregular, having been recorded only during early summer and in late fall. A small pound-net and haul seine fishery for it has existed in the Virginia part of the Bay for about a decade.
Impaired phospholipid metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by increased phospholipase B activity induced by 4-(methyl nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone

Tobacco products and cigarette smoke cause many respiratory diseases including cancer. 4-(Methyl nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a potent carcinogen in cigarette smoke, but its effect on lipid metabolism remains enigmatic. Hence, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was exposed to different concentrations of NNK (0–400 µmol L−1) to elucidate its role in lipid metabolism. Exposure to NNK substantially decreases (about 60%) of the phospholipid content with a concomitant increase in lysophospholipids. Significant reduction was observed in the phosphatidylcholine followed by phosphatidylethanolamine with NNK-treated cells. On the contrary, cells accumulated significant amount of neutral lipids and free fatty acids. Exposure of yeast cells (wild-type cells and three plbΔ mutant strains) to NNK greatly enhances the hydrolysis of phospholipid in the presence of calcium. We are the first to report that exposure to NNK enhances phospholipase B (PLB), particularly plb1p activity. Furthermore, NNK also promotes the alteration of phospholipid fatty acid (FA) content. These results suggest that NNK aids in the degradation of phospholipids by enhanced PLB activity and is accompanied with FA alteration. Understanding the altered phospholipid metabolism in the presence of NNK remains a worthy pursuit.
Organization of Microsatellites Differs between Mammals and Cold-water Teleost Fishes

Microsatellites, in particular (dG-dT)n and (dG-dA)n dinucleotide repeats, are abundant and display a high degree of length polymorphism and heterozygosity in eukaryotic genomes. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of 64 microsatellite sequences from Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. The microsatellites were classified as perfect, imperfect, and compound repeats. The length and integrity of these repeats were compared with microsatellites characterized from two other teleosts, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and from three mammalian genomes, human, porcine, and canine. Differences were found in the proportions of the repeat classes; however, the most significant difference between microsatellites from teleost fishes and mammals was the propensity of the former to be of greater length: some cod and rainbow trout microsatellites were more than twice the size of the longest microsatellite repeats reported for any mammalian genome. Primers for PCR amplification we.
Restoration of Biogeochemical Function in Mangrove Forests

Forest structure of mangrove restoration sites (6 and 14 years old) at two locations (Henderson Creek [HC] and Windstar [WS]) in southwest Florida differed from that of mixed‐basin forests (>50 years old) with which they were once contiguous. However, the younger site (HC) was typical of natural, developing forests, whereas the older site (WS) was less well developed with low structural complexity. More stressful physicochemical conditions resulting from incomplete tidal flushing (elevated salinity) and variable topography (waterlogging) apparently affected plant survival and growth at the WS restoration site. Lower leaf fall and root production rates at the WS restoration site, compared with that at HC were partly attributable to differences in hydroedaphic conditions and structural development. However, leaf and root inputs at each restoration site were not significantly different from that in reference forests within the same physiographic setting. Macrofaunal consumption of tethered leaves also did not differ with site history, but was dramatically higher at HC compared with WS, reflecting local variation in leaf litter processing rates, primarily by snails (Melampus coffeus). Degradation of leaves and roots in mesh bags was slow overall at restoration sites, however, particularly at WS where aerobic decomposition may have been more limited. These findings indicate that local or regional factors such as salinity regime act together with site history to control primary production and turnover rates of organic matter in restoration sites. Species differences in senescent leaf nitrogen content and degradation rates further suggest that restoration sites dominated by Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle should exhibit slower recycling of nutrients compared with natural basin forests where Avicennia germinans is more abundant. Structural development and biogeochemical functioning of restored mangrove forests thus depend on a number of factors, but site‐specific as well as regional or local differences in hydrology and concomitant factors such as salinity and soil waterlogging will have a strong influence over the outcome of restoration projects.
Effects of adding acetic acid and molasses on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of total mixed ration silage prepared with hulless barley straw in Tibet

In order to enlarge the feed resources in Tibet, hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) straw was conserved as total mixed ration (TMR) silage by combining it with whole crop oat (Avena sativa L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and concentrate. This experiment was carried out to study the effects of acetic acid or/and molasses on the quality of TMR silages prepared with hulless barley straw. Treatments included: control (C) silage without additive, or silage with acetic acid (A, 0.3% fresh matter basis), molasses (M, 3% fresh matter basis) and A+M. Triplicate silos were opened after 45 days of ensiling and chemical and microbial analyses were conducted on the samples. Aerobic stability was tested 2, 4 and 6 days after exposure to air. Silages of all four TMR treatments were of good quality with high lactic acid (LA) concentration and low ratios of ammonia nitrogen in total nitrogen and butyric acid contents. Both the M and A+M silages had higher concentrations of LA (P < 0.05) and lower pH (P < 0.05) than the C and A silages. During aerobic exposure, aerobic deterioration occurred in the C and M silages with air infiltration. Resistance to deterioration was sustained in the A and A+M silages, with high concentration of acetic acid and low population (~4 log cfu g−1) of yeast throughout the 6-day test. Furthermore, the A+M treatment showed a slow change in pH and LA in comparison to the A treatment. These findings indicate that adding acetic acid inhibited the yeast growth and improved the aerobic stability. The present study suggested that A+M addition was effective for improving both the fermentation quality and the aerobic stability of TMR silages containing hulless barley straw.
Effects of Ingredient Incorporation into Sausage Meat on the Micellarisation and uptake of α-tocopherol by Caco-2 Human Intestinal Cells

Ingredients are incorporated into meat and meat products to produce a ``healthier'' product. However, the effect of ingredient addition on availability of nutrients endogenous to foods is generally not considered. This study investigated the availability and cellular uptake of α-tocopherol from supplemented sausages with the aid of an in vitro digestion procedure coupled with a Caco-2 cell model. Sausages were formulated with the addition of 3% or 10% ingredients (wheat bran, oat bran, soya protein, whey protein, olive oil, linseed oil, sunflower oil, and wheatgerm oil) and subjected to a two-phase in vitro system that simulates the digestive process in humans. Micelles were isolated from the digestate by ultracentrifugation. Of the ingredients selected for addition to sausage meat, only sunflower oil, and wheatgerm oil enhanced the micellarization of α-tocopherol, resulting in increased transfer from the test food to micelles. When ingredients were added at the 3% supplementation level, olive oil enhanced cellular uptake of α-tocopherol. Cellular uptake was not enhanced further with higher oil supplementation (3% vs. 10%). These results indicated that addition of ingredients to sausages (fibres, protein derivatives or vegetable oils) did not have a detrimental effect on α-tocopherol uptake and olive oil at the 3% supplementation level enhanced α-tocopherol availability.