Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strip Intercropping Effects on Yield and Yield Components of Corn, Grain Sorghum, and Soybean

Strip intercropping of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and soybean may be a viable alternative to monoculture cropping to help reduce soil erosion. Careful study of yields and yield components can add to understanding crop performance and contribute to design of more productive systems. Rainfed and irrigated experiments were conducted in eastern Nebraska from 1988 to 1990, on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll), to quantify strip-intercropping effects on crop yields and yield components. Corn border-row and grain sorghum border-row yields next to soybean increased significantly compared with inside rows in the strips. Increased seed number and seed weight contributed to higher corn border-row yields, while only seed number increased in grain sorghum border rows. Soybean border-row yields were lower next to all corn strips and next to grain sorghum strips at the rainfed site. Soybean seed number was lower in border rows next to corn. Corn border-row increases in seed number and seed weight indicate that competition for resources was important in both reproductive and grain-filling periods; sorghum border-row increases in seed number suggest competition only in the reproductive period. Higher corn density in border rows may further exploit a competitive advantage with soybean in the reproductive period, perhaps increasing system productivity. Whole-system productivity of strip-intercropping systems was a maximum of 4% higher than monocultures of component crops, and gross returns did not differ between the two systems. If there is need to control soil erosion, strip intercropping can be equally profitable to monoculture if production costs are similar.
Returns of Hatchery Steelhead Relative to Site of Release below an Upper‐River Hatchery

Abstract Steelhead smolts Oncorhynchus mykiss reared at the Chilliwack River Hatchery in southwestern British Columbia were tagged, transported, and released at four (1982) or six (1983, 1984) locations along the Chilliwack River. Returning adults were recovered from the sport fishery within three 10-km reaches (lower, middle, and upper) situated downstream of the upper-river hatchery. Percent recoveries were highly correlated with mean smolt size at stocking (range, 61–115 g), and most returning adults were caught within the lower river. There were small but significant effects of release location on the distribution of adult steelhead recoveries in two of three reaches. Within the lower-river catch of adults, the percentage of all lower-release recoveries was 10.3 percentage points higher than the percentage of all middle-release recoveries and 10.7 points higher than the percentage of all upper-release recoveries. In the upper-river catch, the percentage of all upper-release recoveries was 5.5 and 11.4.
γ-Globin Reactivation

textabstractβ-thalassemia and sickle cell disease are major human genetic health problem in many parts of the world. Available treatments are not satisfactory as none of them exhibit the optimal combination of safety, efficiency and convenience of use that would make them applicable to most hemoglobinopathy patients, especially to those who lack access to modern medical facilities. The observation that induction of γ-globin gene expression ameliorates the disease phenotype led to the proposal to induce γ-globin gene expression for the treatment of these diseases. Screening of a small molecule libraries (186000 compounds) has been done but new reagents with a higher HbF inducing effect and reduced cytotoxicity than those already known (butyrates, HU) were not found. Despite all the attempts made during the last 30 years, it is still not known how the γ-globin genes are switched off after birth, e.g. whether it is absence of activating factors or presence of suppressing factors or combination of both that leads to the down regulation of the γ-globin genes in the adult. There is only very limited information about the factors that are bound to the γ-globin promoters in vivo, certainly in its repressed state. It is likely that factors other than those described in the literature (at the start of this work) are essential for the suppression process. We therefore wanted to develop new strategies that specifically target fetal gene activation without cytotoxicity, widespread epigenetic alterations or difficult to manage side effects through the identification of the relevant transcription factors acting at the promoter. To this end we designed a strategy to isolate and identify protein factors bound in vivo to the suppressed human γ-globin gene promoter and to study their effect on γ-globin regulation (chapter 3). This targeted, in vivo single gene promoter chromatin purification has been carried out for the first time and is a completely novel strategy. To optimize such a purification protocol, different parameters have been tested including the use of various purification tags, reagents, buffers, etcetera (presented in chapter2). An alternative approach would be to identify target molecules within pathways that are involved in γ-globin gene expression. These pathways can be studied in the context of high and low HbF expressing β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease patients (chapter 4). There are many reports describing the induction of different HbF levels in response to hydroxyurea treatments in patients. We therefore wanted to understand the mechanism by which HU induces γ-globin in patients using expression analysis between so-called ‘responder’ and ‘nonresponder’ patients, i.e. between those showing high γ-globin production versus low γ-globin production. The results of this study are presented in chapter4. Finally in chapter 5 we present a novel set of genetic markers that is associated with increased γ-gobin expression in β-thalassemia patients followed by a discussion of future prospects in Chapter 6.
Activation of 40-kDa Protein Kinases in Response to Hypo- and Hyperosmotic Shock in the Halotolerant Green Alga Dunaliella tertiolecta

Changes in protein kinase activities in Dunaliella tertiolecta in response to hypo- and hyperosmotic shocks were assessed by assays of protein kinase activities on SDS-poly-acrylamide gels that contained protein substrates. Hypoosmotic shock (transfer from 0.5 to 0.2 M NaCI) transiently activated a 40-kDa protein kinase flow osmotic pressure-activated protein kinase, LAP kinase) that phosphorylated myelin basic protein (MBP) and histone HI but not casein. By contrast, hyperosmotic shock (transfer from 0.5 to 1.1 M NaCI) rapidly activated another 40-kDa protein kinase (high osmotic pressure-activated protein kinase, HAP kinase) that phosphorylated casein and histone HI but not MBP. Inhibitors of protein kinases, namely, K-252a and staurosporine, suppressed the activation of both LAP kinase and HAP kinase. The protein kinase activities in extracts of osmotically shocked cells disappeared completely after treatment with calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase. Anti-phosphotyrosine monoclonal antibodies did not cross-react with either LAP kinase or HAP kinase. These results indicate that at least two 40-kDa protein kinases, LAP kinase and HAP kinase, are activated by hyper- and hypoosmotic shock, respectively, and that their activities are regulated via phosphorylation by putative protein kinase(s) that act at an upstream position in the signaling cascade(s) that follows osmotic shock.
Use of lipofuscin for resolving cohorts of western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus)

We evaluated lipofuscin age pigment as an approach to age determination of western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus). Lipofuscin was measured using fluorescence image analysis of olfactory lobe sections from 184 juvenile lobsters from coastal nursery reefs at Seven Mile Beach, Western Australia. Modal analysis of a lipofuscin concentration-frequency histogram for this sample suggested the presence of additional age-classes, not apparent in conventional size-frequency distributions but expected to be present from earlier tag-recapture studies. Modal progression suggested a remarkably constant average lipofuscin accumulation rate of 0.31% by volume per year in the wild lobsters, which was supported by blind-trial measurements of lipofuscin in known-age laboratory-reared specimens. Lipofuscin-based age estimates, indicating that most juvenile lobsters are 3-5 years old immediately prior to recruitment to the fishery at 76 mm carapace length, agree with the long-established relationship between puerulus settlem.
Interactions between inter- and intrasexually selected behaviors in the beaugregory damselfish (Stegastes leucostictus)

There is a trade-off between mutually incompatible behaviors involved in conspecific aggression and courtship by territorial male beaugregory damselfish (Stegastes leucostictus). This trade-off may be variable based on the proximity of each stimulus. We first tested whether presenting male and female conspecific stimuli at varying distances from the breeding site influenced the territorial male's behavioral response by placing a single female or a single male in a clear plastic bottle 1 m or 2 m from the breeding site of the focal male. We found that the focal males responded similarly to females at either distance while they decreased their response to males at the greater distance. To test how distance influences the trade-off between inter- and intrasexually selected behaviors, we simultaneously placed bottled males and females near a male's breeding site. Reducing the proximity of one stimulus resulted in an increased response to the other stimulus. We suggest that the trade-off between behaviors is variable and show that distance plays a role in territorial males' behavioral response to multiple conspecific stimuli.
Remote Sensing for Inventory and Monitoring of U.S. National Parks

U.S. National Park Service (NPS) units (“parks”) are important components in a system of reserves that protect biodiversity and other natural and cultural resources. To meet the NPS mission to manage resources so they are left “. unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations” (16 USC 1) it is essential to know what resources occur in parks and to monitor the status and trends in the condition of key resource indicators. The NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M; see Table 2.1 for a list of acronyms) was designed to provide the infrastructure and staff to identify critical environmental indicators (“vital signs”) and to implement long-term monitoring of natural resources in more than 270 parks that contain significant natural resources (Fancy et al. 2009). The 270+ parks are organized into 32 ecoregional Networks (Figure 2.1). Each of the 32 I&M Networks consists of core professional staff (program manager, data manager, ecologists, field technicians, etc), and each I&M Network supports monitoring in parks within the Network.
International Journal of Food Engineering Feather Keratin Hydrolysis by an Aquatic Bacterium Meiothermus I 40 from Hot Spring Water

After undergoing keratinase digestion, feather wastes could have a great potential as a source of proteins and amino acids for many applications. In this study, the fermentation conditions of feather-degrading Meiothermus sp. strain I40 (I40) were optimized to enhance the biodegradation of chicken feather to hydrolysates. Initially, the factors essential for I40 keratinase production in submerged fermentation were screened, whereas response surface methodology (RSM) was then employed to evaluate the interactions among the effective factors. At first stage, eight fermentation parameters were screened using a Plackett-Burman (PB) design. Four effective factors identified by PB screening, namely feather concentration, tryptone concentration, yeast extract concentration, and incubation temperature, were further investigated their effects on keratinase production by RSM using central composite design (CCD). The I40 fermentation conditions for maximal keratinase activity were as follows: tryptone concentration 0.16 percent (w/v), yeast extract concentration 0.27 percent (w/v), feather concentration 0.08 percent (w/v), and incubation temperature at 51.7°C for 72 hr under 120 rev/min shaking. Compared to the initial stage, a 13.3-fold increase in keratinase activity was achieved when I40 incubated in the optimized conditions.
Chromosomal rearrangements in Rock wallabies, Petrogale (Marsupialia:Macropodidae): V. chromosomal phylogeny of the lateralis/penicillata group

Cladistic analysis of G-banded karyotypes was conducted on 11 Petrogale taxa from the lateralis/penicillata group with the genus Thylogale as an outgroup. Within the eastern Petrogale radiation (the penicillata complex), no homoplasy-free phylogenies could be generated and each tree contained character reversals, multiple origins and/or introgression of some chromosome characters. On the basis of the significance of some chromosome rearrangements and the genic relationships of taxa, one tree is favoured as being the most likely, although it is not the most parsimonious. In the lateralis/penicillata group the number of chromosome characters available was insufficient to accurately resolve the inter-relationships of the two complexes. However, the data are consistent with the eastern Petrogale radiation being a monophyletic group that excludes members of the Petrogale lateralis complex. The inter-relationships of the three subspecies of P. lateralis that were examined were not resolved by the chromosome data, although the karyotypes of both P. l. purpureicollis and P. l. 'Macdonnell Ranges' can be readily derived from that of P. l. lateralis.
ECOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR RURAL LAND‐USE PLANNING

How can ecologists be more effective in supporting ecologically informed rural land-use planning and policy? Improved decision making about rural lands requires careful consideration of how ecological information and analyses can inform specific planning and policy needs. We provide a brief overview of rural land-use planning, including recently developed approaches to conservation. Effective participation in land-use planning requires ecologists to understand trade-offs—for example, the need to balance a land owner's desire for a fair and predictable process with the “learn as you go” approach of adaptive management—and the importance of integrating local knowledge with landscape-level information. Four primary challenges require attention from ecologists to improve rural land-use planning. First is the mismatch between the spatial and temporal scales in which ecological processes occur and the scales and tempos of land-use planning. Second, ecologists must engage in interdisciplinary research to critica.
Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant properties of baby-leaf watercress produced under organic production system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant properties of watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br., Brassicaceae) produced under organic production system. Fresh baby-leaf watercress samples were collected from local organic farms. High performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) were used to assess the phytochemical composition, and spectrophotometric methods were used to assess the antioxidant capacity. Two major classes of healthier secondary plant metabolites were identified: phenolics and glucosinolates. The major phenolics determined were chlorogenic acid, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, dicaffeoyltartaric acid, and isorhamnetin. The glucosinolates were composed exclusively of gluconasturtiin, the precursor of the anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial compound 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate. The extracts of organic young baby-leaf watercress presented high antioxidant capacity and this property was highly related with caffeic acid, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin, and glucosnastrutiin. The results achieved showed that baby-leaf watercress can provide high contents of antioxidant compounds at levels even superior to similar adult plant material.
Communication between the Workers of Stingless Bees

RESUMO1. Todas as especies de Meliponini ate agora examinadas (10 especies no Brasil e 1 em Ceilao), dispoe de meios de intercomunicafao, por meio dos quais as abelhas sem ocupacao na colmeia podem ser alarmadas, isto e, levadas a sair e procurar um determinado lugar.2. O sucesso do alarme e diferente nas diversas especies; pode-se estabelecer uma serie gradativa, comecando de metodos bem primitivos como os de Trigona (Tetragona) silvestrii e Trigona (Tetragonisca) jaty passando por metodos intermediarios como nas Meliponas, e indo ate aos mais perfeitos metodos de alarme, encontrados nas especies mais evoluidas, como: Trigona (Trigona) postica, Trigona (Trigona) ruficrus, Trigona (Cephalotrigona) capitata e Trigona (Geotrigona) mombuca subterranea.3. O sinal de alarme e dado por meio do estabelecimento de contado com outras abelhas, em corridas em zigue-zague, e por meio de zumbidos tipicos. Na operacao de alarme nao ha indicacao de direcao e distância, mas apenas e comunicado o perfume da fonte de alime.
Variation in tropical forest growth rates: combined effects of functional group composition and resource availability

Abstract Rates of tree growth in tropical forests reflect variation in life history strategies, contribute to the determination of species' distributional limits, set limits to timber harvesting and control the carbon balance of the stands. Here, we review the resources that limit tree growth at different temporal and spatial scales, and the different growth rates and responses of functional groups defined on the basis of regeneration strategy, maximum size, and species' associations with particular edaphic and climatic conditions. Variation in soil water availability determines intra- and inter-annual patterns of growth within seasonal forests, whereas irradiance may have a more important role in aseasonal forests. Nutrient supply limits growth rates in montane forests and may determine spatial variation in growth of individual species in lowland forests. However, its role in determining spatial variation in stand-level growth rates is unclear. In terms of growth rate, we propose a functional classification of tropical tree species which contrasts inherently fast-growing, responsive species (pioneer, large-statured species), from slow-growing species that are less responsive to increasing resource availability (shade-bearers, small-statured species). In a semi-deciduous forest in Ghana, pioneers associated with high-rainfall forests with less fertile soils, had significantly lower growth rates than pioneers that are more abundant in low-rainfall forests with more fertile soils. These results match patterns found in seedling trials and suggest for pioneers that species' associations with particular environmental conditions are useful indicators of maximum growth rate. The effects of variation in resource availability and of inherent differences between species on stand-level patterns of growth will not be independent if the functional group composition of tropical forests varies along resource gradients. We find that there is increasing evidence of such spatial shifts at both small and large scales in tropical forests. Quantifying these gradients is important for understanding spatial patterns in forest growth rates.
The role of meat in human nutrition for the supply with nutrients, particularly functional long-chain n-3 fatty acids

Food of animal origin, particularly meat, suffers from a bad image in terms of dietetic value. It is often not recognized that meat substantially contributes to the supply with several valuable or even essential nutrients. Furthermore, the contribution of less desirable compounds, like saturated fatty acids, is often overestimated because of inaccurate data in some food composition tables and because losses that occur during cooking, as well as trimming before eating, are not considered.
Emergence and Pandemic Potential of Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

New genotypes of influenza A virus arise quickly and frequently around the world due to continued mutation and reassortment. Novel influenza A viruses pose a direct threat to immunologically naive humans. A prime example is the recent emergence of avian-origin H7N9 viruses that have become enzootic in China. Three waves of the H7N9 breakout that began in March 2013 have resulted in 571 human cases and over 212 deaths as of 23 February 2015. Real-time influenza surveillance at the wild bird– human interface is essential to limit the outbreak in scale and geographic distribution and to understand the pandemic potential of the H7N9 avian influenza. Influenza A viruses continue to evolve via several mechanisms, especially by point mutation and reassortment [1], which conduce to the emergence of new strains with epidemic or pandemic potential. In the last 100 years, influenza A viruses have transmitted to and spread among humans, resulting in at least four pandemics [2]. These outbreaks lead to huge economic losses. The recent outbreak of H7N9 viruses following the pandemic spread of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has caused more than 600 human infections, with nearly 30% mortality (http:// www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/influenza_h7n9/en/). Multiple distinct lineages of H7N9 viruses have established in chickens [3]. Of note, the increasing epidemiological evidences indicated that H7N9 viruses have limited transmissibility in a family cluster [4]. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that determine viral transmissibility, pathogenicity, and evolution is of importance for pandemic preparedness.
The Evolution and Extinction of the Dinosaurs

Preface to the second edition Part I. Setting the Stage: 1. Introduction 2. Back to the past: the Mesozoic era 3. Discovering order in the natural world 4. Interrelationships of vertebrates 5. The origin of Dinosauria Part II. Ornithischia: Armored, Horned, and Duck-Billed Dinosaurs: 6. Stegosauria: hot plates 7. Ankylosauria: mas and gas 8. Pachycephalosauria: ramroads of the Cretaceous 9. Ceratopsia: horns and all the frills 10. Ornithopoda: the tuskers, antelopes, and 'mighty ducks' of the Mesozoic Part III. Saurischia: Predators and Giants: 11. Sauropodomorpha: the big, the bizarre, and the majestic 12. Theropoda I: nature red in tooth and claw 13. Theropoda II: the origin of birds 14. Theropoda III: the early evolution of birds Part IV. Endothermy, Environments, and Extinction: 15. Dinosaur thermoregulation: some like it hot 16. Patterns in dinosaur evolution 17. Reconstructing extinctions: the art of science 18. The Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction: the frill is gone Glossary Subject index Generic index Author index.